Capitol Bureau

ALBANY — State lawmakers could vote as soon as next month on lowering the drunken driving threshold.

The state Senate is expected to vote on a bill next month meant to lower the limit of alcohol in a driver's blood from .10 to .08, said Mark Hansen, a spokesman for majority Republicans.

Whether it's the same as a bill already passed in the Assembly, or a new Senate version, is as yet unclear. But Hansen said it will not be the same bill the Senate's been pushing for at least two years.

Federal lawmakers made .08 percent the national standard in 2000, forcing states to follow suit or risk losing millions in highway aid.

So far, 31 states have passed the lower limit into law.

Disagreements between the Senate Republicans and Assembly Democrats have so far kept New York from doing the same. While the Assembly has passed simple limit-lowering bills, the Senate has insisted on including tougher penalties for repeat offenders.

Earlier this week, a Long Island Republican senator introduced a bill matching the Assembly's version.

"We're certainly hoping this is going to pass," said Kerry Stapleton, executive director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving New York State. "We would prefer as soon as possible, before the end of this year."

The lowered limit would mean it would take patrons roughly one fewer drink to reach the legal limit for their weight than it does now.

State officials also estimate the lowered limit would save 40 lives each year.

Gov. George Pataki has said he supports lowering the limit.

The Senate is due in Albany to vote on a drunken driving bill, among other measures, on Dec. 17.

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John Milgrim can be reached at jmottaway@aol.com or (518) 463-1157.