3/28/03-Legislation introduced in the Ohio House lowers the legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers and at the same time recovers valuable federal dollars.
Ohio defines the standard for drunken driving as 0.10 percent blood alcohol content. HB55, introduced by Rep. John Hagan, R-Marlboro Township, would set the limit at 0.08, as mandated by a 2000 federal law.
Proponents said lowering the limit is necessary to avoid losing out on federal highway dollars.
Ohio has forfeited $6 million per year since 1998 and risks losing $120 million in federal highway funds in the next four years, according to local media.
A 2000 federal law requires each state's legislature to adopt the 0.08 limit by 2004 or lose 2 percent of its highway money.
The bill is in the House Transportation and Public Safety Committee. For bill status, call (614) 466-8842.

(Originally posted 2/18/03)