Backers want Ohio to approve disputed breath-alcohol tester

CLEVELAND (AP) — Backers of a portable breath-alcohol testing device are renewing their request for the state to spend $6.4 million to buy the machines, even as lawsuits challenging the Intoxilyzer 8000 continue around the country.

The state departments of Health and of Public Safety want the Ohio Controlling Board to approve spending for 700 machines at the board’s meeting today.

The panel approved the machines in November, then agreed to reconsider the order after learning that several states have questioned the devices’ accuracy.

Owensboro, Ky.-based CMI Inc. says its Intoxilyzer 8000 machine is being used in about 10 states and is reliable.

In Arizona, a judge has ordered company and state officials to produce the software that runs the machines by today to help answer questions about alleged errors.