Suffolk County NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, Assembly Member Steve Stern, and State Senator Chris Ryan will host a public Legislative Symposium on Drugged Driving on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Touro University Manhattan Campus. The event begins with an 11:30 a.m. press availability, followed by the full symposium at 12:30 p.m.
The forum is designed to address what law enforcement and lawmakers describe as a significant legal gap in New York’s impaired-driving statutes. New York is currently one of only four states where certain impairing substances—including xylazine, propofol, inhalants, and nitrous oxide—fall outside traditional definitions of drug impairment. That gap, officials argue, allows individuals to legally operate a vehicle while under the influence of substances that can severely compromise motor function and reaction time.
Focus on Policy, Enforcement, and Public Health
The symposium will bring together a broad range of subject-matter experts. Expected speakers include:
- A representative from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Physicians and drug-treatment professionals
- A recovering drugged driver
- Families of crash victims
- Advocacy and public-safety groups
Their presentations will focus on data, real-world case studies, and the operational challenges facing law enforcement under current law. According to organizers, the goal is to provide lawmakers with practical information to support evidence-based reform and to “dispel myths” surrounding impaired-driving enforcement.
Assembly Member Stern is the co-sponsor of pending state legislation known informally as the Deadly Driving Bill, with Senator Ryan serving as the Senate sponsor. Suffolk DA Tierney has been vocal in calling for statutory updates, citing cases where drivers impaired by non-scheduled substances could not be charged under existing Vehicle and Traffic Law provisions.
Open to the Public
The event is open to both press and the general public. Attendees are encouraged to wear red as a sign of support for the effort to strengthen New York’s drugged-driving laws.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
- Press Availability: 11:30 a.m.
- Symposium: 12:30 p.m.
- Location: 202 W. 43rd Street, 4th Floor Event Space, Touro University Manhattan Campus
Registration is required by Monday, December 8, 2025. Participants may register by scanning the QR code provided in event materials or by using the link:
Officials emphasize that drug-impaired driving remains a statewide public-safety concern that spans urban, suburban, and rural communities. The symposium aims to guide legislative action ahead of the 2026 session, where reform bills are expected to be considered.
