House committee advances pot bill that includes driver saliva testing

The House committee in charge of crafting legislation to legalize recreational marijuana sales has moved forward a proposal that includes a compromise with the Scott administration on driver saliva testing.

However, the bill may not go far enough for the governor to sign it. Also, some new provisions may not win support from the Senate.

Late Thursday, the House Committee on Government Operations approved this year’s marijuana tax and regulate bill, S.54. The proposal has language addressing roadway safety, which Gov. Phil Scott has said would be required for him to support the bill.

Lawmakers voted 10-1 in favor of moving the legislation out of committee. The bill as passed would permit law enforcement officers to take saliva samples from drivers they suspect are impaired, but with restrictions.

Read more: https://vtdigger.org/2019/05/03/house-committee-advances-pot-bill-includes-saliva-testing/