Curbs on drunk test refusal urged
The House Judiciary Committee is now hearing a bill that would clamp down on a driver's refusal to take a breath test for drunk driving.
The bill, sponsored by Del. C. T. Wilson, would create criminal sanctions for persons who refuse a test if they have already refused in a previous case. Prosecutors are supporting the bill.
But they're running into flak from Del. Luiz R. S. Simmons, who is contending the bill would infringe on civil liberties.
One of the witnesses, Kurt Gregory Erickson of the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, just testified that Maryland is in the top 10 in test refusal.
It's a strong bill but not likely to emerge from this committee which is anything but prosecutor-friendly. We'll see, though.
