Noah's Law Moves Closer To Putting Brakes On Drunk Drivers

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland moves closer to putting the brakes on first-time drunk drivers. Noah's Law passed the House Tuesday. The bill is named for a Montgomery County officer killed by a drunk driver.

Political reporter Pat Warren has reaction from supporters.

A Montgomery County officer pulls over a suspected drunk driver and is hit by another driver who admitted drinking for hours. Officer Noah Leotta died five days later.

Because of his death, a years long effort to put ignition interlocks on the cars of first time drunk drivers is on a track to pass.

"We're very hopeful that finally we'll get a bill that will properly honor Noah Leotta and put interlocks on all convicted drunk drivers," said Charles Hurley, Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving has been pushing for interlocks for seven years. Judy Kressy told Vic Carter five years ago it could have helped her.

"I drove my car like a bat out of hell," she said.

She was driving drunk, rolled her car and flew through the windshield. She has a brain injury from the accident ignition interlock could have prevented.

"The embarrassment of having to blow into that thing to drive my car would have cured me," she said. "If I'd had the interlock then maybe I wouldn't be like this."

MADD believes it is Noah's tragic death that may finally get it done this year.

"I think this penetrated the public consciousness that no one, even drunk drivers, don't want this to happen," Hurley said. "And so, we were finally able to get a strong bill out of the House."

There's a feeling in the Senate the bill should be even stronger.

Maryland allows drivers to voluntarily install ignition interlock to avoid a suspended license. The court can also order the installation.