House Bill No. by Representative Bagley seeks to amend Louisiana law regarding penalties for operating a vehicle while impaired by introducing electronic alcohol monitoring devices as an alternative to traditional ignition interlock devices. The bill mandates that offenders must either install a functioning ignition interlock device or wear an electronic alcohol monitoring device during their probation period. Notably, it specifies that offenders wearing a functioning electronic alcohol monitoring device and holding a restricted license will not be required to have an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. The legislation also emphasizes the need for offenders to provide proof of installation within thirty days and establishes monitoring requirements to ensure proper use of these devices.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of offenders, including the requirement for ignition interlock devices to measure blood alcohol content through a deep lung breath sample and mandates a warning label on each device regarding the criminality of tampering. It introduces an affordability plan for economically disadvantaged individuals, allowing them to pay reduced fees for installation and maintenance of these devices. The Department of Public Safety and Corrections will oversee the certification of these devices and compliance with the new regulations, while also providing a reporting mechanism for service refusals related to the affordability plan. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness of penalties for impaired driving while offering more flexible compliance options for offenders.

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)