House Bill No. by Representative Bagley seeks to amend Louisiana law regarding penalties for operating a vehicle while impaired by introducing the option for offenders to use electronic alcohol monitoring devices as an alternative to ignition interlock devices. The bill allows courts to mandate the use of these electronic devices, which detect alcohol through perspiration, alongside the existing ignition interlock requirements. Key provisions include the necessity for offenders to provide proof of compliance within thirty days of the court's order and the clarification that ignition interlock devices are not required for vehicles driven by offenders wearing a functioning electronic monitoring device with a restricted license.

Additionally, the bill establishes a warning label for both types of devices, indicating that tampering is a criminal offense, and introduces an affordability plan for individuals facing economic hardship, capping their fees at fifty percent. It outlines the conditions for individuals on probation for DWI offenses, requiring them to use either an electronic alcohol monitoring device or an ignition interlock device. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections will oversee the certification of these devices and compliance monitoring, while also providing a complaint mechanism for those denied service after qualifying for the affordability plan. Overall, the bill aims to enhance flexibility in penalties while ensuring public safety through effective monitoring technologies.

Statutes affected:
HB182 Original: 14:1(A)(1), 14:2(A)(1), 14:3(A)(3), 14:4(A)(2), 14:5(C)(2), 14:6(C)(4), 15:306(A)(1), 15:307(A), 15:1(A), 32:2(A), 32:414(A)(1), 32:415(B)(2), 32:1(A)(1), 32:667(B)(3), 32:668(B)(1)