Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Suspects in serious drunken-driving accidents will be required to undergo chemical substance tests if a bill that passed the House late Friday night becomes law.

The House endorsed the plan with little discussion and only seven voted against the bill. A Senate version passed Thursday, but the plan won't become law until at least one chamber passes the other's version.

Given the House's abrupt decision to take at least a week off, it's unclear when that may happen.

Rhode Island is one of only six states that prohibited blood, breath or urine chemical screening without consent.

For eight consecutive years, a group of lawmakers and the attorney general's office has fought to change the law to allow the police to obtain search warrants that would require suspects to undergo blood tests or other screenings at hospitals after accidents involving death or serious injury.

State Rep. Douglas W. Gablinske, a Bristol Democrat, the primary sponsor of the bill, said that for him, the issue was deeply personal, and his story helped persuade many skeptical lawmakers.

In 1971, when Gablinske was 18, his father was struck and killed by a motorcyclist on the street in front of their home.

"My own personal story resonated, and sometimes, that's all that counts up here," said an emotional Gablinske after the bill was passed. "These careless drivers don't just kill one person, they deal a death blow to an entire family. And I know that from personal experience."

 Tags  breathalyzer Gablinske Providence RI

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