Balderson introduces bipartisan Drug-Impaired Driving Education Act

U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) on Aug. 28 unveiled bipartisan legislation that would direct the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to establish a two-year, $10 million federal grant program for states to educate Americans on the dangers of drug-impaired driving.

“This legislation takes critical steps to educate our communities about the risks associated with drug-impaired driving, including those driving under the influence of opioids and marijuana,” said Rep. Balderson, the lead original cosponsor of the Drug-Impaired Driving Education Act of 2020, H.R. 8129, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-NY).

If enacted, H.R. 8129 would provide $5 million in competitive grants to states during each of the first two fiscal years following enactment of the bill, and would require a state or covered entity — such as a nonprofit, state government or local agency, or an Indian Tribal Government — that receives a grant to use evidence-based and peer-reviewed strategies in its education efforts, according to the text of the bill.

Rep. Balderson pointed out that when someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, entire communities are put at risk. “Sadly, this is a fact we know all too well in the state of Ohio, where the opioid epidemic has taken a significant toll,” he said.

In fact, his home state of Ohio last year experienced more than 3,900 drugged-driving crashes across the state, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Several organizations and groups last week endorsed the measure, including the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, the National Safety Council, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), and the National District Attorneys Association.

“I thank Rep. Balderson and the many advocacy groups who are supporting this legislation,” said Rep. Rice. “We must keep working together until we can end impaired and distracted driving once and for all.”

H.R. 8129 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.