MS HB879

Law enforcement officers who test positive for drugs on a urine test must be given the opportunity to undergo a second more scientifically reliable test before termination or suspension without pay.

Officers with a positive urine test result may be placed on administrative leave with pay and have two days after written notification to contest the results.

Officers contesting results have five days to submit a hair follicle sample at a certified laboratory for drug analysis.

If the hair follicle test is negative, the officer is reimbursed for the test cost and returned to their previous position; if positive, the officer bears the test cost.

The act takes effect July 1, 2020.