CRIME/PUNISHMENT: Creates the crime of failure to test for alcohol and controlled substances resulting in serious bodily injury or death. (8/1/26)

SB 223 creates a new criminal offense for commercial motor carriers (like trucking companies) that fail to conduct required alcohol and drug tests on drivers under federal rules (49 CFR Part 382). If an untested driver under the influence causes an accident resulting in serious injury or death, the motor carrier could face fines up to $25,000 or up to one year in jail. The bill specifically targets carriers who skip mandatory testing for commercial drivers, linking their failure directly to preventable accidents. It applies to all commercial vehicle operators, including full-time, leased, and independent drivers, and defines "under the influence" as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher.