Alaska Adds Oral Fluid Testing to Voluntary Law

The Alaska legislature recently passed Senate Bill 196 (SB 196), giving employers who choose to comply with the state’s voluntary drug testing law the option to use oral fluid in their workplace(s).

What Is a Voluntary Law?

Voluntary laws are exactly how they sound – voluntary. Employers in Alaska who choose to comply with the law are eligible for extensive legal protections. Employers who desire to receive this benefit must comply with the law in its entirety. Historically, Alaskan employers who used oral fluid testing were prohibited from receiving the benefits offered by the voluntary law, but this change will allow employers to qualify for the legal protections and reap the benefits of oral fluid testing.

What Does SB 196 Say About Oral Fluid?

SB 196 amends the existing law, adding oral fluid as another option for employers in addition to urine and/or breath. Oral fluid can be broadly used in all circumstances where urine and breath were already permitted.

When Can Employers Begin Using Oral Fluid?

Alaska employers that choose to comply with the voluntary law can begin using oral fluid as early as October 28, 2024.

Read the full text of the Alaska SB196 bill

Key Takeaways:

• Alaska’s amended voluntary law now permits oral fluid testing.
• Employers will be able to use oral fluid in compliance with the law in late October 2024.