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HB 1032

MOTOR VEHICLES: Clarifies references to substances applicable to operating a motor vehicle under the influence

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Wiley

HB 1032 standardizes DUI substance references to “any drug, combination of drugs, or combination of alcohol and drugs,” updating suspensions, testing, and reinstatement rules accor

Signed by the Governor. Becomes Act No. 690.
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Bill Summary · HB 1032

Summary of HB 1032 (2026) – Louisiana

Purpose and Intent

HB 1032 seeks to create uniform references to the substances involved in operating a motor vehicle under the influence (DWI) across various sections of Louisiana law. The bill updates existing references from specific drugs to broader language that covers any drug, any combination of drugs, and any combination of alcohol and drugs. The goal is to standardize how substances are described in penalties, suspensions, and related provisions.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Uniform terminology for substances

    • Replaces references to “narcotic drugs” and “central nervous system stimulants” with the broader phrasing: “any drug, combination of drugs, or combination of alcohol and drugs.”
    • This broadened language appears in multiple subsections of R.S. 32:414 and in related sections.

  • Suspension and revocation provisions (R.S. 32:414)

    • A(1)(a): First offense for vehicular negligent injury or operating a vehicle while under the influence of beverages of high or low alcoholic content, narcotic drugs, or CNS stimulants (and related cases) triggers a 12-month license suspension. HB 1032 would apply the uniform substance language here.
    • B(2)(a): For a second offense, suspension is 24 months for various combinations involving alcohol and drugs when the offenses arose from multiple jurisdictions.
    • D(1)(a): For a third or subsequent offense, suspension is 36 months, with the definition of offenses linked to substances updated to the uniform language.
    • I(1) reinstatement fee: The amount remains, but the substances referenced for which the conviction triggers the fee are updated to the uniform language.
    • V(1)-(2): Watercraft-related suspensions/denials mirror the vehicle provisions, with the same substance-uniformity changes.

  • Implied consent and testing (R.S. 32:661(A)(3))

    • Keeps the existing framework for chemical testing consent but expands the scope to include “any drug, combination of drugs, or combination of drugs and alcohol” as part of the testing considerations.

  • Proof of financial responsibility (R.S. 32:896(A))

    • Reinstatement requirements after suspension remain: the person must show proof of financial responsibility for all registered motor vehicles and as a non-owner for three years.
    • Substitutes the substance references with the uniform broad language.

  • Driver License Compact (R.S. 32:1420)

    • The Compact will apply the same conduct-to-suspension framework abroad as in Louisiana, updated to reference the uniform substance language.

Who and What Is Affected

  • Licensees/processors: Individuals convicted of or entering pleas to offenses involving driving under the influence or related vehicular offenses will see a standardized treatment based on the uniform substance language.
  • DPS&C (Department of Public Safety and Corrections): Responsible for suspensions, reinstatements, and related enforcement actions; the agency will apply the broadened substance references.
  • Watercraft operators: Provisions related to operating a watercraft during suspensions are aligned with the motor vehicle provisions.
  • Driver License Compact participants: Home-state actions regarding suspensions/reinstatement will reference the same uniform substance language.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill enacts modifications by amending and reenacting specified subsections of R.S. 32:414(A)(1)(a), (B)(2)(a), (D)(1)(a), (I)(1), and (V), 661(A)(3), 896(A), and 1420.
  • There is no explicit retroactivity date stated in the provided text; typically, such amendments apply to offenses and suspensions processed after enactment unless otherwise specified.
  • The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works (as of 2026-03-31).

Practical Impact

  • Creates consistency in how substances are described in DUI-related statutes, reducing potential ambiguities between first, second, and third-plus offenses.
  • Potentially expands the range of substances that can trigger suspensions and related penalties by using a broader definition (“any drug, combination of drugs, or combination of alcohol and drugs”) instead of enumerated drug types.
  • Could affect reinstatement fees and proof-of-financial-responsibility requirements due to the statutory language alignment.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison of current law versus HB 1032 language for specific subsections.

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

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