News Briefs

Ariz. could deny benefits to those who test positive for drugs, alcohol

Arizona lawmakers have preliminarily approved a bill and constitutional amendment that would deny workers’ compensation benefits to employees injured or killed on the job who test positive for alcohol or illegal drugs.

Workers who have drugs or alcohol in their systems are presumed to have caused their own injuries, meaning they would be ineligible for benefits unless the employee or survivors can prove that the substances did not lead to the injury or death, according to Rep. John McCormish.

Before the bill is enacted it must pass through a roll-call vote in the House, pass the Senate and be signed by the governor. The constitutional amendment also must go to voters to be enacted.