"It is the spirit and not the form of law that keeps justice alive."
Earl Warren
US jurist & politician (1891 - 1974)

Since its founding, MADD has helped pass more than 2,300 anti-drunk driving and underage drinking laws. 

MADD was instrumental in the passage of the national 21 minimum drinking age law in 1984, as well as the 1995 "zero tolerance" provision of the National Highway Systems Law making it illegal for those under 21 to drive after consuming alcohol.  In 2000, MADD helped pass a federal drunk driving limit of .08 percent blood alcohol concentration, and is working to pass .08 BAC laws in the 31 states that do not yet have this law. 

MADD also advocates for passage of a federal constitutional amendment for victims' rights and stricter penalties for repeat and higher-risk drunk driving offenders, in addition to other key legislation in states across the country.

The information below provides links to specific bills MADD is tracking.  Simply click on the bill number following the sponsor name and you will be linked to the status page of that bill.

LAST UPDATED: 4/22/2008

MADD Florida 2008 Legislative Priorities

For the current legislative session 2007-2008, MADD Florida is supporting two primary pieces of legislation as of January, 2008.  The need for primary seat belt legislation is paramount and will save many lives as well as bringing additional Federal dollars into the state’s dwindling economy.
 
Title
Safety Belt Law Enforcement

Creates Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law; deletes requirement for enforcement of Florida Safety Belt Law as a secondary action.

Sponsors
Representative Rich Glorioso (Hillsborough County) and Senator Nan Rich (Broward County)
HB 11

Our next significant priority this session is the passage of Mandatory Ignition Interlock Legislation. This consists of both House and Senate bills.

Title
Driving Under the Influence

Requires ignition interlock devices for specified period after first conviction of certain offenses; revises provisions relating to period for which ignition interlock device may be required for second conviction of certain offenses; reduces maximum permissible blood alcohol level at which ignition interlock device will allow vehicle to start.

Sponsor
Representative David Simmons (Polk County) -- HB 369

Title
Relating to Ignition Interlock Device/DUI [EPCC]  

Requires that an ignition interlock device be installed for 6 months for a first conviction of driving under the influence if the person had an alcohol level of 0.15 or higher but less than 0.20 at the time of the offense. Requires installation of such device for at least 1 year for a second conviction, etc. 

Sponsor
Senator Stephen Wise (Duval County) -- SB 456

Other pieces of legislation are being assessed on a regular basis and may also be worthy of our support. Our ability, however, to assign resources in support of any other bills may be limited.

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