Bill > H1291

This bill, titled "Alcohol or Drug Impairment," proposes to update Florida's laws regarding driving and boating while impaired, as well as the use of firearms while impaired. Key provisions include redefining "impaired" to encompass a broader range of diminished physical or mental abilities, and clarifying the offenses of driving or boating while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or a combination thereof. The bill introduces an affirmative defense for individuals who introduce a controlled substance into their body pursuant to a prescription, provided they followed their doctor's directions and submitted to testing; however, using non-prescribed substances does not qualify for this defense. It also clarifies that legal use of substances does not negate impairment charges. The bill revises the legal alcohol concentration thresholds that give rise to a presumption of impairment and updates penalties for repeat offenses, including mandatory ignition interlock device placement for certain convictions. Furthermore, it expands the definition of "impaired" to align with the updated definition in driving laws for firearm use while impaired and makes conforming changes across various statutes related to vehicle and vessel operation, driver licensing, and public safety.