Drug testing of lawmakers added to Kansas bill

TOPEKA — State lawmakers may have to take a test to prove they’re not on drugs.

That’s because senators tentatively agreed Wednesday to add lawmakers to a bill that requires drug tests of any welfare or unemployment recipient who state officials reasonably suspect is using illegal substances.

“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander,” said Wichita Democratic Sen. Oletha Faust-Goudeau, who opposed testing the poor and unemployed but wanted to include lawmakers if the idea were to pass.

Lawmakers, however, shot down another proposal that would have required drug tests of businesspeople controlling companies that get economic incentives from the state.

The 29-7 vote against including business owners appeared to hinge on criticism that many companies have thousands of shareholders and corporate officers, often outside the state, who might have to be tested.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/02/27/4091117/drug-testing-of-lawmakers-added.html#storylink=cpy