Suffolk DWI tracking bill passes

Any person convicted of drunken driving in Suffolk and sentenced to blow into an interlock device before driving would be tracked by a GPS device that could automatically alert law enforcement if they fail the breath test under legislation adopted by the Suffolk Legislature Tuesday.

The bill, which passed on a unanimous vote, would require any interlock device to have real-time Internet monitoring and GPS tracking technology. It would also require that the system be able to photograph the driver and transmit the picture, have two-way audio technology and have automatic 911 emergency response capability.

Legis. Lou D'Amaro (D-North Babylon), who sponsored the bill, said it could help police stop repeat drunken drivers before they cause an innocent person harm.

"What you're hoping is that one time one of these features will alert the Suffolk police and perhaps you would have a cruiser intercept a drunk driver in time," he said. "There's amazing technology out there, and I think we need to put it to good use."

Legis. Tom Barraga (R-West Islip) said the bill and the technology does not go far enough. He said the federal government should "have automakers require all cars come with noninvasive in-car Breathalyzers."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy will evaluate the legislation, spokesman Mark Smith said.

In other action, lawmakers increased the fine for violations of its law forbidding adults from providing alcohol for minors or space for minors to drink. The fine increased from $250 to $500, and the social host law expanded to include college dorm rooms.

Smith said Levy would sign the social host bills into law.