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Ohio House Passes Annie’s Law
By: Karen Kasler | Statehouse News Bureau
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The House has overwhelmingly passed a bill that would allow for expanded use of in-car breathalyzers for those convicted of driving while intoxicated – including first-time drunk drivers.
The bill would expand the use of what are called ignition interlock devices for even those who are convicted of their first drunk driving offense. Republican Rep. Gary Scherer of Circleville is the sponsor.
“It doesn’t mandate first-time ignition interlock device being installed, but it provides incentives,” Scherer said.
And the bill also sets the window for deciding whether a driver has a previous drunk driving offense from six years to ten years, which drew some opposition. The law was named for Annie Rooney, a 36 year old prosecuting attorney who was riding her bike on Route 50 near Circleville on July 4, 2013 when a drunk driver crossed into her lane and hit her.