Assemblyman Tom Lackey
Two California lawmakers were enough to derail a proposal that would have allowed police officers to give roadside drug breathalyzer-type tests in order to identify wasted drivers.
Assembly Bill 1356, authored by Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, would have allowed police officers to use a device similar to a breathalyzer, but instead of measuring blood alcohol levels, it would detect drugs in the driver’s system.
The bill was rejected by a 2-1 vote in the Public Safety Committee with four abstentions. Lackey called the bill’s defeat “a setback for roadway safety,” on Tuesday.
“Officers have numerous tools to deal with drunk drivers but lack the equivalent for drugs,” said Lackey, a 28-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol, in a news release. “Better tools for law enforcement have allowed us to cut down on drunk driving. We need to pursue the same strategy for drugged driving which is unfortunately rapidly increasing.”
The bill had support from law enforcement organizations but was opposed by defense attorneys and the Drug Policy Alliance.
“I hope California will have the courage to act in the future,” Lackey said, “but today was clearly a setback for roadway safety.”
The bill comes as groups are proposing measures to legalize marijuana on the 2016 ballot. AB 1356 will be reconsidered in January of 2016.
– Heather Harbin
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3 Comments
WHATS FUNNY about this is law enforcement wouldn’t be able to party anymore lol there are alot of drug users in law enforcement and this little gadget would backfire rite in there faces I love it sure you can test me but you first officer lmao thats funny!!
should have passed
Every police officer is already highly trained and qualified to perform a roadside field sobriety test.
If a driver can pass an officer’s strict scrutiny, then obviously that driver is okay to drive.
Stop the scare-tactics!
Legalizing Marijuana will not create a massive influx of marijuana impaired drivers our roads.
It will not create an influx of professionals (doctors, pilots, bus drivers, etc..) under the influence on the job either.
This is a prohibitionist propaganda scare tactic.
Truth: Responsible drivers don’t drive while intoxicated on any substance period!
Irresponsible drivers are already on our roads, and they will drive while intoxicated regardless of their drug of choice’s legality.
Therefore, legalizing marijuana will have little to zero impact on the amount of marijuana impaired drivers on our roads.
The same thing applies to people being under the influence of marijuana on the job.
Responsible people do not go to work impaired, period. Regardless of their drug of choice’s legality.