Colorimetric Field Drug Tests in Drug Possessions

Under current law, a person may be arrested and detained for level 1 drug misdemeanor possession.

The bill defines "colorimetric field drug test" and requires that when a colorimetric field drug test was used and a person is suspected of a level 1 drug misdemeanor for possession or a municipal drug possession charge, a peace officer shall not arrest the person and instead shall issue a summons.

The bill also requires that when a colorimetric field drug test was used, before accepting a plea from a person charged with a drug possession for level 4 drug felony possession and lower, the trial court is required to issue an advisement with specified language, including language stating that colorimetric field drug tests have known error rates and that the defendant has the right to enter a not guilty plea and to request drug testing from an accredited forensic laboratory.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)