This bill amends Louisiana law regarding operating a vehicle while impaired, replacing the term "intoxicated" with "impaired" throughout various sections. It redefines the conditions under which a person is considered impaired, including impairment from alcoholic beverages or drugs, and introduces a broader definition of "drug" to encompass any substance that can impair driving ability. The bill also establishes new penalties for third and fourth offenses, requiring a minimum of 48 hours of imprisonment for those with a second violation within five years before being eligible for home incarceration. Additionally, it clarifies the circumstances under which chemical tests may be administered and outlines the consequences of refusing such tests.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that operators involved in traffic or boating fatalities must consent to chemical testing of bodily substances to determine the presence of drugs or alcohol. It replaces outdated language regarding "abused substance or controlled dangerous substance" with a more comprehensive definition. In cases of fatalities, a toxicology screen is required to check for impairing substances, with the coroner responsible for collecting samples before body release. The bill aims to enhance public safety by streamlining legal procedures and reinforcing penalties for impaired driving, while also repealing several outdated provisions to create a more effective legal framework.

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)