While I was in court today in Sumner County ,Tn., I bought a copy of the Gallatin News Examiner , In the community forum section, State Rep. Mike McDonald of Portland ,Tn. wrote an update on the new DUI laws up for discussion.House Bill 3280 revises the list of substances that can be cited as causes for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated.Under the proposed new law ,it would be illegal to drive a car while under the influence of any intoxicant,marijuana ,drug substance or combination of these substances affecting the central nervous system.
The proposed laws intend to cover the concept of a poly-drug. Alcohol consumed while taking prescription drugs creates different effects on the human body.The bill wants to cover the area of "drugged driving." Drivers who knowingly take prescription drugs are just as dangerous as those drinking and driving. Warning labels on your prescription bottles are there for a reason.The message is don’t combine drugs and alcohol.The new DUI law intends to cover that situation.
HB passed the House and is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee next week.