County Supervisors Approve Barger Motion Supporting State Legislation Addressing Drugged-Driving

A motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, co-authored by Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors, announces the County’s support for proposed legislation that will address the issue of driving under the influence of drugs, including marijuana.

The bill authored by Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) requires the California Highway Patrol Commissioner to convene a drugged-driving task force which will develop recommendations to address the issue of driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs — including prescription medications.

With a report to on its policy recommendations and the steps state agencies are taking, the bill would also examine the use of technology to identify drivers under the influence of drugs and authorize the task force to conduct pilot programs using those technologies.

Colorado and Washington both legalized marijuana, and have passed laws addressing the impact of drugged-driving on public safety. Colorado’s House Bill 1325 calls for DUI prosecution if a driver’s blood contains 5 nanograms or more of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol per milliliter in whole blood at the time of operating a motorized vehicle. The State of Washington passed a similar law in 2012 which was outlined in Section V of initiative 502 (i-502).

“With the passage of Proposition 64 in the State of California, it is imperative that we address the need for a driving under the influence law specific to the use of drugs,” said Barger. “I applaud Assemblyman Lackey’s effort to protect the public from dangerous drugged-drivers.”

In addition to the Board of Supervisors, the legislation has received support from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Police Chief’s Association, California League of Cities, and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility.