New legislation in Russia could ban citizens from driving if they are found to have certain medications in their system. The State Duma has already approved the first reading of a bill that introduces liability for driving under the influence of medication.

The legislation expands the current Code of Administrative Offences, which currently covers alcohol, drug, and psychotropic intoxication. The new bill targets drivers who have substances in their body from medicinal products that impair attention and reaction, along with clinical signs of intoxication.

According to a lawyer, the list of drugs incompatible with driving may include sedatives, hypnotics, antiepileptic drugs, anesthetics, and drugs prescribed for Parkinson’s disease.

In other news, the State Duma is considering abolishing the needs criteria for large families to receive benefits. An initiative was put forward to eliminate this requirement, arguing that it creates inequality in the rights of large families.

The leader of the initiating party noted that some regions have already abolished the needs criteria for large families when assigning local benefits, while others still require it.

Additionally, the XII Zabaikalsky International Film Festival (ZMKF) recently took place, featuring a gala concert with Russian stars. Actress Svetlana Permyakova, Honored Artist of Russia Evgeny Dyatlov, actors Dmitry Dyuzhev, and Boris Smolkin performed on stage, among others.

A documentary film titled “Baikal: Living Water,” dedicated to the power of nature and the human spirit, was also screened as part of the festival.

Furthermore, President Vladimir Putin has signed several new laws. These new laws address working citizens, families with children, recreation, and more.

The new laws include regulations on using a unified biometric system for real estate transactions, fines for selling non-alcoholic tonic drinks to minors, standardized reporting formats for management companies, legalization of guest houses, protection for workers against excessive fines, simplification of maternity capital assignment, and the closure of websites selling illegal dietary supplements.

Finally, an excerpt of a new song by SHAMAN, titled “Straight to the Heart,” has been released. The song, written by composer Maxim Fadeev, is intended for performance at the International Vocal Competition “Intervision.”