2025 LEGISLATIVE SUCCESSES FOR STATE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS In 2025, MADD volunteers, staff, and survivors worked tirelessly in state capitols and congressional districts across the country. Their dedication resulted in stronger impaired‑driving laws, enhanced safety technologies, and a powerful grassroots movement pushing for a future with zero drunk and drug‑impaired driving deaths. MAJOR STATE ADVOCACY DAYS Across the country, MADD’s grassroots strength was on full display through a series of powerful state advocacy days that brought survivors, families, and passionate volunteers directly to the halls of government. In California, a dedicated group of 15 advocates met with more than 30 legislative offices, sharing their stories and urging action. Texas volunteers showed extraordinary commitment as more than 20 advocates met with over 35 offices in a single day to push forward four major DWI measures. South Carolina held its own advocacy day to rally support for DUI reform, while North Carolina mobilized for two separate advocacy days focused on strengthening ignition interlock incentives. In New York, MADD National Ambassador Erica Linn briefed legislative staff alongside NTSB leaders and bill authors on the importance of a .05 BAC standard, with MADD returning later in the year to contribute to a statewide briefing on drug‑impaired driving. In Hawaii, MADD’s presence was felt as volunteers gathered for an advocacy day and community sign‑waving to raise awareness. Together, these advocacy touchpoints reflect the heart of MADD’s mission— ordinary people moved by extraordinary loss stepping forward to influence change, elevate victims’ voices, and transform grief into meaningful action that saves lives. MADD promotes the passage of effective laws to help stop impaired driving and support victims and survivors from all communities: All-offender ignition interlocks: Require ignition interlocks for all drunk drivers for a minimum of six months and close loopholes that allow offenders to avoid this device. .05 BAC: Lower illegal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) from .08 to .05. Traffic safety: Deploy proven countermeasures such as high-visibility enforcement of impaired driving laws. Drug-impaired driving prevention: Ensure cannabis legalization efforts include funding for underage substance use prevention, education, high-visibility enforcement and officer training. Justice for victims: Support legislation to ensure victims and survivors of impaired driving obtain justice, such as Bentleys Law and Dram Shop laws. REFORMS THAT PROMOTE PREVENTION State Highlights
8
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker