DeLuca Introduces Legislation Requiring Drug Screening for Prospective School Employees

A local state representative unveiled a legislative effort last week that would require prospective school employees to undergo pre-employment drug screening.

State Rep. Tony DeLuca, D-Penn Hills, discussed the details of H.B. 810 at a Capitol news conference. If approved, the legislation would require drug screening for all prospective employees of public and private schools, intermediate units and area vocational technical schools, according to a news release.

DeLuca's legislative district covers Plum and Verona boroughs.

“This straightforward piece of legislation would ensure that prospective employees are healthy, alert and productive, a reasonable expectation of those responsible for the safety and well-being of children,” DeLuca said in the news release.

School employees are currently required to submit to pre-employment criminal background checks and child abuse clearances, but no mandates are in place for pre-employment drug screening. 

"Many employers require drug screening prior to offering an applicant a position," DeLuca said. “We too, have a responsibility to prevent those under the influence of drugs from serving as role models to our young people.”

DeLuca referenced a case from 2012 where a teacher in central Pennsylvania was indicted on federal drug trafficking charges over a period of more than five years. 

“If my bill had been in effect, that individual would not have been hired and in constant daily contact with impressionable school students,” DeLuca said. “We require our schools to be drug-free zones. Before an individual is hired, we should require they adhere to that policy ”

The bill is expected to be referred to the House Education Committee.

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