The National Drug & Alcohol Screening Association has had a major win today with language added to the MORE ACT that allows continued marijuana drug testing for DOT safety-sensitive workers!
The MORE Act is an attempt to remove marijuana from the list of federally banned controlled substances and is expected to come up for a vote in the House later this week.
After NDASA focused efforts on the House Judiciary Committee this past fall, the new language was added to the bill and was submitted to the House Rules Committee on Monday. It impacts regulations on drug and alcohol testing at the FAA, FRA, FTA and the FMCSA.
NDASA Board Chairman, Jim Greer states, “The decision to provide language for a safety carve-out was the right one and will protect the public when it comes to transportation safety. NDASA’s efforts were a leading factor in promoting this necessary safety protection.”
According to POLITICO: “Federal transportation agencies will continue to be able to test workers in “safety sensitive” jobs for marijuana use under language that was added to a bill removing federal penalties on marijuana possession.
“The added language adds the ability for drug tests to be required for any Schedule I substance and “any substance … that was a substance under such section as of December 1, 2018, and whose use the Secretary of Transportation decides has a risk to transportation safety.” Marijuana was a Schedule I substance as of Dec.1, 2018.”
Brian Drew, the NDASA Governmental Affairs Chairman says, “NDASA commends the committee for updating the language to ensure that public safety is a greater priority than the legalization of marijuana. We are proud to have led the charge to ensure safety is first and are thrilled the committee members have included this language.”