Editorial: Mandatory drug tests flunk

Private tragedy doesn't always make good policy. Case in point: legislation proposed by Assemb. Joseph Saladino (R-Massapequa) that would require parents of high school students to subject their children to an annual drug test.

The bill was requested by the parents of a 22-year-old man who died of a heroin overdose two years ago. Yet this tragedy is no excuse for imposing a costly and invasive burden on every family that has a teenager in high school.

Under Saladino's misguided plan, parents would have to swear that the test was performed. Results wouldn't have to be disclosed, but that's small consolation for such needless intrusion. Fortunately, the bill has no chance of becoming law, and for good reason. Not every piece of legislation that involves a drug test can pass the smell test.