|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Tony DeLuca |
|
DeLuca introduces bill to require drug testing for school applicants
HARRISBURG, June 19 – State Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation that would require applicants for jobs in public and private schools in Pennsylvania to undergo drug testing as a condition of being hired.
The legislation would not affect current school employees.
DeLuca, chairman of the House Insurance Committee, said his legislation (H.B. 1749) would also require contractors who have contact with children in schools to submit to drug testing.
"One of my legislative priorities is to protect our children from potentially harmful situations that could occur in schools," DeLuca said.
DeLuca said his bill would require people applying for administrative and other positions in school districts, as well as with vocational-technical and intermediate units, to undergo drug testing. An applicant would have to submit to the drug test after a job offer has been received but before the final hiring date by the school district.
The Allegheny County lawmaker said the state Department of Education would develop regulations for drug testing for school district applicants.
The bill is expected to be referred to a committee soon for consideration.
###