8/19/03-Legislation that would lower the allowed blood-alcohol content of drivers to .08 percent from 0.10 is dead.
Minnesota stood to get millions of dollars in federal highway funding if lawmakers had passed HF97. A two-year old federal law requires all states to adopt the 0.08 standard by October or risk losing millions in highway money.
The state reportedly stands to lose out on $6.6 million next year and nearly $20 million in two years.
The bill was in the House judiciary committee when the session ended.

3/13/03-HF97 would lower the allowed blood-alcohol content of drivers to .08 percent from 0.10.
The North Star State would get millions of dollars in federal highway funding if lawmakers pass the bill. A two-year old federal law requires all states to adopt the 0.08 standard by October or risk losing millions in highway money.
The state reportedly stands to lose out on $6.6 million next year and nearly $20 million in two years if the bill does not pass.
The bill is in the House judiciary committee. A similar Senate bill - SF58 - is in the Senate Finance Committee.
For House bill status, call (651) 296-6646.