Session: State Capitol, Room 204 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3777 Fax: (907) 465-2819 Interim: 10928 Eagle River Road, Suite 141 Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: (907) 694-8944 Fax: (907) 694-8945

Sponsor Statement for HB 12
Reduce Percentage for DWI

An Act relating to the offense of operating a motor vehicle, aircraft, or watercraft while intoxicated; relating to presumptions arising from the amount of alcohol in a person's breath or blood; and providing for an effective date.

Operating motorized vehicles under the influence of alcohol has been a major problem in Alaska for a long time. This legislation reduces the amount of alcohol a person can have in their blood while operating motorized vehicles.

The number of accidents and deaths that occur due to the operation of motor vehicles, while under the influence of alcohol, is an ongoing problem. Alaska ranks No. 5 in the nation for alcohol related incidences. It is imperative that the state takes action that reduces this serious problem.

Strengthening the current statutes, by lowering the amount of alcohol in a person's blood to .08, would serve as a deterrent for operating any type of motorized vehicle. Any cost associated with the implementation of this legislation will be beneficial in the long run, as it will save lives. This bill also affords local law enforcement agencies a better instrument in the prosecution of offenders. The Alaska Peace Officers Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and other similar organizations support it.

This legislation is imperative for the State of Alaska to follow the lead of the federal government in lowering the amount of alcohol a person can have in that person's blood while operating motorized vehicles. If this legislation fails the State of Alaska stands to lose federal highway funds at a rate of 2% after 2004, 4% after 2005, 6% after 2006, 8% after 2007 and so on.

I urge your support of this legislation.

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