Connecticut House Bill HB05881

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/19
• Refer: 1/23/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Driving While Under The Influence Of Marijuana.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05881 will have a significant impact on state laws regarding impaired driving. It would introduce a clear metric for law enforcement to utilize when determining impairment due to marijuana while driving. This could help improve the consistency and fairness of prosecution across the state, providing a scientific basis for assessing impairment levels related to marijuana usage. Law enforcement agencies may need to adjust their training and protocols to align with these new legal standards.

Summary

House Bill 05881 aims to establish a legal framework for prosecuting individuals who operate a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend title 14 of the general statutes by introducing a threshold concentration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the bloodstream, set at five nanograms or more per milliliter. This legislative move is intended to mirror existing laws in states such as Colorado, which have instituted similar measures to address driving under the influence of marijuana.

Contention

The bill raises several points of contention, particularly surrounding issues of public safety versus personal freedoms. Advocates of the bill, including various law enforcement organizations, argue that establishing a THC limit will enhance road safety and provide a clearer legal framework for preventing impaired driving. Conversely, opponents may express concerns about the potential for misuse of the law or argue that the science regarding THC impairment is still evolving. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the equity of such measures for individuals with medical marijuana prescriptions, and how these laws might affect them in a traffic stop scenario.