1/31/07-A bill in the Senate that sought to ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways has died.
Sponsored by Sen. Richard White, R-Terry, the bill remained in the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday, Jan. 30 - the deadline to advance to the chamber floor, effectively killing it.
Under state law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in a moving vehicle.
SB2045 would have eliminated the open container provision.
Violators would have faced fines between $100 and $200. Any local ordinances that include more stringent restrictions would still have applied.
Exceptions would have been made for passengers in campers or motor homes, buses, taxis or limousines.

1/19/07-A bill in the Senate Finance Committee would ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways. The bill would also free up millions in federal dollars for improving roads.
Under state law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in a moving vehicle.
Sponsored by Sen. Richard White, R-Terry, SB2045 would eliminate the open container provision.
Violators would face fines between $100 and $200. Any local ordinances that include more stringent restrictions would still apply.
Exceptions would be made for passengers in campers or motor homes, buses, taxis or limousines.
For bill status, call (601) 359-3719.