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.
