7/1/08-Gov. Sarah Palin has signed a bill into law that is intended to get tough with drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking too much.
The new law, previously HB19, requires first- and second-time DUI offenders, and some third-time offenders, to install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles. The rule affecting misdemeanor offenders takes effect Jan. 1, 2009.
Alaska law now only allows judges to order people found guilty of driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher to have the interlock devices installed. Drivers charged with DUI lose their licenses. After 30 days, drivers may become eligible for limited use licenses that can be used solely to drive back and forth to work.
The new rule mandates that first-time DUI offenders who have received misdemeanors to keep the device installed for a minimum of 12 months. Repeat offenders must keep them hooked up for 24 months while third offenses would mandate the device be installed for 36 months. They also could drive freely.

12/4/07-An effort that is expected to draw consideration in the statehouse during the 2008 session would get tough with drivers who get behind the wheel after drinking too much.
Sponsored by Rep. Kevin Meyer, R-Anchorage, HB19 would require people with previous drunken driving convictions to install an ignition interlock device on their vehicles.
Interlocks are hooked up to the ignition of vehicles. Once such a 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.
Alaska law now only allows judges to order people found guilty of driving with a blood-alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher to have the interlock devices installed. Drivers charged with DUI lose their licenses. After 30 days, drivers may become eligible for limited use licenses that can be used solely to drive back and forth to work.
The bill would allow DUI offenders who have received misdemeanors to continue holding a driver’s license if they install the device. They also could drive freely.
It is slated to begin the 2008 session in the Senate Finance Committee. The House approved it earlier this year during year one of the two-year session.
For bill status, call (907) 465-4648.