12/14/07-A bill that would crack down on people with multiple drunken driving convictions will have to wait until next year to find out if it will become law.
Sponsored by Sen. Tim Grendell, R-Chesterland, SB17 would force multiple offenders of the state’s driving under the influence law to submit to breath or blood testing when stopped by police on suspicion of drunken driving.
The bill would permit police to use “whatever reasonable means are necessary” to get a blood sample from repeat offenders suspected of drunken driving who have refused a breath test.
It also would require the impoundment of vehicles and revocation of licenses for one year for those convicted twice in six years. In addition, mandatory treatment for alcoholism and an electronic monitoring bracelet would be required for repeat offenders who have permission from a judge to drive. The device measures alcohol through a person’s sweat.
Another provision in the bill authorizes establishing a public registry of offenders with five or more convictions during the past 20 years. State law now prohibits the release of names and conviction records of those who have been convicted of drunken driving.
The Senate-approved bill remained in the House Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee when the first year of the two-year session wrapped up Dec. 12. It can be brought back for consideration during the 2008 session that begins Jan. 2.

7/6/07-The Senate unanimously approved a bill that would crack down on people with multiple drunken driving convictions. It has moved to the House for further consideration.
Sponsored by Sen. Tim Grendell, R-Chesterland, SB17 would force multiple offenders of the state's driving under the influence law to submit to breath or blood testing when stopped by police on suspicion of drunken driving.
The bill would permit police to use "whatever reasonable means are necessary" to get a blood sample from repeat offenders suspected of drunken driving who have refused a breath test.
It also would require the impoundment of vehicles and revocation of licenses for one year for those convicted twice in six years. In addition, mandatory treatment for alcoholism and an electronic monitoring bracelet would be required for repeat offenders who have permission from a judge to drive. The device measures alcohol through a person's sweat.
Another provision in the bill authorizes establishing a public registry of offenders with five or more convictions during the past 20 years. State law now prohibits the release of names and conviction records of those who have been convicted of drunken driving.
The bill is in the House Judiciary-Criminal Justice Committee.
For bill status, call (614) 466-4900. In Ohio, call 1-800-282-0253.