<img src="http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/new.gif" border=0> 12:13 p.m. New Missouri laws allow big donors, target drunk boaters

August 27, 2008 01:12 pm

— JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri politicians may soon be awash with money. Boaters, however, may need to think twice before washing down another alcoholic drink.
A new law taking effect Thursday in Missouri will repeal the state’s campaign contribution limits — allowing candidates to accept big checks for the November elections.
Another new law will lower Missouri’s boating while intoxicated threshold from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent blood-alcohol content. The tougher law kicks in just in time for Labor Day weekend.
The Missouri State Water Patrol warns that it will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint this weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks and enforcing the tougher standard.
In Missouri, Aug. 28 is the standard effective date for bills passed during the annual legislative session.