1/4/08-HB4920 remained in the Senate Judiciary Committee when the 2007 session closed. It can be brought back for consideration during the session that begins Jan. 9.

11/1/07-A bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee is intended to make the state’s roadways safer by cracking down on extremely drunken drivers. The House previously approved it.
Sponsored by Marc Corriveau, D-Northville, HB4920 would require drivers with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, higher than 0.15 percent to install breath-testing ignition interlocks on their vehicles for at least one year. The legal definition of drunken driving in the state is a reading of 0.08 percent or higher.
The interlock is hooked up to the ignition of the vehicle. Once the device is installed, a driver must blow into a mouthpiece, which measures the amount of alcohol on a person’s breath. If the driver blows clean, the car will then start; if not, it won’t budge.
In addition, the devices often require drivers to re-blow in the machine after a designated period of time, to ensure that they have not convinced someone else to blow into the mouthpiece for them, or that they haven’t been drinking since getting behind the wheel.
Drunken driving offenders who install the interlock device could get back on the road in 45 days. Michigan law now mandates a year-long license suspension.
People found guilty of extreme drunken driving also would have to complete a rehabilitation program.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0136.

10/15/07-The House approved a bill that is intended to make the state’s roadways safer by cracking down on extremely drunken drivers. It has moved to the Senate.
Sponsored by Marc Corriveau, D-Northville, HB4920 would require drivers with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, higher than 0.15 percent to install breath-testing ignition interlocks on their vehicles for at least one year. The legal definition of drunken driving in the state is a reading of 0.08 percent or higher.
The interlock is hooked up to the ignition of the vehicle. Once the device is installed, a driver must blow into a mouthpiece, which measures the amount of alcohol on a person’s breath. If the driver blows clean, the car will then start; if not, it won’t budge.
In addition, the devices often require drivers to re-blow in the machine after a designated period of time, to ensure that they have not convinced someone else to blow into the mouthpiece for them, or that they haven’t been drinking since getting behind the wheel.
Drunken driving offenders who install the interlock device could get back on the road in 45 days. Michigan law now mandates a year-long license suspension.
People found guilty of extreme drunken driving also would have to complete a rehabilitation program.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the Senate.
For House bill status, call (517) 373-0136.

7/30/07-The House Judiciary Committee approved a bill that is intended to make the state's roadways safer by cracking down on extremely drunken drivers.
Sponsored by Marc Corriveau, D-Northville, HB4920 would require drivers with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, higher than 0.15 percent to install breath-testing ignition interlocks on their vehicles for at least one year. The legal definition of drunken driving in the state is a reading of 0.08 percent or higher.
The interlock is hooked up to the ignition of the vehicle. Once the device is installed, a driver must blow into a mouthpiece, which measures the amount of alcohol on a person's breath. If the driver blows clean, the car will then start; if not, it won't budge.
In addition, the devices often require drivers to re-blow in the machine after a designated period of time, to ensure that they have not convinced someone else to blow into the mouthpiece for them, or that they haven't been drinking since getting behind the wheel.
Drunken driving offenders who install the interlock device could get back on the road in 45 days. Michigan law now mandates a year-long license suspension.
People found guilty of extreme drunken driving also would have to undergo a professional assessment and treatment program.
The bill has been forwarded to the House floor for further consideration.
For House bill status, call (517) 373-0136.