10/1/03-HB4, a measure that would lower the state’s blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent, remains in a House committee.
The Senate version – SB8 – however, was signed into law Sept. 30.

7/24/03-The House has unanimously approved a bill that would lower the state’s blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent.
HB4 passed the House by a 195-0 vote July 7.
The devices require drivers to perform breath tests before starting their vehicles, as well as periodically while they are driving, and trigger a shutdown of the engine if the driver’s blood-alcohol level is too high.
If signed into law, it would put the state in compliance with a national mandate by Congress to lower the legal limit. Without the change, the state could lose millions in federal highway dollars.
The bill has been forwarded to the Senate Judiciary Committee. For bill status, call (717) 787-2342.

7/2/03-A bill that would lower the state’s blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent has been forwarded to the House Appropriations Committee.
HB4, sponsored by Rep. Rick Geist, R-Altoona, would increase the current penalties for all drunken-driving related offenses and requires identified addicts and repeat offenders to undergo treatment.
For bill status, call (717) 787-2342.

7/1/03-With the threat of losing millions in federal transportation funds, Pennsylvania is among a handful of states seeking legislation to lower the state’s blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08.
Since 2000, Pennsylvania is one of only eight states yet to adopt legislation signed by then-President Clinton that requires each state to define legally drunk as 0.08 percent blood alcohol content or risk losing federal highway dollars.
HB4, sponsored by Rep. Rick Geist, R-Altoona, would adopt the .08 limit. It also increases the current penalties for all drunken-driving related offenses and requires identified addicts and repeat offenders to undergo treatment.
The bill is scheduled to go before the House Transportation Committee for consideration before July Fourth. The state has until July 15 to certify to the federal government that a law is in place.