The proposed bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new section, 4-2A-5a, which mandates drug testing for members of the Legislature. The bill asserts that legislators, as public figures, have a diminished expectation of privacy and that their responsibilities significantly affect public safety. Consequently, it establishes that being drug-free is a reasonable requirement for legislators.

Under the new provisions, no legislator will be eligible to receive compensation or expense reimbursement unless they successfully pass an annual drug test for all illegal drugs and any legal drugs for which they do not possess a prescription. The drug tests must be completed by December 31 each year, and failure to pass or take the test will result in the legislator being ineligible for compensation or reimbursement for any legislative activities. Additionally, each legislator is responsible for covering the costs of their drug test.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 4-2A-5a