7/7/03-Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill July 3 to cut Wisconsin’s legal blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent and secure millions in federal highway aid.
AB88 was signed after legislative leaders called an extraordinary session last week to pass the bill. The Senate approved it July 1 and the Assembly the following day.
By adopting the bill before July 15, the state will be eligible for $2.8 million in federal incentive grants. The state can also avoid losing $154 million in federal highway funds through 2009.
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. Forty-three other states have already adopted the lower threshold.
The new law takes effect Sept. 30.

7/3/03-A bill that would lower Wisconsin’s legal blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent is headed to the governor, who is expected to sign it.
The Assembly gave final approval of AB88 July 2. The Senate voted in favor of the measure the previous day.

7/1/03-A bill that would lower Wisconsin’s legal blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent and secure millions in federal highway aid was expected to pass the state Senate July 1.
An amended version of AB88 permits all drivers, except commercial drivers, to erase drunken-driving convictions after 10 years.
Because of the amendment, the Assembly plans to meet July 2 to agree to the change. The bill would then head to Gov. Jim Doyle, who has said he will sign it.
Lawmakers met in Madison July 1 for an “extraordinary session” to deal with the bill because they are on summer break.
By adopting the bill before July 15, the state will be eligible for $2.8 million in federal incentive grants. The state can also avoid losing $154 million in federal highway funds through 2009.
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. Forty-two other states have already adopted the lower threshold.
States that adopt the new limit by 2007 can recover the withheld funds.

6/3/03-A bill that would lower the state’s legal blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent and avoid the loss of millions of dollars in federal highway aid has passed the Assembly.
The measure now heads back to the Senate for final approval. If approved by the Senate and Gov. Jim Doyle, AB88 could help the state receive about $93.3 million in federal highway funds during the next four years.
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.
States that adopt the new limit by 2007 can recover the withheld funds.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1501. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

5/19/03-With the threat of forfeiting millions in federal road construction dollars, lawmakers are reviewing a proposal to lower the state’s legal blood-alcohol concentration limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent.
Under AB88, the standard for drunken driving would be cut to 0.08 percent.
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.
Wisconsin would lose $125 million in federal money by 2008 if it does not lower the limit. States that adopt the new limit by 2007 can recover the withheld funds.
The bill passed the Assembly transportation committee earlier this month by an 8-4 vote. It is now in the Assembly rules committee.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1501. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

3/3/03-The threat of forfeiting $125 million in federal road construction funds could aid a Wisconsin lawmaker's proposal to lower the state's legal blood-alcohol limit to 0.08 percent pass the state Legislature.
Under AB88, introduced by Rep. John H. Ainsworth, R-Shawano, the standard for drunken driving in the state would be cut from 0.10 percent to 0.08.
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.
A state Transportation Department study estimates Wisconsin would lose $125 million in federal money by 2008 if it does not lower the limit.
States that adopt the new limit by 2007 can recover the withheld funds.
It is in the Assembly transportation committee. For bill status, call 1-800-362-9472.