Louisiana Senate Approves Bill Banning Alcohol in Cars April 23, 2004
News Summary
With a 38-0 vote, the Louisiana Senate approved a measure that would prohibit open alcohol containers in vehicles, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported April 20. In previous years, similar legislation has failed. But this year, the bill, sponsored by Sen. Joel Chaisson II (D-Destrehan), has a better chance of passage because the state's powerful liquor lobby has dropped its opposition to the ban.
According to Chaisson, the liquor industry is more receptive to the measure because he rewrote it to establish a uniform, statewide ban. Previous versions did not include a pre-emption provision to address the myriad open-container laws now in existence in 18 parishes and 180 cities throughout the state.
Chaisson's bill also addresses concerns of cities and parishes that charge higher fines for violations. The state measure calls for a $100 fine and payment of local government court costs. An amendment to the bill would allow Kenner, Bossier City, and the parishes of Jefferson, Orleans, and East Baton Rouge to maintain their higher fines, which range from $200 to $500.
"I am trying to stave off opposition from the cities and parishes that charge the higher fines," Chaisson said. "I'll do whatever it takes to get it passed. This bill will save lives. We will have a uniform law except for fines and court costs in the areas that already have higher penalties."
The legislation moves on to the Louisiana House of Representatives, which has killed similar bills in the past.
COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE: