7/3/03-Gov. Donald Carcieri signed legislation – H5452 – July 2 that secures federal highway aid by making it a criminal offense to drive with a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent.
Under previous law, it was illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration limit between .08 and .10 percent, but it was a civil offense.
The federal government, seeking to impose the stricter standard, has been threatening to withhold millions in highway dollars from states that haven’t made it a criminal offense by the beginning of the next fiscal year starting Oct. 1.
Rhode Island stood to lose $17 million by 2007 if it failed to conform.

5/20/03-The Senate unanimously passed legislation May 15 to lower the state’s blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08.
The Ocean State has so far resisted a two-year-old federal law requiring all states to adopt the 0.08 standard by October or risk losing millions in federal highway dollars.
States that adopt the new limit by 2007 can recover the withheld funds.
H5452, introduced by Rep. Peter T. Ginaitt, D-Warwick, now heads to the House for final approval before going to the governor. For bill status, call (401) 751-8833.

3/24/03-With the threat of losing $17 million in federal transportation funds, Rhode Island is seeking legislation to lower the state's blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08.
The state has so far resisted a two-year-old federal law requiring all states to adopt the 0.08 standard by October or risk losing millions in highway money.
H5452, introduced by Rep. Peter T. Ginaitt, D-Warwick, passed the House March 13.
The bill is in the Senate judiciary committee. For bill status, call (401) 751-8833.

3/17/03-Rhode Island is nearing passage of a measure that would lower the state's blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08.
H5452, introduced by Rep. Peter T. Ginaitt, D-Warwick, unanimously passed the House March 13. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.
An identical bill - S249 - is on the Senate floor. For bill status, call (401) 751-8833.

3/5/03-With the threat of losing $17 million in federal transportation funds, Rhode Island is seeking legislation to lower the state's blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 to 0.08.
The state has so far resisted a two-year-old federal law requiring all states to adopt the 0.08 standard by October or risk losing millions in highway money.
H5452, introduced by Rep. Peter T. Ginaitt, D-Warwick, won unanimous approval of the House Judiciary Committee March. 4.
The bill now heads to the full House for consideration. For bill status, call (401) 751-8833.