Iowa lawmakers are proposing to lower the state’s legal blood alcohol limit once again this year from .10 to .08. The move has sparked a debate among the public, bar and restaurant owners and Iowa legislators alike.

Issues of public safety, money and liability are being tossed back and forth in a metaphorical game of “hot potato,” with none of the players willing to make the compromises needed to resolve this issue.

Public reaction to the proposed reduction in the legal limit is more than mixed. Regular drinkers voice concerns of being singled out by an over-cautious law, claiming people have become more responsible over the years — citing increased public awareness, designated-driving campaigns and a multitude of reminders from alcohol manufacturers themselves.

These arguments, a number of special interest groups are quick to point out, actually support a drop in Iowa’s legal blood alcohol limit, using the logic that those who have become more responsible and aware of the situation will not be affected by the law. And it should be noted lawmakers are not oblivious to the potential of this law criminalizing the actions of otherwise law-abiding citizens.

According to a Des Moines Register article, Rep. Clel Baudler, a Greenfield Republican and retired state trooper, and Rep. Lance Horbach, a Tama Republican, have authored proposals that would lessen the penalties for first-time offenders and allow them to drive to work after a conviction.

State legislators are also crying foul because the federal government is interfering with the lawmakers’ right to govern Iowa. More than $47 million worth of federal road funding is at stake if Iowa chooses not to comply with the mandate. A justified claim, but after three consecutive years of decline, 2001 saw a jump in alcohol- related deaths in Iowa. This is a glaring red flag that Iowa lawmakers need to address. Combined with the current economic woes Iowa is facing, a $47 million hit to an already overextended economy is not an option.

Bar and restaurant owners seem to have the most to fear by the proposed law. Already required to carry $35,000 worth of “Dram Shop” insurance — an insurance that protects the public from drunk drivers — bar owners feel a drop in the state’s blood alcohol limit could hurt liquor sales across Iowa.

This simply isn’t the truth. All the law will accomplish is what it should be designed to do: Make people think about their decisions and take responsibilities for their actions.

For all of the Iowans who already subscribe to this type of lifestyle, the change will not affect them. For those who inadvertently break the law and are caught, steps are being taken to ensure reasonable punishments are in place. The real wake-up call will be waiting for the small group of individuals who choose to ignore and abuse the system.

Editorial Board: Cavan Reagan, Amber Billings, Ayrel Clark, Charlie Weaver