5/19/04-Gov. Kathleen Blanco signed a bill into law May 12 to prohibit open alcohol containers in vehicles.
The new law, which takes effect Aug. 15, will help ensure federal highway funds will be used for roads in the state.
Under existing Louisiana law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers have been free to drink while in the vehicle.
SB341, sponsored by Sen. Joel Chaisson II, D-Destrehan, will eliminate the open container provision, although exceptions would be made for passengers of limousines, parade trucks and floats.

5/11/04-The Senate gave final approval May 10 to a bill to prohibit open alcohol containers in vehicles. It now heads to Gov. Kathleen Blanco, who is expected to sign it.
Under Louisiana law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers are free to drink while in the vehicle.
SB341, sponsored by Sen. Joel Chaisson II, D-Destrehan, would eliminate the open container provision, although exceptions would be made for passengers of limousines, parade trucks and floats.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

5/7/04-Lawmakers in the Louisiana House voted 66-30 May 5 to prohibit open alcohol containers in vehicles.
The bill, which passed the Senate last month, has been sent back to the chamber for approval of minor House changes before heading to Gov. Kathleen Blanco for her signature.
Under Louisiana law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers are free to drink while in the vehicle.
SB341, sponsored by Sen. Joel Chaisson II, D-Destrehan, would eliminate the open container provision, although exceptions would be made for passengers of limousines, parade trucks and floats.
Currently, Louisiana is required to spend a chunk of its federal highway dollars on traffic safety because the state doesn’t have a ban on open containers of alcohol in vehicles.
The state is one of only 14 nationwide that allows passengers to drink; last year, that distinction pulled 3 percent out of the highway construction budget and put it to other uses, according to a published report.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states either pass open container laws or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on public safety projects such as installing cables to prevent crossover accidents and drunken driving checkpoints.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.

4/20/04-The Senate approved a bill 38-0 April 19 that would prohibit open alcohol containers in vehicles. It has been forwarded to the House for consideration.
Under current Louisiana law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage but passengers are free to drink while in the vehicle.
SB341, sponsored by Sen. Joel Chaisson II, D-Destrehan, would eliminate the open container provision, although exceptions would be made for limousines, parade trucks and floats.
A similar bill – HB528 – has been forwarded to the House floor.
For bill status, call (225) 342-2456. In Louisiana, call 1-800-256-3793.