Relates to breath chemical tests for the purpose of determining the alcoholic and/or drug content of the blood

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey

S 4971 governs breath tests to determine alcohol and/or drug content in blood, shaping device standards, operator rules, and test admissibility in DUI cases.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

Summary of Bill S 4971: Relates to breath chemical tests for the purpose of determining the alcoholic and/or drug content of the blood

Overview

Bill Number: S 4971

Title: Relates to breath chemical tests for the purpose of determining the alcoholic and/or drug content of the blood

Status: Referred to Transportation

Introduced: February 14, 2025

Primary Sponsor: Jamaal Bailey

Related Bill: S 6461 (prior-session)

Purpose and Intent

Based on the title, S 4971 aims to address breath chemical testing used to determine the presence and level of alcohol and/or drugs in an individual’s blood. The exact objectives (e.g., establishing standards, expanding or limiting use, or clarifying admissibility) are not provided in the materials available here. The bill’s referral to the Transportation Committee suggests a focus on enforcement, systems, or regulatory aspects related to breath testing rather than broader criminal procedure.

Key Provisions (Not Available in Provided Text)

The actual text of S 4971 is not included in the materials you provided. As a result, specific provisions, changes, or statutory amendments are not enumerated. Typically, bills of this nature may cover topics such as:
- Standards and calibration requirements for breath testing devices
- Certification and training requirements for operators
- Procedures for administering breath tests and recording results
- Chain-of-custody and data handling for test results
- Admissibility of breath test results in court
- Privacy, data retention, and reporting requirements
- Penalties or enforcement provisions related to improper use or device malfunctions
- Exemptions or special circumstances (e.g., medical conditions, alternative tests)

Note: These are common themes in breath-test legislation and are not confirmed provisions of S 4971 without the bill text.

Who Would Be Affected

Individuals subjected to breath testing (e.g., drivers and suspected impaired individuals)

Law enforcement agencies and officers who administer breath tests

Prosecutors and the judiciary that rely on test results in DUI/DWI or drug-impaired driving cases

Breath-test device manufacturers, maintenance technicians, and service providers

Potential compliance and regulatory bodies overseeing testing standards

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced on February 14, 2025

On the same date, the measure was referred to the Transportation Committee (listed twice in the actions provided)

No further actions (e.g., committee hearings, amendments, or floor votes) are documented in the provided materials

Related legislation: S 6461 from a prior session, indicating ongoing consideration of breath-testing issues in this policy area

Practical Next Steps for Readers

Review the full text of S 4971 to understand exact provisions, definitions, and changes being proposed.

Monitor official legislative sources for committee hearings, amendments, and potential floor action in Transportation.

Compare S 4971 with related S 6461 (prior-session) to identify continuity or changes in policy approach.

If researching impact, prepare to assess how device standards, operator training, and admissibility rules could affect enforcement, court proceedings, and privacy considerations.

If you obtain the actual bill text, I can provide a detailed provisions-by-provisions comparison and a more precise impact assessment.