Interlock Bill Would Fund Programs Affected By DUI Offenders

A state lawmaker is using a measure aimed at drunk drivers to help fund hospitals and alcohol treatment centers. The proposal requires first time DUI offenders to place ignition interlocks on their cars.

A DUI offender would have to pay for the interlock, which is basically a breathalyzer connected to the ignition. It prevents a person from starting a car if he’s been drinking.

Representative Tony Shipley, a Kingsport Republican says his bill would set fees high enough to fund programs that deal with the effects of alcohol.

“It funds police departments, it funds half-way houses, it funds mental health programs that deal with the chronic, chronically ill alcoholics. And that’s kind of unique. It’s a self-perpetuating, self-funding program that we think is gonna save a lot of people in Tennessee.”

The interlock fees would also fund equipment for 17 hospitals with trauma units across the state, which treat people injured in alcohol-related accidents.

The House budget committee approved the proposal Wednesday and it now goes to House Finance. The Senate version of Shipley’s bill passed unanimously last week.

WEB EXTRA
The bill is HB 2768 Shipley/SB 2965 Beavers.

The “fiscal note” from legislative staffers shows how the fees will be used in several state accounts.

The “$45,500 One-Time General Fund” note represents money the state would have to invest the first year to get the program up and running. The other revenues and expenditures are all prospective, to come in from fees.

Our previous story on this bill:
DUI Interlock Measure Advances
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Jacqueline Fellows and Joe White talked about the issue in March.
Capitol Hill Conversation – Legislators Look at More DUI Interlock Devices
March 01st, 2010