Ignition Interlock 4 Alaska

HB19 was heard in Senate Finance on Saturday the 29th.  It was stated from the get-go that the intent was to hold the bill. That is what happened.  Julie Clements, Director of State Legislative Affairs for MADD testified in favor of the bill as did myself and Rodney Hebert.  A representative from CHARR (Alaska Cabaret, Hotel, Restaurant and Retailer’s Association) testified against the requirement for an ignition interlock for first time offenders. This is consistent with the only opposition these types of bills have been receiving in other venues. Apparently, there is a lot of money to be made from those that drink. . .

The bill will need to be brought up again, passed, then heard before the whole Senate — all within the next two weeks or so — to pass!  It’s a worthy bill.  Better, I believe, than the one passed just last week in Maine. I don’t mean diminish the value of their efforts; rather I’d like to point out the quality and the courage of the effort here in Alaska!