This bill revises Louisiana laws concerning operating a vehicle while impaired by changing the terminology from "intoxicated" to "impaired." It redefines the criteria for impairment to include being affected by alcoholic beverages or drugs, with a broad definition of "drug" that encompasses any substance capable of impairing driving ability. The legislation also repeals outdated provisions related to controlled dangerous substances and introduces new penalties for repeat offenders, including the seizure and auction of vehicles involved in third or subsequent offenses, while providing exemptions for stolen vehicles or cases where the driver was not the owner and the owner was unaware of the impairment.

Furthermore, the bill establishes implied consent for chemical testing for individuals suspected of operating vehicles, watercraft, or locomotives under the influence. It mandates that law enforcement administer tests when there is reasonable belief of impairment and outlines the qualifications for those conducting the tests. The legislation also addresses post-accident drug testing for operators involved in serious collisions, requiring consent for chemical tests to determine the presence of impairing substances. In cases of traffic or boating fatalities, a toxicology screen is mandated to check for drugs, with the coroner responsible for sample collection. Overall, the bill aims to enhance public safety by strengthening the enforcement of impaired driving laws and streamlining the legal framework surrounding testing procedures.

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)