Louisiana House backs bill to make smoking marijuana in a vehicle illegal
You’re not allowed to possess non-medical marijuana while in a car in Louisiana, and it’s illegal to be under its influence while driving. But there’s no actual prohibition against smoking weed behind the wheel, something that would change under a bill the Louisiana House of Representatives approved this week.
Rep. Laurie Schlegel, R-Metairie, said she introduced House Bill 234 as a highway safety measure, given that more forms of medical marijuana are now legal in Louisiana. Her proposal would also apply to passengers in a vehicle.
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The House voted 66-31 on Wednesday to approve Schegel’s bill, advancing it to the Senate. Here's how Houma-Thibodaux representatives, all Republicans, voted:
For: Beryl Amedee of Gray, Bryan Fontenot of Thibodaux and Zee Zeringue of Houma.
Against: Tanner Magee of Houma and Joe Orgeron of Larose.
The bill makes smoking marijuana in a moving vehicle a primary offense, which means police could pull over anyone suspected of a violation. Rep. Edmond Jordan, D-Baton Rouge, told Schegel during House floor debate he was concerned her bill would lead to more unwarranted police stops.
Opponents also noted that cops could mistake a cigarette or vaping device for marijuana and could still rightfully pull over a vehicle.
In committee testimony last week, Louisiana State Police Capt. Robert Burns told lawmakers Schlegel’s bill would present challenges for law enforcement. In response to a question from Rep. Aimee Freeman, D-New Orleans, Schlegel said police did not ask her to file her bill, which she said has support from district attorneys.
Rep. Richard Nelson, R-Mandeville, challenged Schlegel’s claims that her measure would make highways safer. Without citing a source, he said there are 50% more auto accidents in Louisiana than California and Colorado, two states that have legalized recreational marijuana. Nelson unsuccessfully sponsored a bill last year to sanction and tax recreational marijuana in Louisiana.
— The Louisiana Illuminator is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization driven by its mission to cast light on how decisions are made in Baton Rouge and how they affect the lives of everyday Louisianians, particularly those who are poor or otherwise marginalized.
This article originally appeared on The Courier: La. House backs bill to make smoking marijuana in a vehicle illegal
