Idaho Schools Plan Nicotine Testing

Cassia County School District is making plants to test their student athletes for nicotine use. 20% of Idaho teenagers use tobacco illegally.

The student athletes are already undergoing mandatory drug and alcohol testing.

Cassia County School District Superintendent Gaylen Smyer stated that when "the athletes make the team they will be randomly tested throughout the season. When the athletes are randomly tested 50% of the tests will check for the presence of nicotine."

The school district will use the data received from the random tests to further document cigarette use among teenagers. Offending teens shouldn't receive as severe punishment for positive tests since nicotine is not an illegal drug like marijuana or cocaine. However, it is illegal of children under the age of 18 to posses nicotine, so it should be taken seriously and the matter handled proactively with counseling and support.

Read more...

Drug Tests for California Lawmakers?

That is what some are suggesting, though they will need to gather 430,000 signatures in 150 days to get the initiative on the floor for a vote.

"Drug testing and sobriety checkpoints? I can't walk a straight line because I have vertigo so I don't know if I would pass that test," said Assemblywoman Norma Torres, D-Ontario.

The ballot is about getting proof that the lawmakers are not on drugs or alcohol, and many site the financial difficulty the state has faced a good reason to keep track of the legislation.

"It certainly can appear like there's some serious substance abuse going on when you see some of these crazy votes," said Assemblyman Anthony Adams, R-Los Angeles.

The proposal is getting a few laughs around the Capitol, but testing for any intoxicated politicians won't solve California's low cash flow.

"I think what's going on in California is what is going on globally. It's the economy, stupid," Assemb. Torres said. "It really is."

Read more...

Homeless Face Background Checks

Doing their part to protect the homeless, a shelter in Harrisonburg, VA is running background checks as well as alcohol and drug tests on the many people lining up outside their door. The measure is to protect those who are living a life of sobriety on the streets from the potential threat of those who are not.

The recent cold that's been ravaging the United States these last few weeks have many of the nation's homeless scrambling to save their lives. Though temperatures have moderated somewhat in the last week, Harrisonburg, VA still faces single digits. Executive Director of Mercy House, Twila Lee said the doors are open to anybody, but they must meet certain requirements.

Anybody not eligible for shelter in Mercy House will be accepted at the Salvation Army.

Read more...