Iowa House Bill HF788

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/5/25
• Refer: 4/3/25

Caption

A bill for an act requiring employees of the department of transportation to provide a specimen for alcohol and drug analysis following a commercial motor vehicle accident or collision resulting in injury or death, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HF 162.)

Impact

The bill introduces penalties for non-compliance by designating a violation as a simple misdemeanor, potentially punishable by up to 30 days of confinement and a fine ranging from $105 to $855. This legal framework underscores the seriousness of operating under the influence while on duty and acts as a deterrent against such behaviors. By instituting mandatory testing for state employees in the transportation sector, HF788 aims to create a safer environment for both operators and the public, reinforcing the legislative focus on responsibility among government employees.

Summary

House File 788 (HF788) mandates that employees of the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) must provide a urine specimen for alcohol and drug analysis if they are involved in a commercial motor vehicle accident that results in injury or death. This bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that state employees operating vehicles that could potentially harm others are held accountable and tested for substance use following serious incidents. The requirement is set to ensure timely testing within two hours of the accident, which is critical for accurate results.

Contention

Though there appears to be a general support for the bill’s intent to improve safety, potential points of contention may arise around the implementation of such testing and the privacy rights of the employees. There may be concerns regarding what constitutes a reasonable ground for testing and how the results will be managed, especially regarding the implications for employees' careers. Critics might argue that the bill doesn't sufficiently address concerns about false positives or the reluctance of employees to report their involvement in accidents due to potential repercussions stemming from the mandatory drug testing requirement.