Rep. Norman Thurston (R)

HB 155 (Driving Under the Influence and Public Safety Revisions)

Libertas Institute opposes this bill.

This bill would lower the legal blood alcohol concentration level from 0.08% to 0.05%, criminalizing a whole host of drivers who have not harmed another person or property.

Libertas Institute opposes this bill. According to data from the state, the average BAC level for DUI arrestees is nearly 0.15%, almost twice the existing legal limit. Lowering this limit would be a first in the nation, and would have the effect of criminalizing people who may be unwisely driving after a drink or two, but who are not necessarily impaired nor recklessly driving.