Bill would require drug testing of Ohio lawmakers

COLUMBUS — State lawmakers would be required to pass drug tests under legislation being considered in the Ohio Senate.

Sen. Nina Turner, D-Cleveland, offered SB 212 in response to drug testing implemented in other states and considered in Ohio for welfare recipients.

“If we are going to be sincere in preventing individuals from obtaining public funds while also using illegal drugs, then we should start with the people who have the greatest impact on state dollars — elected officials,” Turner told members of the Ohio Senate’s State Government Oversight and Reform Committee, where the bill had a first hearing Tuesday. “Elected officials should be held to the same level of accountability as single mothers receiving help to get back on their feet.”

The bill would require annual drug tests, plus additional random tests, for all senators and representatives.