HI HB1765

Amends the definition of "drug" in Chapter 291E to include any substance that impairs a person's ability to operate a vehicle safely, beyond just controlled substances listed in schedules I-IV of Chapter 329.

Redefines "substance" to mean any plant, medication, poison, natural or synthetic chemical, or compound, including central nervous system depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, dissociative anesthetics, narcotic analgesics, inhalants, and cannabis.

Adds a new definition of "substance abuse" as the use or misuse of alcohol, scheduled drugs, or any substance to an extent deemed deleterious or detrimental to the user, others, or society.

Enables prosecution of impaired driving cases involving non-scheduled substances like kava and emerging synthetic drugs, addressing limitations in relying solely on controlled substance schedules.

Takes effect upon approval and does not affect rights, duties, or proceedings begun before the effective date.