Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Friday passed House Bill 422, sponsored by the House Labor and Commerce Committee.

HB 422 makes it clear that no workers' compensation would be payable for incidents in which an injury was proximately caused by the consumption of alcohol or the use of drugs. Drugs prescribed by a physician would not cause the loss of a worker's compensation.

"The State should support the many Alaskan employers who have adopted written policies of zero tolerance for alcohol and drug use on the job," said Representative Norman Rokeberg, Chair of the House Labor and Commerce Committee. "If a worker is injured on the job due to a violation of either the law or an employment policy concerning drugs or alcohol, the employer should not be forced to bear the full brunt of the cost of the accident."

The provisions of HB 422 would only apply to injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2000, the effective date of the bill.

HB 422 passed the House 29-3.

Sponsor Statement for HB 422

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Norman Rokeberg, 148 K