PANEL BALKS AT PROPOSED BILL TO TEST FOR DRUGS AT ACCIDENTS

Topeka - A House committee on Thursday postponed voting on a bill that
would require drug testing at major traffic accidents.

Several committee members said more work was needed on the
proposal.

Under House Bill 2617, people involved in accidents that resulted in
serious injuries or fatalities would have to submit to drug tests.

Currently, such a test, frequently a blood sample, can be ordered only
if there is reasonable suspicion of drug use.

The new proposal was prompted by the death of Amanda Bixby, 19, who
was killed in a wreck last year. Her parents, Dennis and Denise Bixby,
of Tonganoxie, said the person who struck Amanda should have been
tested for drugs.

But on Thursday, several committee members said they were concerned
that under the proposed bill, blood could be drawn from people even
though they were not at fault and under no suspicion.

State Rep. Marti Crow, D-Leavenworth, gave several examples that she
knew about.

In one, a person wrecked a car while trying to avoid a tire that fell
from the back of a truck. The car driver's legs had to be amputated,
to remove the person from the wreckage. "You want to test them for
drugs?" Crow asked.

The bill also would require that passengers be drug tested. State Rep.
Thomas "Tim" Owens, R-Overland Park, said, "I think that goes a little
bit too far."

Hospital officials also said there needed to be legal and safety
protections for workers who would have to draw blood.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Mike O'Neal, R-Hutchinson, said he
wanted interested parties to work together and come up with a proposal
soon.

He didn't set a deadline but said: "I do want to work the bill. I just
think it's important that we get it right."