Ignition Interlock Bill Stalls Out for 2018

Unfortunately, S. 982, the all-offender ignition interlock device bill authored by Senator Hutto, did not receive full approval by the full Senate and therefore will not become law in 2018.  The South Carolina Legislature has a “crossover” deadline where a bill must pass either the House or the Senate in order for the other body to have time to take up the bill before the session ends. 

“The bill did make good progress in a short period of time,” said Steven Burritt, MADD South Carolina Executive Director.  “When Emma’s Law was passed, it took almost all of the two-year legislative session.  S. 982 was filed only a few weeks before the crossover deadline leaving little margin for error.  However, the response from senators in the subcommittee and full Senate Judiciary Committee was mostly very positive, leaving us optimistic about greater progress in 2019.  Getting an all-offender ignition interlock law in South Carolina will continue to be our number one policy priority.”

More than 100 MADD supporters used MADD action alert emails to contact their Senator and certainly many more made calls and reached out in other ways.  There was also positive media coverage during the short time that the bill was progressing.   This should mean greater awareness of the need for this bill when it is refiled in 2019.  Throughout this year, please continue to let your legislators know about the importance of all-offender ignition interlock legislation and our dismal state rankings for drunk driving.