MS HB116

Creates new crime of child endangerment for persons age 21+ who drive while impaired with a passenger under age 21, with first offense as misdemeanor (up to $1,000 fine and/or 1 year jail) and second or subsequent offense as felony (up to $5,000 fine and 1-5 years imprisonment).

Requires child endangerment violators to use ignition interlock devices and prohibits sentence reductions, plea bargains, or diversion programs for this offense.

Mandates in-depth diagnostic assessment for child endangerment convictions and completion of alcohol/drug treatment if needed, as certified by Department of Mental Health.

Amends DUI law (Section 63-11-30) to lower blood alcohol concentration threshold for second or subsequent DUI offenses from .08% to .05% for adults age 21+.

Extends ignition interlock device requirements to child endangerment violations under amended Section 63-11-31; effective July 1, 2011.