HB 7289 Summary

• Establishes "elevated blood tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content" as a legal standard for DUI offenses, defined as 5.0 nanograms or higher in the blood.

• Requires chemical testing (blood, breath, or urine) to determine THC content, with test results admissible as evidence of impairment in DUI prosecutions.

• Applies THC impairment standards to operating motor vehicles generally (Section 14-227a), operating vehicles with passengers under 18 (Section 14-227m), and operating school buses or child transportation vehicles (Section 14-227n).

• Creates an affirmative defense allowing defendants to prove they consumed marijuana after driving and before testing, placing the burden on the defendant to establish this by preponderance of the evidence.

• Applies existing DUI penalties and license suspension procedures to THC-related offenses, including ignition interlock device requirements and probation conditions.

• Effective date: October 1, 2017.