S 6485: Relates to procedures relating to driving while ability impaired by drugs - New York

S6485B → S6485C · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered from S 6485-B to S 6485-C and saw the addition of two new sponsors, Harckham and Kavanagh, while three original sponsors were removed. The legislative text was significantly amended to redefine 'impairment' by replacing specific references to cannabis and public health law with a broader reference to drugs defined within the vehicle and traffic law itself. Additionally, the conditions for chemical testing consent were expanded to include a specific provision for drivers under the age of twenty-one.

Scope change

The bill's scope of impairment was broadened by removing specific drug references and adopting a general statutory definition, while the testing requirements were expanded to explicitly cover under-21 drivers.

ELIGIBILITY

The definition of 'impairment' was changed from listing specific substances like cannabis to referencing a general definition of 'drug' found in the vehicle and traffic law.

Consent for chemical testing was expanded to explicitly include drivers under the age of twenty-one as a condition for license suspension upon refusal.

SCOPE

Two new sponsors, Harckham and Kavanagh, were added to the bill, while three original sponsors were removed.

TECHNICAL

The bill was renumbered from version B to version C, and the committee history was updated to reflect an additional round of amendments.

S6485A → S6485B · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill significantly expands the list of sponsors and updates the bill's title to reflect a broader scope. It reorganizes the statute by renumbering existing sections and clarifying definitions to explicitly include alcohol alongside drugs and cannabis. Most importantly, it removes the requirement for a 'drug recognition expert' evaluation, streamlining the process to require only a standard chemical test for evidence of impairment.

Scope change

The bill's scope is broadened by adding numerous new sponsors and explicitly including alcohol in the legal definitions of impairment and intoxication alongside drugs and cannabis.

ELIGIBILITY

Updated the definition of 'drug' and 'impairment' to explicitly include alcohol, ensuring it is treated legally alongside drugs and cannabis.

DEFINITION

Renumbered existing sections and redefined 'intoxication' to require a higher level of impairment specifically linked to alcohol consumption.

REQUIREMENT

Eliminated the mandatory requirement for a 'drug recognition expert' evaluation, replacing it with a standard chemical test procedure.

ENFORCEMENT

Simplified enforcement criteria by removing the specific 'drug recognition expert' clause and updating the legal standard for 'reasonable grounds' to focus on the totality of circumstances.

TECHNICAL

Added a large number of new sponsors to the bill, indicating expanded legislative support.

S6485 → S6485A · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill amends the Vehicle and Traffic Law to update the list of legislators who sponsored the bill and adds a provision to repeal the new drug-impaired driving procedures once they expire. The text of the actual legal sections regarding arrest and testing appears unchanged in this version.

Scope change

The bill's scope regarding legal obligations for drivers remains unchanged, but the bill now includes a sunset clause to automatically repeal the new provisions after a set period.

TECHNICAL

Added two new sponsors (Senators Martinez and Walczyk) to the bill's introduction line.

Updated the document header tracking number from LBD00438-05-5 to LBD00438-07-5 to reflect the bill's amendment status.

TIMELINE

Added a requirement for the repeal of the new drug-impaired driving procedures upon their expiration, indicating these rules are intended to be temporary.

Relates to procedures relating to driving while ability impaired by drugs

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