Bill would create hair-test pilot program for drug use

Washington – A bill (.pdf file) introduced Dec. 5 by Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) would require the Department of Transportation to conduct a pilot program to evaluate the use of hair samples for pre-employment screening of commercial motor vehicle drivers for illicit drug use.

If enacted, program participants would continue to follow current DOT testing regulations, such as urine testing, while beginning to test hair samples of CMV operator applicants.

DOT would be required to report no later than 33 months after the bill’s enactment on whether hair testing is more effective than other testing methods and whether it is less likely to result in false results or test tampering.

At press time, the bill had moved to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.