Bill > SB508

This bill modifies Montana's driving under the influence (DUI) laws specifically for drivers under 21 years old, introducing a zero-tolerance policy for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component in cannabis. Currently, drivers under 21 can be charged with DUI if their blood alcohol concentration is 0.02 or higher, and now the bill adds that any detectable amount of THC (excluding inactive metabolites) in a driver under 21 will also constitute a DUI offense. THC is a chemical compound found in marijuana that produces the "high" sensation, and the bill effectively means that any presence of active THC in a young driver's system can result in a DUI charge, regardless of the quantity. This change aims to discourage driving under the influence of cannabis among young drivers by establishing a strict standard that any amount of THC is legally unacceptable. The bill amends section 61-8-1002 of the Montana Code Annotated to include this new provision, which applies to vehicles driven on public ways in the state and maintains the existing absolute liability standard for DUI offenses.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3514