In the near future, I will introduce legislation to allow for the recognition and admissibility of testimony from certified Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) in cases involving drug-impaired driving.
 
DRE evaluations are crucial for identifying, charging, and prosecuting drivers impaired by drugs or controlled substances. The enforcement of drug-impaired driving laws has become increasingly important in Pennsylvania due to the rise in incidents of driving while intoxicated by drugs or controlled substances. DRE evaluations provide a reliable, non-invasive method to assess impairment, offering critical evidence in these cases.
 
Under our current chemical testing statute, the language supports the admissibility of “other evidence” solely to determine alcohol impairment. However, it does not reflect the widespread use and acceptance of DRE evaluations in assessing impairment, an oversight that limits law enforcement’s ability to effectively combat impaired driving.
 
Specifically, this legislation will expand the admissibility of evidence in court to include not only whether a person is under the influence of alcohol but also whether that person is impaired by alcohol in combination with drugs, or solely by drugs or a combination of drugs.
 
I urge you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation, which will strengthen our efforts to combat impaired driving and support our law enforcement officers in keeping Pennsylvania’s roads safe.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 800 (May 13, 2025): 75-1547(f)