Connecticut Senate Bill SB01054

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/19
• Refer: 3/8/19

Caption

An Act Concerning Driving While Intoxicated.

Impact

The bill significantly changes the legal landscape by prohibiting the consumption of cannabis in a motor vehicle, thus expanding the regulatory framework around driving under the influence. This new law could lead to increased law enforcement actions and traffic stops as officers enforce these added provisions. Given that smoking or ingesting cannabis while in a vehicle can be common practice among users, the law may face challenges in terms of public compliance and will likely prompt a widespread campaign for awareness about this regulation.

Summary

SB01054, titled 'An Act Concerning Driving While Intoxicated', proposes several amendments aimed at addressing issues related to intoxicated driving, particularly in the context of cannabis use. The bill establishes new offenses for smoking or ingesting cannabis while operating a motor vehicle or as a passenger. These actions would be classified as class C misdemeanors, effectively criminalizing the use of cannabis in these contexts. The act becomes effective on October 1, 2019, and aims to align legal standards concerning intoxicated driving with evolving societal norms regarding cannabis use.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB01054 focus on the implications of legalizing cannabis combined with the strict penalties for its use in vehicles. Advocates argue that the law is necessary for public safety, while critics emphasize that it could unfairly penalize responsible adults. The potential for misuse of the law by law enforcement, leading to racial profiling or unwarranted traffic stops, has also been raised as a concern among civil rights advocates.