Rep. Callahan Advocates for Amendments to Help Cops Stop Drivers Impaired by Cannabis, Protect Kids

HARTFORD—State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-108) on Monday night expressed concern over the House failing to adopt what he called common sense measures to crack down on drugged driving after Republican amendments were raised, aimed at making Connecticut’s roadways safer.

“We have a Transportation Committee looking to lower the Blood Alcohol Limit from .08 to .05 for safety on the roads, which is great, but we continue to ignore people driving while smoking marijuana,” said Rep. Callahan (R-New Fairfield). “Pretending that’s not a good reason to pull someone over when that’s severely impairing their ability and their perception on the road, is pure fantasy. Voting down this amendment that adds safety to our roads is insanity.”

During debate on H.B. 5500 on Monday evening, House Republicans reminded Democrats of the crisis on Connecticut’s roadways, in particular wrong way driving. Republicans have instead urged their colleagues to address the impact of their efforts to commercialize marijuana.

Current law prohibits a police officer from pulling over a vehicle if they observe a driver using or smell marijuana coming from the vehicle. One proposed amendment would have allowed law enforcement officers to stop motor vehicles for the sole purpose of a cannabis violation.

“It’s very easy to pull someone over if a cop sees them drinking what looks like a beer. If they were drinking water, you let them go on their way. Everyone knows what marijuana smells like, it’s a very pungent smell. If it turns out to be a hand rolled cigarette, so what. Send them on their way,” said Callahan.”

Democrats rejected two amendments (LCO 4819 and 4821) that would allow police officers to make those marijuana-related traffic stops.

The other amendment would allow law enforcement to pull over a vehicle if the peace officer reasonably expects there is a person under eighteen years of age inside of such motor vehicle.