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Senate raises penalty for causing serious injury or death after recent marijuana use
Summary
Senate Bill 51 was advanced on Jan. 24 to make causing serious injury or death while recently using marijuana a third‑degree felony when specific criteria are met; sponsors cited a constituent crash and state highway‑patrol data to justify the change.
The Utah Senate on Jan. 24 approved Senate Bill 51, which increases penalties in cases where a driver causes serious bodily injury or death and had recently used marijuana. Sponsor Senator Walker said the bill responds to constituent cases and highway‑patrol data showing drug involvement in crashes.
Walker described a specific case involving a bicyclist seriously injured by a driver who had been smoking marijuana; he said the victim faced prolonged hospitalization and permanent impairment. The bill would elevate criminal exposure from a misdemeanor to a third‑degree felony when three conditions are satisfied: recent marijuana use (the sponsor specified the 'leaf' rather than metabolites), negligent driving, and causing serious injury or death.
Supporters emphasized the bill targets conduct that results in serious harm rather than mere past drug use. Several senators who had raised civil‑liberties or evidentiary concerns about prior drafts expressed support for the narrower approach in this measure. The roll call recorded the bill being read for a third time and passed with 25 yes votes and 4 absences.
The measure moves forward to the next stage; sponsors and legal staff will coordinate implementation details and any necessary guidance for enforcement.
