The Post found that since 1996, 84 of 109 bills targeting drunken and drugged drivers died in the state House and Senate judiciary committees. Maryland is about to forfeit an estimated $7.5 million in federal highway construction funds because it failed last year to meet congressional mandates to crack down on repeat drunken drivers and to prohibit open alcohol containers for all people in a car. That money could be diverted into safety programs.

Two members of the county’s legislative delegation, Sen. Ida Ruben (D-Montgomery) and Del. William Bronrott (D-Montgomery), said they will push hard for the 0.08 percent limit and to close the loophole that allows drivers to forgo the breath test. But they will face opposition, including within their own delegation.

Del. Dana Dembrow (D-Montgomery), a member of the House Judiciary Committee, which handles drunken driving legislation, said attempts to strengthen drunken driving laws are misguided when courts continue to dole out plea bargains and light sentences.

Source : pqasb.pqarchiver.com

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