House committee approves bill allowing oral-fluid drug testing and on-site collection for local governments

Salt Lake City — The House Political Subdivisions Committee unanimously approved HB 246 on Jan. 29 and placed the measure on the consent calendar. The bill updates existing state law to add oral fluids as an authorized sample type for pre-employment drug testing by local government employers and allows sample collection in the employer’s office when conducted according to industry standards.

Representative Malloy introduced the bill and said it clarifies and modernizes testing options for municipalities and local higher-education institutions that use pre-employment screening. David Kitchen, human resources director for the city of Lehi, told the committee that allowing on-site collection would reduce logistical burdens on applicants and save time while still sending samples to certified laboratories for analysis.

Committee members asked technical questions — for example Representative Ward asked about the difference between ‘saliva’ and the technical term ‘oral fluid.’ Kitchen and others explained that oral-fluid collection methods vary (sponges, swabs) and that specific kit terminology reflects industry standards. No public opposition appeared during the hearing.

The committee voted unanimously to pass HB 246 and later placed the bill on the consent calendar, indicating broad bipartisan support and no further committee-level objections.

Next steps: HB 246 will proceed on the House consent calendar for consideration by the full House under the Legislature’s consent procedures.