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VOL. 37 | NO. 15 | Friday, April 12, 2013
State Legislature
Lawmakers pass bill for more ignition interlocks
NASHVILLE (AP) - A proposal to make Tennessee's ignition interlock law apply to more drunken drivers has cleared the Legislature.
The measure was unanimously approved 95-0 in the House on Tuesday before passing the Senate 31-0, sending it to the governor for consideration.
Currently, ignition-locking devices, which force drivers to pass breath tests to start vehicles and keep them running, are required for DUI offenders whose blood alcohol level topped 0.15 percent.
This bill drops the level to the intoxication threshold of 0.08 percent and would require first-time offenders to get the devices. In turn, those convicted of DUI won't get a restricted driver's license and will be allowed to drive anywhere.
The sponsors of the legislation are Republican Sen. Mae Beavers of Mt. Juliet and Republican Rep. Tony Shipley of Kingsport.