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Lawmakers Want Inhalants Under DUI Law

Officials Say Current Law Ambiguous

POSTED: 5:00 pm CDT April 9, 2008
UPDATED: 7:41 pm CDT April 9, 2008

Some lawmakers said it's time to treat people who drive under the influence of inhalants the same as drunk drivers.

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"Driving under the influence of an inhalant is very similar to driving under the influence of alcohol or any other substance," said Kyle Evans of the Murfreesboro Police Department

Police in Murfreesboro said they believe a man was under the influence of inhalants when he crashed into a Rutherford County school bus.

Using inhalants like dust cleaner or spray paint causes a chemical high, but lawmakers said there's been some confusion about whether or not it counts as a DUI.

Because of this ambiguity, lawmakers said they want to change the DUI laws.

"I guess there's a question on whether it's actually a drug or not, and this would make it crystal clear that it also includes inhalants that alter the nervous system," said Sen. Randy McNally, a Republican from Oak Ridge.

In addition, they're asking police to specify on tickets if the person they pulled over is under the influence of inhalants.

"That way we'll be able to gather data on how prevalent the problem is," said McNally.

Evans said officers currently arrest people on suspicion of being under the influence of inhalants but said this is a welcome change.

"Anything that would help enhance the law or clarify or specify things, it sends a message to people that this behavior would not be tolerated," said Evans.

If the bill passes and studies show a lot of people are using inhalants, McNally said it might be time for the Legislature to do something to curb the use.

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