Attorney General's News Release

November 21, 2000

Nixon calls for "Straight .08" legislation to toughen DWI laws

Attorney General Nixon, right, announces the "Keep it Straight .08" campaign to prevent lobbyists and some legislators from complicating a bill that will be filed during the next legislative session. He is joined by MADD's public policy liaison, Mike Boland.

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today urged all state law enforcement officials to stand united behind an effort to toughen the state's DWI laws by lowering the blood alcohol limit to .08. Nixon announced a "Keep it Straight .08" campaign to prevent lobbyists and some legislators from complicating the bill that will be filed during the next legislative session.

In a letter mailed today to law enforcement officials statewide, Nixon said attempts are made to divide law enforcement, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other supporters of the bill by proposing compromises and complicating issues. The letter is also signed by the president of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, Chief Ken Conlee, of the Lee's Summit Police Department.

"Every year we are defeated when we start compromising," Nixon said. "This year we must keep it simple and keep it straight. Every time the law says .10, we must insist it be changed to .08."

"Research clearly demonstrates that all drivers are impaired when their blood alcohol is above .08," Nixon said. "We have all seen enough unnecessary injury, death and heartbreak as a result of drunk driving."

Mike Boland, public policy liaison with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, announced his support for changes in legislation. "MADD wholeheartedly endorses this effort to present a united "Keep it Straight .08" campaign to make these important changes in the law."

The legislative incentive to pass the changes will be heightened by new federal laws that will phase in a withholding of federal highway funds for those states that do not have a BAC limit of .08, Nixon said. The Missouri Department of Transportation said that Missouri will lose $34.8 million annually by 2007 and an increased amount every year thereafter if the proposed changes in the law are not enacted. Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have .08 laws.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818