CONCORD, NH (AP) – The New Hampshire House has killed a bill that would have allowed intoxicated people to sleep it off in their cars without being charged with drunken driving.

The bill, which had passed the Senate last month, was voted down in the House on Thursday. It would have specified that sleeping or resting in a parked car would not be considered driving or attempting to drive under the driving while intoxicated laws.

Supporters argued that sobering up in a car shouldn’t be considered an attempt to drive, but rather an attempt not to kill someone.

Opponents argued the bill would have unintended consequences because it would also exempt behavior outside of a car. They said that could allow drunken drivers to avoid charges after crashes if they exit their vehicles.

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HOUSTON,TX – New England Leaders are remembering former first lady Barbara Bush for her promotion of literacy, compassion, and sense of humor.

Bush was the wife of former President George H.W. Bush and the mother of former President George W. Bush.

She passed away yesterday (Tuesday) at her Houston home at age 92.

She died just a day after the family announced that she would not seek further treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and congestive heart failure.

As first lady, she created the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Maine Medical Center named its children’s hospital in her honor.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage and U.S. Sen. Susan Collins praise Bush for her charitable spirit.

Governor Chris Sununu, whose father was a part of H.W. Bush’s staff while he was a teenager, said “Having known Mrs. Bush for the better part of 30 years, no one personified the idea that we must strive to leave the world better than we found it more than she did.”

Former Governor and U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan said in a statement “Tom and I join a grieving nation in mourning the loss of former First Lady Barbara Bush. On her many trips to New Hampshire over the years, Granite Staters got to know a strong and remarkable public servant who never hesitated to speak her mind and share with us her humor and wit. Mrs. Bush’s legacy of generosity and devotion to country will live on, and our hearts go out to the entire Bush family during this difficult time.”

Another former Governor and current U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen issued a statement saying “My heart goes out to the entire Bush family during this difficult time,” said Senator Shaheen. “During Barbara Bush’s many trips to New Hampshire, we came to know and respect her principles and character. Both as First Lady and as a private citizen, Barbara Bush devoted her time and energy to improving the lives of others through numerous charities, and leaves behind a legacy through her tireless work promoting literacy. I offer my most sincere condolences to the Bush family and friends, and the American people, as we all mourn her loss.”

Governor Chris Sununu today announced that in accordance with the President’s proclamation honoring former First Lady Barbara Bush, all U.S. and state flags in the State of New Hampshire should be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment.

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