PROVIDENCE — Mothers Against Drunk Driving has named 11 Rhode Island lawmakers, including a local legislator, among its national Legislators of the Year for their work in the passage of a new law allowing judges to require ignition interlocks for those convicted of drunken driving.
The 11 locals include Rep. Gregg Amore (D-Dist. 65, East Providence) and are among 81 legislators from 21 states that the national organization recognized for their efforts to curtail driving under the influence across the country.
MADD honored House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston) and President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed (D-Dist. 13, Newport, Jamestown), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Michael J. McCaffrey (D-Dist. 29, Warwick) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Cale P. Keable (D-Dist. 47, Burrillville, Glocester) for their leadership in passing the bill.
In addition, Rep. Amore was among the bill sponsors recognized along with Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski (D-Dist. 37, South Kingstown, New Shoreham) and Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth); cosponsors Senate Majority Whip Maryellen Goodwin (D-Dist. 1, Providence), Sen. Stephen R. Archambault (D-Dist. 22, Smithfield, North Providence, Johnston).
Also, Rep. J. Patrick O’Neill (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket); and Rep. Michael J. Marcello (D-Dist. 41, Scituate, Cranston) were noted for having sponsored similar legislation in previous years.
The legislation (2014-S 2231A, 2014-H 8296) authorizing judges and magistrates to prohibit individuals adjudicated of driving under the influence from operating vehicles that are not equipped with ignition interlock systems.
An ignition interlock system is a device wired to a vehicle’s ignition that requires a driver to breathe into the device- just as one would with a Breathalyzer – prior to starting the vehicle. The system prevents a motorist from being able to start his or her car if it detects a certain level of alcohol on the breath of the driver. The law takes effect Jan. 1.