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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20150&cosponId=15784
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House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: December 11, 2014 11:05 AM
From: Representative John A. Lawrence
To: All House members
Subject: Drug Testing for Elected Officials (Former HB 1991)
 
Dear Colleagues,

At the beginning of the next session, I plan to re-introduce legislation requiring all state-level candidates for elected office to submit to a drug screening prior to running for office.

As returning members will recall, the House of Representatives considered legislation last session requiring teachers to submit to a pre-employment drug screening. This bill passed the House 182-12. With the thought of "what's good for the goose is good for the gander," in my view it is appropriate to broaden this requirement to those running for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Auditor General, Treasurer, State Representative, and State Senator, as well as those running for judge of the Superior, Commonwealth, or Supreme Court.

Candidates for elected office would be required to submit the results from a drug screening along with their candidate affidavit, petitions, and statement of financial interest to the Department of State during the filing period.

Many public and private sector employers require a drug screening during the hiring process. Personally, I underwent several over the years when applying for jobs at different private sector employers. The people of Pennsylvania expect their elected leaders to meet a high standard, and it seems perfectly reasonable to require those running for office to meet the same requirement as private sector employees.

I would appreciate your support of this initiative. Thank you.



Introduced as HB1564