Senate Bill No. 118, introduced by Senator Boudreaux, aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding misdemeanor DUI offenses by mandating substance use disorder screenings for all offenders. The bill amends existing laws related to operating a vehicle while impaired, specifically addressing first and second offenses. Key changes include the requirement that participation in a court-approved substance abuse program must now include a screening to assess the offender's risk for a substance use disorder, which must be evidence-based and validated for the impaired driving population. The findings from this screening will be confidential and reported directly to the court, the prosecuting attorney, and the offender's counsel. If the screening indicates a potential substance use disorder, the court may order a further assessment by a licensed clinician.

Additionally, the bill modifies the terminology from "substance abuse disorder" to "substance use disorder" throughout the relevant statutes. It retains the court's discretion to modify the substance abuse program based on individual assessments. The legislation will be officially known as the "Judge Jules Edwards Drunk Driving Protection Act" and is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB118 Original: 14:1(A)(1), 14:2(A)(1)