BILL REQ. #:  H-3583.2 

Read first time 01/19/12.   Referred to Committee on Labor & Workforce Development.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring law enforcement agencies and fire departments to suspend an employee who is involved in the use of illegal drugs; and adding a new section to chapter 43.101 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 43.101 RCW to read as follows:
     Law enforcement agencies and fire departments that have probable cause to believe an individual with the agency, including all employees and officers of the agency, is involved in the use of illegal drugs shall immediately suspend that individual from his or her duties until it is affirmatively determined by the agency either that (1) the person is not involved with illegal drug use, in which case the person may resume their duties; or (2) the person was involved in illegal drug use, in which case the agency must take whatever disciplinary measures it deems appropriate, including termination, and if the person is not terminated the person may not resume his or her duties until the agency is satisfied the person is qualified to do so. The employee may be subject to random drug testing.