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SB 278

CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Prohibits the reinstatement of a driver's license suspended for driving under the influence without the installation of an ignition interlock device. (8/1/26)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Edmonds

SB 278 requires ignition interlock devices for license reinstatement after OWI without the prior-10-year restriction.

Read by title, passed to 3rd reading.
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Bill Summary · SB 278

Summary of Louisiana SB 278 (2026 Regular Session)

Purpose

SB 278 amends Louisiana law to require ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for driver’s license reinstatement after suspension due to operating while impaired (OWI). The bill eliminates the current condition that a prior arrest within 10 years is required for IID installation. Effective date: August 1, 2026.

Key Provisions

  • Current law (modified by SB 278):
    A person whose driver's license was suspended for OWI may have their license reinstated only after installing an ignition interlock device in any motor vehicle they operate, but only if the person had an OWI within the prior 10 years and BAC was 0.08% or above.
  • SB 278 change:
    The ten-year prior-arrest restriction is removed. Under SB 278, any person whose license was suspended for OWI must install an IID on any vehicle they operate as a condition of license reinstatement, regardless of whether the OWI occurred within the last ten years or the BAC level was 0.08% or above.
  • Other elements retained:
    The bill keeps the overall framework that an IID is required as a condition of reinstatement; it does not alter other parts of R.S. 32:667(I)(1)(b) beyond the removal of the ten-year lookback condition.

Who is Affected

  • Individuals whose driver's licenses are suspended for operating while impaired (OWI) and who seek reinstatement.
  • Operators of motor vehicles who would be required to have an ignition interlock device installed as a prerequisite to regaining driving privileges.

Procedural/Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: August 1, 2026.
  • Legislatively, the bill amends and reenacts R.S. 32:667(I)(1)(b) to implement the new requirement.
  • The bill has evidence of committee activity in 2026, with favorable report as of April 15, 2026.

Practical Impact

  • Significantly broadens IID requirements for license reinstatement by removing the prior-10-year arrest trigger.
  • Potentially increases the number of OWI offenders required to install IIDs as a condition of reinstatement.
  • Could affect timelines for reinstatement, as IID installation is a prerequisite to restoring driving privileges.

Additional Notes

  • The bill is sponsored by Senator Edmonds, with co-sponsorship indicated.
  • TheDigest and official text reference the change as an amendment to the existing conditional reinstatement framework for OWI offenses.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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