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Senate advances construction procurement bill clarifying drug and alcohol testing exceptions
Summary
Senate Bill 13, addressing state construction contracts and drug/alcohol testing, passed the Senate after sponsors and colleagues debated procurement exceptions for sole‑source and emergency contracts; final Senate action was 27‑2 in favor.
Sen. Maine presented Senate Bill 13, a measure about State Construction Contracts and drug and alcohol testing provisions, saying committee counsel and the Division of Facilities Construction and Management (DFCM) had been involved in drafting and that a fact sheet addressed the sole‑source question.
Sen. Greiner questioned whether the bill allowed a procurement authority to carve out agencies from drug‑and‑alcohol requirements — particularly in sole‑source contracts or when federal funds could be jeopardized — and asked whether contractors should be required to have policies prior to bidding. Sen. Davis replied that the exceptions and procurement discretion were laid out to address federal funding issues, sole‑source enforcement practicalities and emergency procurements such as flood recovery.
Sen. Maine urged passage, saying the bill would "save lives" and benefit public safety. The Senate voted and SB 13 passed with 27 yea votes and 2 nay votes; it will be transmitted to the House for further action.
The Senate floor exchange focused on balancing procurement flexibility (for federal compliance and emergencies) with ensuring contractor policies. The record does not include committee amendments adopted on the floor or an implementation date for compliance requirements.
