An Act Concerning Operating A Motor Vehicle While Under The Influence Of Marijuana.
Impact
The bill notably expands on existing DUI laws, now incorporating marijuana into the criteria for driving under the influence. Offenders found guilty under the new regulations face a range of penalties including fines, imprisonment, and mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices, which require breathalyzer tests to be performed before operating a vehicle. Additionally, individuals with repeated offenses may encounter increasingly severe penalties, including longer license suspensions and extended interlock device requirements. As such, this legislation not only aims to deter impaired driving but also to provide structured rehabilitation measures through mandatory community service and treatment programs.
Summary
House Bill 07289 addresses the issue of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. The bill sets forth specific thresholds for elevated blood tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentration, defining it as five ng/mL or higher in the blood. By establishing these standards, the legislation aims to enhance road safety and clarify the legal parameters for law enforcement regarding marijuana-related offenses. The implementation date for the changes stipulated in the bill is set for October 1, 2017, indicating a need for timely adaptation of law enforcement procedures and public awareness campaigns.
Contention
However, the bill also sparks debate concerning the nuances of law enforcement practices concerning marijuana use. Critics argue that the THC levels determined by the bill may not effectively correlate with impairment levels, thus questioning the fairness of imposing penalties based solely on blood test results. Moreover, advocates for personal freedom raise concerns about potential overreach and the implications of heightened surveillance and testing protocols. Opponents emphasize the need for comprehensive guidelines that address varying individual tolerances to THC, which could disproportionately affect certain demographics within the state.
An Act Concerning Revisions To Various Laws Concerning Ignition Interlock Devices, The Department Of Correction, Judicial Retirement Salaries And Criminal Law And Criminal Procedure.
An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Motor Vehicles And Concerning Low-speed Vehicles, The Towing Of Occupied Vehicles, School Buses, Electric Commercial Vehicles, The Passenger Registration Of Pick-up Trucks And Removable Windshield Placards For Persons Who Are Blind And Persons With Disabilities.
An Act Concerning The Operation Of A Motor Vehicle While Under The Influence Of Intoxicating Liquor Or Any Drug, And While A Child Is In The Motor Vehicle.
An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Department Of Motor Vehicles And Concerning Penalties For Operating A Motor Vehicle And Vessel While Under The Influence Of Intoxicating Liquor Or Any Drug, Technical Corrections To The Motor Vehicle Statutes, Video Presentation Upon License Renewal, The Highway Work Zone And Roadside Vehicle Safety Awareness Program, Yellow And Blue Envelopes, Electric Scooters, Electric Bicycles, Motor-driven Cycles, Installment Payment Plans, Low-speed Vehicle Dealers And Fines For Violations Of "move Over" Law And Aggravated Endangerment Of A Highway Worker.