Thursday, May 5, 2011
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak expressed his support Thursday of legislation that would lower the legal blood alcohol concentration for Boating Under the Influence.
“As Oklahoma’s Insurance Commissioner, I often stress the importance of properly insuring one’s personal property. Equally important, however, is proper and safe operation and use of that property, particularly automobiles and boats,” Insurance Commissioner Doak said. “Boat operators need to know that Oklahomans will not allow those under the influence to put others at risk on our waterways by improperly operating their watercraft.”
SB 324, by Sen. Bill Brown, R-Broken Arrow and Rep. Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa, will lower the legal blood alcohol concentration for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) from .10 to .08, the same limit for Driving Under the Influence (DUI). The measure also includes an implied consent provision, which mirrors current DUI laws as well. The provision states that anyone who operates a vessel on state waters consents to blood or breath testing to determine alcohol concentration. The bill passed the Senate unanimously Tuesday and was sent to Gov. Mary Fallin for her consideration.
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ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA INSURANCE DEPARTMENT
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
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For more information contact: Shawn Ashley
(405) 521-4525
(405) 568-6004
e-mail: shawn.ashley@oid.ok.gov