The legislature supports making a few changes to the 24/7 sobriety program. The program uses breathalyzers, ignition interlock devices, and SCRAM alcohol monitoring bracelets to help people stay sober and out of jail. Senate Bill 21 allows sheriffs, rather than the clerk of courts to collect fees for the SCRAM bracelets. It removes the minimum requirement for program fees. It also allows for sheriffs to inspect ignition interlock devices every thirty days rather than sixty days. Dick Tieszen with the South Dakota Sheriff’s Association says the 24/7 sobriety program is something South Dakota should be proud of.
“This has been a truly effective tool for us,” Tieszen says. “It provides what are immediate results. I think that’s part of the reason why it’s been so effective. Like any program though, it needs to be tweaked from time to time when we see that something’s not working quite right.”
Members of the House Local Government Committee agreed that the changes are necessary. They unanimously passed Senate Bill 21 and placed it on the consent calendar.