Vermont’s legislature sent a recreational marijuana legalization bill to Governor Scott May 18, 2017. Four days later, Scott vetoed the bill, noting concerns with drugged driving and access to marijuana by children. He nevertheless invited the legislature to work with him to craft a version the bill that he could sign. The legislature is scheduled to consider overriding the veto in a special session later in June. The results are uncertain at this time, so … READ MORE
Finally! Solid DUID data!
Sponsors Rep. Polly Lawrence, Bob Gardner and Jonathan Singer with Ed Wood, author of HB 1315 being signed by Governor John Hickenlooper.
June 1, 2017 Governor Hickenlooper signed HB17-1315, negotiated and written by DUID Victim Voices founder Ed Wood. The bill requires Colorado to collect, analyze and annually publish DUI/DUID data from the Colorado’s courts, laboratories and state agencies. Beginning in March, 2018, when the first report is scheduled to be published, Colorado will … READ MORE
Our bill was introduced!
It feels great to share a bit of good news. Our DUID Data Bill was introduced into the Colorado House of Representatives by Representatives Jonathan Singer (D) and Polly Lawrence (R) April 3, 2017. HB17-1315, “Concerning the acquisition of data to analyze DUI offenses being committed by offenders” is an important first step to eventually changing Colorado’s DUID laws which today are the weakest in the nation.
Today, Colorado does not collect, analyze, and … READ MORE
More bad legislation
Many states are considering legislation to deal with their drugged driving problem. The good news is that they recognize the problem. The bad news is that many of them don’t understand it. Particularly legislators in Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Legislators in these states have proposed bills that would either:
- Establish a 5 ng/ml THC per se limit for marijuana-impaired driving, or
- Fund studies to determine what the legal blood level of
Setting the record straight
The Denver Post reported on March 4, 2017 that Jesus Carreno received a maximum sentence of six years after pleading guilty to vehicular homicide due to reckless driving and DUI. The report is misleading, although technically correct. Vehicular homicide caused by reckless driving is a Class 4 felony, which carries with it a presumptive sentencing range of 2 to 6 years in prison. Carreno also pled guilty to DUI, which is a misdemeanor, not a … READ MORE