HB2663 Summary

• Establishes new law making it unlawful to drive under the influence of any intoxicating substance (other than or combined with alcohol) with penalties ranging from misdemeanor for first offense to felony for subsequent offenses.

• Requires mandatory participation in alcohol and drug substance abuse evaluation and assessment program at defendant's expense for all DUI convictions, with court-ordered compliance with all treatment recommendations.

• Imposes escalating penalties: first offense (10 days to 1 year jail/$1,000 fine); second offense (1-5 years prison/$2,500 fine); third+ offense (1-20 years prison/$5,000 fine, plus 240-480 hours community service and ignition interlock device).

• Directs Department of Corrections to classify and assign inmates to substance abuse treatment facilities or Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services programs.

• Authorizes qualified witnesses (including drug recognition experts) to testify regarding impairment from field sobriety tests and substance identification, effective November 1, 2014.