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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)-- Down to the wire. It wasn't easy but Maryland will soon have some of the toughest drunk driving laws on the books. Noah's Law cleared its last major hurdle Monday night.

George Solis has the details on what's turned out to be an emotional victory.

The clock was ticking and it looked like slain officer Noah Leotta's namesake law could fail. When it didn't his parents let the world know their son's sacrifice wasn't in vain.

A heartfelt gesture was met with a roar of thunderous applause. It was the hallmark of a long journey coming to an end for Rich and Marcia Leotta.

The passing of Noah's Law hasn't come without pain and heartache.

"None of this would have happened if my son hadn't been sacrificed," Rich Leotta said.

On December 3, Montgomery County Officer Noah Leotta was on drunk driver duty. In a terrible twist of fate, he was tragically hit and killed by a previously convicted drunk driver.

"My son was murdered by this irresponsible, reckless individual," Leotta said.

After his death, his family and other safe-driving advocates began fighting for Noah's Law. The law will crack down on first time drunk drivers by requiring them to install in-car breathalyzers. If you are past the legal limit, the car won't start.

Prior attempts to pass similar laws usually hit road blocks---this time was no exception.

"This isn't only for Noah. It's named in his honor but it's for all the other victims that we see each and every year," said Lisa Spicknall, MADD.

"I still don't see the controversy. It saves lives," Leotta said. "You will always know that Noah is still on the job."

In the end, differences were set aside and now Officer Noah Leotta's legacy will live on.

"I just had to do this for Noah," he said. "You heard me say that a long time ago, I would always fight for him."

And now Noah's Law will fight, finishing what he started---saving lives by keeping drunk drivers off the road.

Noah's law means the legal limit requiring the in-car breathalyzers is a lot lower now and if you fail the breath test, you're also getting one.

Governor Hogan is expected to sign the bill into law.