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Golden’s drug-free workplace legislation signed into law
May 30 , 2007 -- Atlanta, GA -- State Sen. Tim Golden (D-Valdosta) said Wednesday he is pleased that legislation he introduced, strengthening Georgia’s drug-free workplace program, has now been signed into law by Governor Perdue.
Senate Bill 96, which overwhelmingly passed the state Senate and House of Representatives during the recent legislative session, will allow employers to conduct on-site and oral drug testing of employees to ensure compliance with the state’s “Drugs Don’t Work” laws and maintain a healthy working environment.
“This legislation had the strong support of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and many other advocates of safe and drug-free workplaces that protect not only business owners, but employees and consumers as well,” said Senator Golden. He continued, “This legislation will now enable employers to screen workers during the pre-employment application process on site with the use of oral testing; thereby streamlining the process for both employers and employees and it reduces the cost of compliance under this program for business. Thanks to the Drug-free workplace program, Georgia workers can be assured of a safe and secure work environment.”
Senator Golden has been the leading advocate of the Drugs Don’t Work Program in the Georgia Legislature. This program allows employers who qualify for the program to receive a 7.5% reduction in their workers compensation premium costs. Golden pointed out that SB 96 was approved by a vote of 56-0 in the Senate and 160-2 in the House, thanks to broad bipartisan support.
Golden, serving his fifth term in the Senate, represents Georgia’s 8th District, including Brooks and Lowndes counties and parts of Cook and Thomas counties. He is secretary of the Senate Appropriations Committee and also serves on the Finance, Insurance & Labor, Higher Education, and Government Oversight committees. He is chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
- Sen. Tim Golden represents the 8th District (Brooks, Cook, Lowndes, and Thomas counties) in the Georgia State Senate. He serves as Secretary of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, is a member of the influential Finance Committee, as well as the Insurance and Labor, Higher Education, and Government Oversight Committees. Contact him at 121-A State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334; by phone at 404-656-7580; or by e-mail at tim.golden@senate.ga.gov.
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