3Qs: Andy Gipson, House Judiciary B chairman
Legislation passed during the 2014 session will make major changes to the state’s driving under the influence laws, beginning Oct. 1. Under the new law, a person convicted of a DUI charge can continue to drive, but the person will have to have an ignition interlock device installed on all a cars the person might operate. The driver will have to blow into the device, and if the person registers a blood alcohol content of above .02, the vehicle will not start. House Judiciary B Chairman Andy Gipson, R-Braxton, answers three questions from capitol reporter Bobby Harrison.
Q: Do you think this new law is a significant improvement and why?
A: I believe this is one of the most significant pieces of public safety legislation the Legislature has passed in recent years. There is no doubt in my mind it will save peoples’ lives on our roads in Mississippi. It is definitely an improvement, because it practically removes the ability and incentive for people to continue to drive while intoxicated as we had under the old mandatory “suspended license” regime.
Daily Journal
9/14/14
Magnolia Tribune
