A law is currently being considered in the Michigan House of Representatives that would keep the blood alcohol content level at .08 instead of raising it to .1. In 2003, a law was passed which decreased the legal driving level of blood alcohol content (BAC) to .08, but that is set to expired on October 1st, 2013.
The negotiating process started today, February 13th, in the House Criminal Justice Committee. Supporters of the bill, argue that the lower BAC threshold has been an important reason why drinking and driving deaths and injuring auto accidents have significantly decreased in the State of Michigan.
Failing to pass the bill would also result in the Michigan Department of Transportation losing an estimated $50 million an article on Mlive stated. Under the 2003 bill, the federal government promised money to states in exchange for their moving the legal limit to .08. Michigan already struggles to repair its roads and highways. However, more important than money are lives saved. Today Mothers Against Dunk Driving and others are advocating for the .08 BAC level to remain where it is. Follow this link to the State of Michigan’s webpage which outlines the current substance abuse policy.