The Woodward News

Local News

March 12, 2010

Okla. Senate passes drug testing bill

Michelle Seeber Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — The Oklahoma Senate has unanimously approved legislation by Sen. Bryce Marlatt, R-Woodward, that would ensure elected state officials are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on the job.

Senate Bill 1392 was successfully amended by Marlatt to require elected officials as well as those in the federally funded Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to undergo random drug tests.

“I wasn’t surprised,” Marlatt said of its passage. “I talked to a lot of the members and (they) agreed it was a good policy.”

He said he drew up the legislation at the request of constituents.

“I don’t think it’s too much to ask that our elected officials are submitting to drug tests,” Marlatt said.

He noted drug testing is already in use throughout the private sector, and added that he himself has submitted to random drug testing as a sales representative for Power Rig, an oil and gas drilling company in Woodward.

Marlatt said drug testing is important for several  reasons.

“For one, it’s a safety issue,” he said. “People under the influence of illegal drugs are a lot more likely to be injured or cause an injury in the workplace. Two, it’s illegal to be under the influence of illegal substances, and there should be some accountability there as well.”

“As far as the public sector, you’re working for the taxpayer and handling their dollars,” he said. “I think everyone paying tax dollars would like to know that's (drug and alcohol abuse) not going on with their leaders.”

“Not one person debated against it or voted against it,” he said and noted it pleased him. “We’re always happy to have one of our amendments or bills pass successfully.”

The measure will next be heard in House committee.  If eventually approved by the governor, it would go into effect Nov. 1, 2011.

Text Only
Local News
  • Businesses damaged by high wind

    Two buildings were damaged and several power poles knocked out by high winds in Woodward on Friday night.

    May 26, 2012

  • VFW to hold Memorial Day ceremony

    Memorial Day is a day for people to remember and honor those who have fought and fallen in all of our nation's wars.

    May 26, 2012

  • Voter registration deadline approaching

    Those wanting cast a ballot in the June 26 Primary Election need to be registered to vote by June 1.

    May 26, 2012

  • Alabaster Caverns sets science camp

    FREEDOM - Alabaster Caverns State Park and the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) are teaming up to provide a summer science camp.

    May 26, 2012

  • Giving kids a reason to smile

    SHARON - An area organization wants to give children affected by the April 15 tornado a reason to smile.
    Knowing how much many families lost during the tornado, the newly formed "Make a Child Smile" program seeks to help replace the children's beloved items that were stolen by the storm.

    May 25, 2012

  • Oklahoma House narrowly passes annual budget bill

    OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma House on Thursday narrowly approved a $6.8 billion general appropriations bill to fund state government, just hours after the same bill failed, avoiding the need to return for a special session.

    May 25, 2012

  • Farmer’s Market opening up Saturday

    The Woodward Farmer's Market Association will be back this summer.

    May 25, 2012

  • Officials expect busy weekend on highways


    OKLAHOMA CITY -  AAA Oklahoma expects over 500,000 state residents to be on the road for the Memorial Day holiday. That's a 2.2 percent increase from last year, said Chuck Mai, AAA public affairs vice president.
     

    May 24, 2012

  • Busy summer at library

    The Woodward Public Library will be staying busy in months to come with several summer reading programs.

    May 24, 2012

  • Quinlan event set

    QUINLAN - The annual Quinlan Alumni and Former Quinlan Students' covered dish supper is Saturday at the Quinlan Fellowship Hall.

    May 24, 2012