The Oregon Senate Committee on Labor and Business reviewed Senate Bill 748, which would authorize drug testing for anyone filing for unemployment benefits if they were fired for drug usage or if their field of work requires frequent testing, such as in trucking or aviation. Supporters say that the bill promotes job preparedness and offers a road to reemployment. Labor activists claim that increasing barriers to unemployment benefits could affect vulnerable workers, perhaps leading to homelessness or financial instability. If passed, the legislation may transform Oregon's unemployment system by imposing new eligibility rules.
See "Oregon bill sparks debate over drug testing for unemployment benefits in certain cases", Vasili Varlamos, KMTR , January 29, 2025