Louisiana House Bill HB379

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/15
• Refer: 4/2/15
• Refer: 4/13/15
• Report Pass: 4/22/15
• Engrossed: 5/5/15
• Refer: 5/6/15
• Report Pass: 5/20/15
• Enrolled: 5/27/15
• Chaptered: 6/5/15
• Passed: 6/5/15

Caption

Provides relative to drug testing standards

Impact

The changes proposed in HB 379 stand to influence various state laws related to workplace drug testing protocols. By mandating that all drug tests be conducted in CAP-FDT-certified laboratories, the bill aims to eliminate inconsistencies in testing standards, which could lead to improved outcomes both in terms of accuracy in drug-related decisions and in the potential for legal challenges from employees facing adverse outcomes due to testing. Consequently, this legislation may provide a framework for establishing fairer drug testing practices across the state for both public and private entities.

Summary

House Bill 379 aims to amend and modernize the standards for drug testing within the state of Louisiana by specifying that drug tests be conducted by laboratories certified under certain national standards. By defining 'CAP-FDT-certified laboratories' as those accredited by the College of American Pathologists for forensic hair drug testing, the bill seeks to enhance the reliability and validity of drug testing procedures. This legislation reflects an effort to ensure that the methods and processes used in testing adhere to established benchmarks, thereby protecting both employees and employers in the workplace.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 379 appears to be largely supportive among legislators who view the establishment of rigorous testing standards as a necessary step towards promoting responsible drug use policies in the workplace. There is recognition among proponents that enhancing testing credibility can potentially lead to broader acceptance and adherence to these standards by employers. However, there may also be concerns raised by advocacy groups regarding the implications of drug testing policies and their impacts on employees’ privacy rights and due process.

Contention

Notably, contention surrounding HB 379 could emerge from discussions on how enforced drug testing may affect employees, especially in contexts where the validity of drug tests can be questioned. Some legislators and advocacy groups may argue that rigid testing protocols could perpetuate stigma against certain individuals, or that they might be misapplied or overapplied in ways that could unjustly harm individuals’ employment prospects. Thus, while the bill promotes higher standards in drug testing, the broader implications for employee rights and workplace culture remain crucial points of debate.