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Bill

HB 946

Motor Vehicle Administration - Breathalyzer Technology - Uniform Standards

2025 Regular Session Introduced by C.T. Wilson

Withdrawn bill sought uniform breathalyzer standards for Maryland DUI enforcement to improve equipment accuracy and legal consistency.

Withdrawn by Sponsor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 946

Legislative bill overview

HB 946 would establish uniform standards for breathalyzer technology used in Maryland's Motor Vehicle Administration, likely setting calibration, accuracy, and maintenance requirements for devices used in DUI enforcement. The bill was introduced in January 2025 but was withdrawn by sponsor C.T. Wilson on February 19, 2025, before a scheduled hearing could take place.

Why is this important

Breathalyzer accuracy directly affects DUI convictions and penalties, making standardization crucial for both public safety and due process. Uniform standards could reduce legal challenges based on equipment reliability and ensure consistent enforcement across Maryland jurisdictions, while also protecting defendants from convictions based on faulty or poorly maintained devices.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific accuracy debates: Disagreement over which calibration standards best reflect actual blood alcohol content, given variations in human physiology and device types
  • Implementation costs: Jurisdictions may resist expenses associated with upgrading, recalibrating, or replacing existing breathalyzer equipment to meet new standards
  • Law enforcement discretion: Questions about whether strict standards might exclude certain devices or create enforcement gaps in some counties with older equipment

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

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