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SB 118

CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Provides for substance use disorder screening of all misdemeanor DUI offenders. (8/1/26) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gerald Boudreaux and 1 co-sponsor

Louisiana requires substance use disorder screening for all misdemeanor DUI offenders starting August 2026 to identify treatment needs among impaired drivers.

Effective date 8/1/2026.
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Bill Summary · SB 118

Legislative bill overview

SB 118 mandates that all individuals arrested for misdemeanor DUI (driving under the influence) in Louisiana undergo screening for substance use disorder. The screening would be conducted as part of the criminal justice process, with implementation beginning August 1, 2026.

Why is this important

Early identification of substance use disorders among DUI offenders could enable connection to treatment resources, potentially reducing recidivism and improving public safety. The bill addresses the documented overlap between impaired driving and untreated addiction, which affects both individual outcomes and community safety.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and resource allocation: Who bears screening costs and where funding comes from (state, courts, or defendants) remains unclear; "EG NO IMPACT" notation suggests minimal fiscal analysis
  • Scope limitations: Applies only to misdemeanor DUI, excluding felony DUI cases where substance use disorders may be more severe
  • Screening without treatment mandate: The bill requires screening but doesn't explicitly guarantee access to treatment programs, raising questions about whether identification alone produces meaningful outcomes
  • Privacy and data handling: Standards for collecting, storing, and using screening results are not detailed in this summary

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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