By Ron Jones

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — California legislators are weighing whether to allow the use of roadside swab samples to find drivers under the influence of drugs.

Assemblyman Tom Lackey retired after 28 years with the California Highway Patrol, but says he’s still passionate about safety on California’s roadways.

“We’ve become very comfortable in assessing alcohol impairment,” he said. “This is a serious, serious threat. This is not to punish people, but to protect people.”

Senate Bill 1462 would allow officers to take roadside swab samples when they believe a drive is impaired from illegal or prescription drugs.