Bill > S486

This bill establishes new procedures for drug testing State law enforcement officers, excluding State Police officers and troopers, by requiring that when an officer undergoes a urine analysis for drugs or controlled substances, they have the right to split their sample and have one portion tested by a private, State-certified laboratory in addition to the State's laboratory. To ensure the accuracy and integrity of these tests, the bill mandates that urine samples be securely sealed in the officer's presence with tamper-proof tape, and that all collection, handling, transportation, and storage of specimens adhere to industry standards and practices that maintain the chain of custody, meaning the evidence is properly accounted for at every step. Furthermore, if the results from the State laboratory and the private laboratory differ, no charges can be filed against the officer, and any existing charges must be dismissed, with the officer being reinstated and their record cleared of any drug-related allegations unless they consent otherwise. The bill also specifies that random drug tests cannot occur more than once every 30 days at any State law enforcement facility or station, and officers on approved leave of absence will not be subjected to random testing.