New Hampshire House Bill HB585

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23
• Report DNP: 3/1/23

Caption

Relative to screening law enforcement officer candidates for steroids and requiring law enforcement officers to be screened for steroids in complaints involving the use of excessive force.

Impact

If passed, HB585 will amend current law to include steroid screenings in the pre-employment process for new law enforcement candidates and in investigations of officers faced with excessive force complaints. This legislative move is seen as a direct effort to ensure accountability and maintain public trust in law enforcement. Agencies will be required to document and forward drug screening results to the respective hiring authorities, which could affect the employment status of candidates who fail these tests.

Summary

House Bill 585 (HB585) aims to enhance the screening process for law enforcement officer candidates and existing officers by requiring them to undergo testing for anabolic and testosterone-boosting steroids. The bill mandates that any officer involved in a complaint concerning excessive use of force must also be tested for these substances. This means that law enforcement agencies will implement drug screenings as part of their complaint review process, thereby addressing concerns about potential influence of steroid use on an officer's behavior during incidents of excessive force.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB585 seems to be cautious yet supportive among proponents who believe that these regulations could mitigate issues of police misconduct related to drug use. Advocates of the bill argue that regular drug testing, especially for officers in positions of authority, helps foster a safer environment for communities. However, some opponents could raise concerns about the implications of the screenings on officer privacy and the potential stigma associated with steroid use, especially for those with medically approved uses.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between ensuring public safety and preserving the rights and privacy of law enforcement officers. There may also be debates about the feasibility of implementing such screenings uniformly across agencies, as well as potential costs and logistical challenges associated with the new testing requirements. Additionally, the exemption clause for medically-approved steroid use may lead to discussions about what constitutes acceptable medical use and how that will be regulated.