LANSING – Those released on bail for certain crimes could be required to wear a tracking device and the state’s drunken driving law would remain as it is under legislation reported Wednesday from the House Criminal Justice Committee.
Anyone charged with an assaultive crime could be required to wear a geosynchronous positioning system-based tracking device as a condition of release on bail under HB 4127 approved 9-1 by the committee. The bill expands on current law that requires those charged with domestic violence to wear or carry such a device.
The committee moved the bill with little discussion, though Matt Maddock with the Michigan Professional Bail Agents Association urged the committee to add provisions requiring a surety bond in addition to the tether. Judges do not always add such bonds, he said, and police often are reluctant to commit resources to tracking those who violate bond conditions.
Bond agents, he said, would conduct that tracking.
The committee also approved legislation (HB 4093 and HB 4131 ) that would retain the state’s 0.08 percent blood alcohol content for drunken driving. That level is set to expire October 1, returning the per se drunken driving level to 0.10. If the 0.08 law expires, the state could lose $50 million in federal highway safety funds.
The bills were amended to conform to new acts addressing intoxication from non-regulated substances.
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