State officials propose drug testing in workplace

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Gov. Jon Huntsman's spokeswoman said a drug-testing proposal would be narrowly focused on state agency workers with access to sensitive information.

The qualification came after a labor association accused the Huntsman administration of mounting a broad-scale attack on public employees.

The plan was unveiled at a legislative hearing Wednesday by the chief administrator over state agencies and a deputy for Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

The random testing was offered as a way to combat identity theft -- authorities say meth users were known to commit financial fraud.

The Utah Public Employees Association says there's scant evidence drug use is a problem in the broader work force. They say it's a solution looking for a problem -- and part of a pattern of attacks on the civil service system. Only troopers, prison guards and others in public safety are subject to random testing.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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