House Bill No. by Representative Butler aims to enhance the legal framework for mandatory drug testing, screening, and assessment for offenders in drug and specialty court programs. The bill amends Articles 320 and 893 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to require pretrial drug testing within 24 hours of booking for individuals arrested for certain offenses, including violations of the Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law. It mandates random drug testing thereafter and requires clinical screening for those who test positive to assess their substance use disorder and suitability for the programs. The bill emphasizes the confidentiality of drug testing records and establishes guidelines for automatic expungement of records under specific circumstances.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions under Article 904, which detail the criteria for assessing a defendant's suitability for drug or specialty court programs. It mandates that a licensed treatment professional conduct the assessment using validated tools and report the findings to the court while ensuring confidentiality of the information. The legislation also addresses funding for the administration of these courts, allowing expenses related to mandatory drug testing and screening to be covered by opioid funds. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the management of offenders with substance use issues while safeguarding their rights and confidentiality.

Statutes affected:
HB633 Original: 13:5304(B)(3), 15:1(C)(3)