House Speaker Comments on Passage of Bill to Protect Public Safety by Allowing Law Enforcement to Remove Drivers Impaired by New Drugs

CONCORD– House Speaker William O’Brien (R-Mont Vernon) today offered the following comments relative to the passage of House Bill 1699.  The bill, sponsored by O’Brien, updates the definition of driving under the influence of drugs, by covering a number of new intoxicating substances into the definition of drugs.

House Speaker William O’Brien

“This is an example of the law playing catch up with the new types of designer drugs we are seeing on the streets today.  This bill gives us the tools to take intoxicated drivers off the street and keep our citizens safer.  Now, law enforcement has the ability to prosecute these impaired individuals that they have told us they need.  This is a good step forward for all the drivers ofNew Hampshire.”