Indiana Highway Funds in Jeopardy Unless Stricter Drunken Driving Laws Passed

State legislation vs. Washington- the federal government is unhappy with some of Indiana's laws regarding open containers and punishment for drunk drivers with a repeat history. When these laws were put into place 8 years ago, they were in compliance with federal guidelines. Upon recent review, feds have decided the state needs tougher laws. The penalty for non-compliance by the state will be a redirection of moneys ($40M) from highway construction to safety projects. Some lawmakers are scrambling to make changes that would address the federal requirements. Others are balking because the laws were seen as sufficient at the time they were enacted.