Calif. Assembly Committee Rejects Roadside Drug Testing Bill

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (CBSSacramento.com/AP) – An Assembly committee has rejected a bill making California one of more than a dozen states that allow police to conduct roadside testing for marijuana and other drugs.

AB1356, by Republican Assemblyman Tom Lackey of Palmdale, would have allowed police to use a device similar to Breathalyzers used to chart blood alcohol levels. However, these devises detect drugs in the driver’s system.

The bill did not garner enough votes to advance from the Assembly Public Safety Committee Tuesday. Republicans supported it, but four Democrats abstained.

The bill had support from law enforcement organizations but was opposed by defense attorneys and the Drug Policy Alliance.

The measure comes as the alliance and other groups are proposing 2016 ballot measures to legalize marijuana.

Lackey plans to bring the bill back next year.