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HARTFORD—State Representative Martin Foncello (R-107) expressed concern after amendments were rejected on a bill concerning ignition interlock devices. During debate on H.B. 5500, House Republicans urged their colleagues to address the impact of their efforts to commercialize marijuana on road safety.
“I’m discouraged that the House failed to adopt common sense measures to crack down on drugged driving. These amendments were aimed at making Connecticut’s roadways safer,” said Foncello.
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.
Majority Democrats rejected two amendments (LCO 4819 and 4821) that would allow police officers to make those marijuana-related traffic stops.
“We were just three votes away from helping give law enforcement another tool in the toolbox to protect drivers on our roadways. It was disappointing to see a bigger gap in the vote on an amendment that would have protected kids in cars,” said Foncello.
A third raised 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.
