SB440 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Trip Pittman

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Greg J. ReedVivian Davis FiguresBobby D. Singleton

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Legislature, members, required to be tested if reasonable suspicion person might be using controlled substances, Section 47 (Section 47, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended), am'd., const. amend.

Summary

This bill would amend Alabama's Constitution to require lawmakers to be drug-tested if there is reasonable suspicion they used controlled substances, with periodic screenings and related disclosures.

What This Bill Does

It would amend Section 47 to require members of the Legislature (senators and representatives) to undergo drug tests when there is reasonable suspicion they might be using illegal controlled substances. New lawmakers must certify upon taking office whether they have been convicted of illegal controlled substance crimes within the previous five years. If there is reasonable suspicion, legislators would be subjected to periodic drug screenings, with the testing costs paid by the person tested. Positive test results would be referred to the appropriate legislative committee governing internal affairs for handling.

Who It Affects

• Members of the Alabama Legislature (senators and representatives) could be subjected to periodic drug screenings if there is reasonable suspicion based on a prior conviction within five years, and must disclose prior illegal substance convictions; they would pay testing costs; positive results trigger committee review.
• Legislative internal affairs committees would handle positive test results and determine appropriate actions.

Key Provisions

• Amend Section 47 to require periodic drug screenings for legislators when 'reasonable suspicion' exists (defined as a prior conviction for illegal controlled substances within five years before election).
• Require legislators to certify, upon taking office, whether they have been convicted of illegal controlled substance offenses within the previous five years.
• Costs of the screenings are borne by the tested legislator.
• Positive test results are referred to the appropriate legislative internal affairs committee for handling.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments