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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 4, 2023 02:09 PM
From:	Representative John A. Lawrence
To:	All House members
Subject:	COSPONSOR MEMO – Drug Testing for Elected Officials

Dear Colleagues, In the coming days, I plan to re-introduce HB2313 of last session requiring all state-level candidates for elected office to submit to a drug screening prior to running for office. In previous years, the House of Representatives considered legislation requiring teachers to submit to a pre-employment drug screening. This bill passed the House 182-12. https://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/RC/Public/rc_view_action2.cfm?sess_yr=2013&sess_ind=0&rc_body=H&rc_nbr=951   With the thought of "what's good for the goose is good for the gander," this legislation would 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 screen 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 standard as private sector employees. I would appreciate your support of this initiative. Thank you.

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