Working with your state legislators is extremely important in the war against the drunk and drugged driver. Without adequate laws, efforts to get impaired drivers off the roads will fail. Without workable laws, enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication are not possible.

It is important to know how to work with your state legislator, how bills become laws, and how much impact individuals, groups, and organizations like yours have in the creation of such laws.

The 50 state legislatures make laws that affect the citizens of their particular states. Responsibilities within the jurisdiction of state legislatures include education, elections, taxation, crime, highways, and traffic regulations. The executive branch, headed by the governor, is responsible for carrying out the laws for each state, while the judiciary interprets state law. Each of the nation's 50 state legislatures is unique in its method of operation and its lawmaking process. There are numerous similarities, but no constants. Thus, each legislature, indeed each legislative body (house or senate) must be approached with particular knowledge and sensitivity to protocol. The legislative process is by nature deliberative and slow, with multiple steps in the process. Those wishing to be effective advocates for a particular issue or bill must get to know the rules and the players.

The process in brief:

1. A legislator brings an idea for a bill to the bill drafting office or has his or her staff draft a bill. Ideas for bills can come from anyone who sees a need to change an old law or create a new one.
2. The legislative sponsor of a bill introduces it in the house or senate, whichever body to which he or she has been elected. The presiding officer refers the bill to the appropriate committee(s) for discussion.
3. The bill is discussed in committee, witnesses testify in favor or against, and the committee votes to approve or disapprove the bill. A report on the bill is sent to the full legislative body.
4. If the committee report is accepted, the bill has a second reading. Full debate proceeds and floor amendments are considered. A vote is taken.
5. The bill proceeds to third reading. Bills are rarely amended at this stage, The entire body approves or disapproves the bill. If the house and senate pass identical bills, it goes to the governor for signature.
6. If the house and senate pass different bills, a conference committee consisting of members of each body reaches a compromise between the two versions. The compromise version must then be approved by each legislative body. If approved, it goes to the governor for signature.
7. Once the governor signs the bill, it becomes law. If he or she vetoes the bill, the house and senate can override the veto and the bill becomes law.

Tips for Advocates There are several ways to get involved in the legislative process in order to make known your ideas and needs and support or nonsupport of the issues.

Before elections:

• Meet with the candidates in your district and ask them about issues of importance to you.

Before the legislative session:

• Phone the district office of your legislator(s) or write and express your opinion on issues or specific bills to be proposed;
• Find a sympathetic legislator to introduce and champion your legislation; and
• Meet with the legislative staff to discuss the process and strategy.

During the legislative session:

• Meet with legislators in their offices and talk about a certain bill you either support or do not support;
• Attend hearings of specific bills and register and/or testify for or against the bills;
• Telephone, write, or send e-mail to your legislator regarding legislation;
• Keep the issue before the public with speeches and media coverage;
• Meet or telephone the staff of the legislator or committee regarding the legislation; and
• Check often on the progress of the bills of interest to you. Most states have home pages on the Internet for easy access to bill information. These are compiled at www.ncsl.org. (The National Conference of State Legislatures has developed a new web site that holds a wealth of information on pending traffic safety legislation — http://ncsl.org. Use this address to enter their general site and locate your state legislature's site.)

Between legislative sessions:

• Invite the legislator to a local program in your area;
• Form a coalition of persons in your area and support issues of mutual concern; and
• Discuss with your legislator the possibility of the legislator sponsoring a bill reflecting an issue of importance to you.

Advocacy Etiquette: "Dos" and "Don'ts"

• DO make sure your legislator knows people who are affected by the bill or issue.
• DO be honest, direct, positive, and brief. Be specific and know your facts.
• DO write out a one-page statement for your legislator or the press to use in getting out the facts on an issue. Provide facts that tell who, what, where, when, and why.
• DO bring up the opposition's arguments against your bill and state your rebuttal. This prevents your legislator from being blind-sided later, prepares him or her to argue on your behalf, and enhances your credibility as an honest broker of information.
• DO write letters to editors or submit an article to the opinion column of your newspaper.
• DO have reasonable priorities and be open to compromise; it's a long process.
• DO meet and talk with legislators' staff — they are there to keep the member informed on the issues.
• DO remember to write your legislator after a visit or action on a piece of legislation.
• DON'T hesitate to admit it when you don't know all the facts, but indicate that you will find out.
• DON'T press for results on the first visit.
• DON'T be offended in the event of a canceled appointment with a legislator; things are unpredictable and hectic during session.

In conclusion, it can take several legislative sessions for a new idea to eventually become law. Patience, precise knowledge of the process, and personal relationships with legislators and staff are your best allies in successful passage of legislation.

Successful Alcohol and Impaired Driving Programs
Forty-one states and the District of Columbia have adopted zero tolerance for youth alcohol laws (.02 BAC or lower).

For more information see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations's (NHTSA) State Legislative Fact Sheet on Zero Tolerance on the NHTSA web page or obtain a copy from your NHTSA Regional Office (listed in the Resources section of this guide).