WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

No. 14
(House Joint Resolution No. 32)

A House Joint Resolution concerning

Drugged Driving - Testing Program

FOR the purpose of requesting the Governor to direct appropriate State agencies and
officials to design, develop, and propose a comprehensive program for testing for
drug use by drivers in Maryland.

WHEREAS, While it is illegal under Maryland law to operate a motor vehicle under
the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, there is no statutory authorization for
testing, a driver for drug use; and

WHEREAS, A recent survey conducted by the Maryland Institute for Emergency
Medical Services (Shock Trauma) regarding admitted trauma patients revealed that among
automobile drivers, approximately a third tested positive for recent marijuana use; and

WHEREAS, These and similar studies conducted throughout the nation indicate that
an alarming number of drivers are operating vehicles under the influence of drugs; and

WHEREAS, Arrest statistics do not reflect the widespread use of drugs by drivers,
as arrests for driving under the influence of drugs represent a small fraction of arrests for
driving under the influence of alcohol; and

WHEREAS, One reason for this discrepancy is that the absence of a test indicating
the presence of drugs in a driver's body greatly impairs the ability of the State to prosecute
for drugged driving; and

WHEREAS, The development of a comprehensive program for testing for drugged
driving is crucial to the prosecution of offenders and to addressing this serious societal
problem; and

WHEREAS, Many important questions must be considered before any drugged
driving testing program can be established in this State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That, the
Governor is requested to direct appropriate State agencies and officials to design, develop,
and propose a comprehensive program for testing for drug use by drivers in Maryland; and
be it further

RESOLVED, That the proposed program should address issues such as the
appropriate unit of State government that should be responsible for that drug testing
program, procedures for training and screening, recommendations for instrumentation,
proposed operating and capital budgets, legislative changes that may be necessary, and any
other relevant concerns; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the recommendations regarding a comprehensive drug testing
program for drivers in Maryland be submitted to the Task Force on Drunk and Drugged
Driving for consideration before the 1990 Session of the General Assembly; and be it
further

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