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Pilot program on modernization of drug testing using voice-based risk assessment

Division A · Title V: MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY · Subtitle B: Recruitment, General Service Authorities and Prohibitions, and Military Records

Plain-language summaryAI

The Department of Defense may run a pilot program to test using automated voice-based technology to identify service members at higher risk for drug use, aiming to improve drug testing efficiency and reduce costs. The program must follow existing drug testing goals, protect privacy, and allow results to be used for disciplinary actions. After up to three years, the Secretary of Defense must report to Congress on the program’s effects on testing volume, costs, personnel time, and readiness.

AI-generated from this section’s text — a quick orientation, not a substitute for the full text below. Not legal advice.

Section Text · Sec. 518.
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(a) Pilot program

The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program to evaluate the use of automated, voice-based risk assessment technology to support targeted drug testing of members of the Armed Forces to determine if such technology can improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and operational readiness of the drug testing programs of the Department of Defense by enabling risk-informed testing in place of universal urinalysis.

(b) Elements

If the Secretary of Defense carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), such pilot program shall—

(1)

make use of automated, voice-based risk assessment technology;

(2)

be executed as part of the Drug Demand Reduction Program of the Department of Defense;

(3)

be conducted consistent with the goals of the drug testing program, including deterrence and to assess the security, military fitness, readiness, good order, and discipline of commands;

(4)

be conducted in a manner that allows the results to be used for punitive or other appropriate actions; and

(5)

be conducted in a manner that protects individual privacy and complies with applicable law and Department policy.

(c) Report

If the Secretary of Defense carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary of Defense establishes such pilot, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of such pilot program, including the impact of the use of automated, voice-based risk assessment technology as described in subsection (a) on testing volume, cost savings, personnel time, and operational readiness.

(d) Termination

If the Secretary of Defense carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), such pilot program shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date on which such pilot program is established.