Oklahoma Boating Under the Influence Bill Goes to Governor
Gov. Mary Fallin’s desk in the next stop for legislation that strengthens Oklahoma’s law regarding operation of a boat while under the influence.
The measure by Tulsa state Sen. Bill Brown lowers the legal blood-alcohol concentration for boating under the influence from .10 to .08 — the same limit as for driving under the influence. The measure also includes a provision that says anyone who operates a vessel on state waters must consent to blood or breath testing to determine alcohol concentration.
The Department of Public Safety says that since 2003 there have been more than 100 alcohol-or intoxicating substance-related boating accidents with more than 40 deaths.
Brown says whether people use state highways or waterways, they should be held to the same legal standard.