State bill would require drug tests for lawmakers

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — With a first name like "Trip," an Alabama senator was bound to prompt jokes by pushing a bill mandating drug testing for legislators. But Sen. Trip Pittman says he's serious. The Republican from Daphne is trying to pass a bill requiring drug testing of welfare applicants with drug convictions in the last five years, and he says he proposed drug testing for legislators so they can lead by example. Democratic Sen. Bobby Singleton of Greensboro says he has no concerns about taking a drug test, but he doesn't think the Legislature is in the mood to pass the bill. The Kansas Legislature provided for drug testing of legislators and other key state officials last year, but it is still in process of implementing the law.