H.R.2788 - End Driving While Intoxicated Act of 2025; End DWI Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2788, the End Driving While Intoxicated Act of 2025, aims to establish a national standard for preventing driving while intoxicated (DWI) by mandating ignition interlocks for DWI offenders. The bill amends Title 23 of the United States Code, requiring states to enact and enforce laws that restrict driving privileges for DWI offenders to vehicles equipped with ignition interlock devices. States not complying with this standard would face a reduction in federal highway funds.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to reduce DWI-related incidents and fatalities across the United States. By incentivizing states to adopt stricter DWI prevention measures, the bill seeks to create a uniform national standard. This could lead to safer roads and a decrease in alcohol and polysubstance-impaired driving.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced fatalities and injuries from DWI.
- Decreased recidivism among DWI offenders.
- Standardized DWI prevention measures across states.
- Potential savings in healthcare costs related to DWI incidents.
- Increased public awareness and responsibility regarding DWI.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential financial burden on DWI offenders to install and maintain ignition interlock devices.
- Possible challenges in enforcing the national standard across diverse state legal systems.
- Risk of circumvention or tampering with ignition interlock devices.
- Potential for increased administrative costs for states to implement and monitor the program.
- Concerns about individual privacy related to the use of ignition interlock devices.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is primarily based on the federal government's power to regulate interstate commerce and promote the general welfare. While the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, the spending clause (Article I, Section 8) allows Congress to incentivize states to adopt certain policies by conditioning federal funding. The bill does not directly mandate state action but encourages it through financial incentives.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).