Relating to requiring the use of an ignition interlock device on conviction of certain intoxication offenses.
Impact
The new regulations introduced by SB170 could significantly alter how intoxication offenses are managed within the state. By requiring the installation of ignition interlock devices, the bill makes it more difficult for repeat offenders to drive under the influence, thereby aiming to reduce the incidence of related traffic offenses. This approach not only promotes public safety but also seeks to hold offenders accountable by ensuring that they adhere to the law during their community supervision period.
Summary
SB170 mandates the installation of ignition interlock devices for individuals convicted of certain intoxication offenses in Texas. This bill amends existing provisions in the Code of Criminal Procedure and Transportation Code, making it a requirement for those convicted under specific sections related to driving while intoxicated (DWI). The bill aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that offenders can only operate vehicles equipped with devices that measure blood alcohol content before allowing the engine to start.
Contention
While the bill's primary focus is on ensuring safer roads, there are potential points of contention surrounding the financial burden it may place on offenders. Critics argue that requiring individuals to pay for the installation and maintenance of ignition interlock devices could disproportionately affect lower-income convicts, complicating their reintegration into society. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of these devices in deterring intoxicated driving, challenging the assertion that they will significantly decrease the number of intoxicated drivers on the road.
Relating to the offense of providing or requesting or allowing another to provide a breath specimen for an ignition interlock device; creating a criminal offense.
Relating to creating the criminal offense of boating while intoxicated with a child passenger; changing the eligibility for deferred adjudication community supervision.
Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited and to certain consequences on conviction of certain offenses.
Relating to increasing the minimum term of imprisonment and changing the eligibility for community supervision and parole for certain felony offenses in which a firearm is used or exhibited, to certain consequences on conviction of certain of those offenses, and to increasing the criminal penalty for the offense of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a felony.
Relating to the authority of a magistrate to issue a search warrant to collect a blood specimen from a person arrested for certain intoxication offenses.
Relating to the suspension of the driver's license of a person arrested for an offense involving the operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.
Relating to defendants restricted to the operation of a vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device or required to submit to alcohol monitoring and establishing a central database of those defendants.
Relating to the restriction of certain intoxication offenders to the operation of a motor vehicle with an ignition interlock device in lieu of a license suspension.
Relating to required alcohol monitoring and ignition interlock devices ordered by a court and a central database of those orders; creating a criminal offense.