SB 947: Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana, exclusion of evidence.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana; exclusion of evidence. Removes provisions prohibiting a law-enforcement officer from stopping a motor vehicle for operating (i) with an expired registration sticker prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date; (ii) with defective and unsafe equipment; (iii) without tail lights, brake lights, or a supplemental high mount stop light; (iv) without lighted headlights displayed when so required; (v) with certain tinting films, signs, posters, stickers, or decals; (vi) with objects or other equipment suspended so as to obstruct the driver's view; or (vii) with an expired inspection prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date, as well as the accompanying exclusionary provisions. The bill also authorizes a law-enforcement officer to lawfully stop, search, or seize a person, place, or thing or a search warrant to be issued based solely on the odor of marijuana if such odor creates a reasonable suspicion of a violation of the law prohibiting driving while intoxicated.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. January 31, 2025Racial and ethnic impact statement from JLARC (SB947)
2. January 27, 2025Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (8-Y 6-N)
3. January 17, 2025Impact statement from VCSC (SB947)
4. January 16, 2025Rereferred from Transportation to Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)
5. January 6, 2025Referred to Committee on Transportation
6. January 6, 2025Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-08-2025 25103468D