This bill amends Louisiana law concerning operating a vehicle while impaired, replacing the term "intoxicated" with "impaired" throughout various sections. It redefines the criteria for charges related to vehicular homicide, third degree feticide, and negligent injuring, focusing on impairment from alcohol or drugs. A new definition of "drug" is introduced, encompassing any substance that can impair driving ability. The legislation also establishes that a third or subsequent conviction for operating while impaired is presumptive evidence of a substance abuse disorder, allowing for the seizure and auction of vehicles involved in such offenses.

Additionally, the bill outlines new penalties for repeat offenders, including a minimum 48-hour imprisonment for those with a second violation within five years. It clarifies the conditions for administering chemical tests to suspected impaired drivers and specifies that individuals who previously refused such tests may not refuse again in certain serious circumstances. The bill also mandates post-accident drug testing for operators involved in fatal or serious injury incidents, broadening the definition of substances tested and streamlining existing provisions related to drug testing. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance public safety by imposing stricter regulations and clearer definitions regarding impaired driving.

Statutes affected:
HB776 Original: 14:1(A)(1), 14:8(A)(2), 14:2(A)(1), 14:98(A)(1), 14:1(S, 14:2(S, 14:3(S, 14:4(S, 14:5(B)(4), 14:6(A), 14:7(A), 14:1(A)(6), 14:1(A)(4), 14:2(A)(4)
HB776 Engrossed: 14:1(A)(1), 14:8(A)(2), 14:2(A)(1), 14:98(A)(1), 14:1(S, 14:2(S, 14:3(S, 14:4(S, 14:5(B)(4), 14:6(A), 14:7(A), 14:1(A)(6), 14:1(A)(4), 14:2(A)(4)
HB776 Enrolled: 14:1(A)(1), 14:8(A)(2), 14:2(A)(1), 14:98(A)(1), 14:1(S, 14:2(S, 14:3(S, 14:4(S, 14:5(B)(4), 14:6(A), 14:7(A), 32:661(A)(1), 32:1(A), 32:2(A), 32:664(A), 32:666(A)(1), 32:1(C)(2), 32:668(A)(1), 32:681(A), 14:1(A)(6), 14:1(A)(4), 14:2(A)(4)
HB776 Act 662: 14:1(A)(1), 14:8(A)(2), 14:2(A)(1), 14:98(A)(1), 14:1(S, 14:2(S, 14:3(S, 14:4(S, 14:5(B)(4), 14:6(A), 14:7(A), 32:661(A)(1), 32:1(A), 32:2(A), 32:664(A), 32:666(A)(1), 32:1(C)(2), 32:668(A)(1), 32:681(A), 14:1(A)(6), 14:1(A)(4), 14:2(A)(4)