LA HB182

Courts may order DWI offenders to wear an electronic alcohol monitoring device (ankle bracelet that detects alcohol in perspiration) as an alternative to installing an ignition interlock device on their vehicle

Electronic alcohol monitoring devices must be certified by the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, with the same affordability provisions applying to both device types for individuals demonstrating economic hardship (income below 125% federal poverty level)

Offenders wearing a functioning electronic alcohol monitoring device may obtain a restricted driver's license and operate vehicles without an ignition interlock device, including employer-owned vehicles in the course of employment

The bill applies to all DWI offense levels (first through fourth and subsequent), with existing probationary periods and license suspension requirements remaining unchanged

Tampering with, circumventing, or removing either device type results in up to one year license suspension and potential 20-day imprisonment