New DE Bills: Pot and Alcohol

The state House has unanimously approved a bill requiring all people convicted of drunken driving in Delaware to have ignition interlock devices installed on vehicles they drive.

Currently, interlock devices are required only for first offenders arrested with a blood-alcohol concentration of .15 or higher or who refuse to take a chemical test, and for repeat drunk drivers.

The bill that was approved Tuesday and sent to the Senate requires the use of an interlock device for at least four months for a first offense.  

Supporters of the bill say ignition interlock devices can help reduce drunken driving arrest rates and recidivism among offenders.

Twenty other states have similar laws requiring interlock devices for all DUI offenders.

Meanwhile, Delaware lawmakers are reviewing another bill that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

Committee discussion of the bill was postponed earlier this month amid concerns that the legislation went beyond decriminalizing marijuana possession and instead legalized it.

A House committee was scheduled to meet Wednesday to consider an amended version of the bill, which would make possession of up to one ounce of marijuana a civil offense punishable by a fine, rather than a criminal offense.

Under current Delaware law, possession of even small amounts of marijuana is punishable by up to six months in prison and a $1,150 fine.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us