Committee advances bill letting adults opt into ignition-interlock restricted licenses

Madam Chair opened debate on House Bill 286, a departmental measure the Maryland Department of Transportation requested to align ignition-interlock program participation across ages. "This is a new bill," Holly, a committee staff member assisting the sponsor, said, explaining the measure allows "individuals age 21 and older who violate an existing alcohol restriction on their driver's license to opt into the ignition interlock."

Supporters said the change would reduce administrative hearings and speed access to restricted licenses. "This aligns it," Holly said, adding that the bill would "alleviate a lot of the administrative hearing" requirements because people who opt into interlock would not need the full Office of Administrative Hearings process. Delegate Carden gave a practical example of the process, describing how a restricted license tied to an interlock currently requires petitioning the Motor Vehicle Administration and an administrative hearing before an ALJ.

Members asked whether costs for interlock installation fall to individuals. Holly responded that individuals already required to participate would pay similar costs whether they sought an administrative hearing or opted directly into the interlock option: "They would have to pay for it anyway when they go through the administrative hearing." Members also asked about the scope of driving privileges under a restricted interlock license; staff said permitted travel could depend on the individual's conditions and existing restrictions.

After questions, a motion to move HB286 favorably was made and seconded. The committee took a roll-call vote and the chair announced "19 votes in the affirmative" and declared the motion favorable. The committee did not record amendments or changes during the session. The bill will proceed with a favorable committee report.