A new bill making its way through Congress could change how drug test results are reported in the trucking world.

The details: Rep. Eric Crawford (R-AR) introduced H.R. 4320 on July 10. If passed, the bill would let positive hair drug test results be entered into the FMCSA’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse.

• Right now, only urinalysis or oral fluid test results required by DOT rules can go into the Clearinghouse.
• Hair testing is already being used by some carriers. Supporters say it has a longer detection window (up to 90 days versus just a few days for urine).
• Groups like the Trucking Alliance have been pushing for years to allow this kind of testing to be included in the Clearinghouse.

The other side: The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) argues against using hair tests. They say urine tests are better at picking up recent drug use, and that hair test results can be inconsistent, especially across different races.

The bill has been sent to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for further consideration, according to congress.gov.