SB 7 TOO HARSH

Senate Bill 7, Automobile Homicide Amendments, introduced by Sen. Carlene
M. Walker, would allow the state to prosecute someone for automobile
homicide if any measurable amount of a controlled substance is found in his
or her body.

S.B. 7 is a bad proposal, both irresponsible and unfair.

First, S.B. 7 allows drivers impaired by legal drugs to escape punishment
for automobile homicide as long as they have a prescription from their
doctor. This is irresponsible lawmaking. Reckless drivers who get behind
the wheel while impaired by any substance (legal or illegal) should be
punished.

Second, S.B. 7 would severely punish users of illegal drugs, even if they
were not driving while impaired. Many drugs remain in the body long after
there is any issue of impairment. For example, marijuana remains in the
body for a minimum of seven days. Someone could responsibly use marijuana
at home, several days later get in an accident, and (under the changes
proposed in S.B. 7) could be charged with automobile homicide, even if they
were using their automobile responsibly (i.e., driving while completely
sober). This is unfair.

Evidence of a relatively minor crime (illegal drug use) should not be used
to prosecute an entirely different and more serious crime (driving while
impaired).

S.B. 7 seems primarily designed to severely punish users of illegal drugs,
not irresponsible drivers. S.B. 7 should be defeated. Contact your legislator.

Stan Burnett

Orem