3/4/04-Gov. Bob Wise signed legislation Feb. 16 that lowers the state’s drunken driving threshold for motorists from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent.
The new law requires offenders to take driving safety and alcohol counseling classes to regain their drivers’ licenses.
Passage of SB166 also brings the state in compliance with a federal decree that states adopt the lower limit or lose federal highway dollars.
West Virginia’s previous refusal to adhere to the standard cost the state $2.6 million in highway dollars when lawmakers ignored the Oct. 1 deadline. Next year, the loss stood to jump to $5.2 million, with the penalty growing to $10.5 million in the 2007 budget year.
The state will be able to recover the previously withheld funds.

2/10/04-The Legislature unanimously passed a compromise bill last week that puts the state one step closer to a lower drunken driving threshold.
The legislation would lower the state’s blood-alcohol limit for motorists from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent. The bill now heads to Gov. Bob Wise, who is expected to sign it.
The Senate first passed the proposal on Jan. 16, the session’s third day. The House amended and advanced the bill the following week.
The House added extra penalties and mandatory treatment for repeat offenders and those with a blood alcohol level of 0.20 percent or worse.
Senators rejected that provision, citing its estimated cost. A joint Senate-House committee removed it when it met to resolve differences over the bill. The House and Senate each unanimously passed the comprise Feb. 5.
The bill now requires offenders to take driving safety and alcohol counseling classes to regain their drivers’ licenses.
Passage of SB166 would bring the state in compliance with a federal decree that states adopt the lower limit or lose federal highway dollars.
West Virginia’s previous refusal to adhere to the standard cost the state $2.6 million in highway dollars when lawmakers ignored the Oct. 1 deadline. Next year, the loss will be $5.2 million, with the penalty growing to $10.5 million in the 2007 budget year.
For bill status, call (304) 357-7947.

1/23/04-The House of Delegates passed legislation Jan. 22 to lower the state’s blood-alcohol limit from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent.
Because the House version differs from the one approved by the Senate Jan. 16, the bill must go back to the Senate for final approval before heading to the governor.
Passage of SB166 would bring the state in compliance with a federal decree that states adopt the lower limit or lose federal highway dollars. West Virginia is one of only four states (Colorado, Delaware and Minnesota being the others) yet to conform to the federal mandate.
West Virginia’s previous refusal to adhere to the standard cost the state $2.6 million in highway dollars when lawmakers ignored the Oct. 1 deadline. Next year, the loss will be $5.2 million, with the penalty growing to $10.5 million in the 2007 budget year.
States that adopt the new limit by Oct. 1, 2006, can recover the withheld funds.
For Senate bill status, call (304) 357-7947.