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Senate Approves Easier and Less Invasive Drug and Alcohol Testing Method
JUNEAU - Employers and employees in Alaska would have a simpler option for drug and alcohol testing under Senate Bill 196, which passed the Senate unanimously today. Sponsored by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee, the bill would add saliva or “oral fluids” to the samples an employer may collect for testing.
“Testing saliva for drugs and alcohol is easier for employers and employees than urine testing,” said Senator Jesse Bjorkman (R Nikiski), chair of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee. “An employee doesn’t have to have access to a restroom to collect the sample, and observing the process to confirm it is from the person being tested is less awkward for those involved.”
Under AS 23.10.620(c), employees may not bring suit against an employer related to drug and alcohol testing or any subsequent employment actions if the employer is following the law, their internal written testing policy, and acting in good faith. The statute currently covers the collection and testing of urine or breath samples, and Senate Bill 196 would add oral fluids to the list.
While urine tests provide evidence of the use of a drug over a longer window of time, oral fluids can show the presence of drugs in a person’s system more quickly and at lower concentrations for some substances. In addition to an easier collection process, oral fluid testing may also cost the employer less than other methods. Together, these attributes could allow for more frequent testing leading to greater on-the-job safety for employees, their coworkers, and members of the public.
The United States Department of Transportation promulgated regulations in 2023 allowing employers to collect and test oral fluid samples for commercial driver’s license holders, and requiring the use of oral fluid testing for transgender and non-binary people as same-gender observers are required for urine sample collections. Public comment on the regulations package suggests that the option for oral fluid testing will be very well received by employees in addition to the benefits it provides to employers.
The Alaska Chamber of Commerce, The Alliance, Alaska Oil and Gas Association, Alaska Telecom Association, Resource Development Council, Alaska Power Association, and Alaska Telecom Association submitted letters in support of the legislation. Senate Bill 196 now goes to the House for consideration.
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