Random drug testing is set to be introduced for MPs and Senators, with repeat offenders facing suspension and public disclosure.

If the move is backed by Parliamentarians at least 15 legislators will be tested every quarter.

The report states: “As members of either the House of Assembly or the Senate, legislators are guardians of public morality and the rule of law under our Constitution.

“Any engagement by them in illicit drug taking not only constitutes a breach of the trust and authority conferred on them by the community, but calls into question their ability to uphold the principles of public morality and the rule of law and to lead by example.

“It is therefore a matter of policy that no member of the Legislature should be involved in the consumption of illegal drugs.”

The joint select committee said a random method of testing should be used to ensure “fairness and impartiality” and that new rules should be included either in the rules for the House and Senate or through legislation.

The committee also recommended that hair testing for drugs should be used as it is the “least invasive” test available, and also impossible to cheat because hair specimens cannot be adulterated or substituted.

And it added that, for reasons of confidentiality, a private firm, Benedict Associates, should manage the programme.

“This company has a successful track record in managing random drug testing programmes for businesses in Bermuda and incorporates the ancillary programmes that may be necessary,” the report stated.

And it recommended that Speaker of the House Randy Horton should sign up “an appropriate body” to make a presentation on drugs and their usage to Members of Parliament before a new policy on testing is introduced.

“Such a presentation will provide Members of the Legislature with information about the dangers of the drugs that are to be tested for and how indulgence in the various substances can sully their professional integrity and public morality,” states the report.

“The Members will also be informed as to how the random drug testing programme will be conducted.”

The report recommended a two tier system of sanctions — one for marijuana and the other for harder drugs like cocaine and heroin.

A first or second failure for soft drugs will lead to a period of targeted testing with no report made to the Speaker or Senate President, but a third failure will mean a four-sitting suspension and a public announcement of the reason.

For hard drugs, a first failure will mean a programme of drug therapy and the Speaker or Senate President will be informed and a four-sitting suspension enforced, while the subject will have to undergo regular testing until all traces of the hard drug are gone.

A second failure will lead to continued therapy, an eight-sitting suspension will be slapped on the offender — with public disclosure made in both cases.

For third and subsequent failures, offenders will be subject to further eight-sitting suspensions.