Legislation to ban synthetic urine used to pass a workplace drug test is one of four proposed laws now up for debate in Parliament after being pulled from the ballot.
Member's Bills are introduced by MPs who are not ministers. Every second Wednesday time is allocated to debate them. New Member's Bills are picked when space becomes available on Parliament's agenda.
Four proposed laws were pulled at random from the Member's Bill biscuit tin in Parliament on Thursday, meaning they will be debated by MPs on the next 'member's day'.
National MP Matt Doocey submitted his proposed law to ban synthetic urine after being approached by a business owner who told him a staff member passed a workplace drug test by using synthetic urine.
"This constituent runs a large agricultural contracting business and was alarmed at the availability of synthetic urine," Doocey said on Thursday, after his Member's Bill was pulled from the ballot.
"The use of synthetic urine could see someone pass a drug test when they shouldn't have and then go on to operate heavy machinery, putting their life and the lives of their colleagues at risk."
Synthetic urine is currently available from stores such as Cosmic and The Hemp Store.
The legislation has support from Kirk Hardy, the CEO of the Drug Detection Agency, who says "any move towards protecting the safety of employees and members of the public in the workplace is a positive step forward".
Doocey said: "I hope all parties in Parliament see the harm in allowing synthetic urine to be sold as a means to cheat a drug test and will support this sensible law change to keep Kiwis safe."
Labour MP Steph Lewis had her proposed law pulled from the ballot too. It proposes making it mandatory for airlines to provide all incoming passengers with information about biosecurity in New Zealand and how to protect the environment.
"At the moment, when airlines are flying into New Zealand, it's optional for them to provide passengers with information about our unique biosecurity," Lewis told reporters. "What this Bill aims to do is actually make that mandatory."
Lewis said she took on the Bill with Conservation Minister Kiri Allan.
"Having come from the regions, I understand that a significant biosecurity incursion here in New Zealand would have a huge detrimental impact on our horticulture and our agriculture sectors," she said. "It would be pretty devastating for our rural communities."
National MP Erica Stanford's proposed law to give police stronger powers to charge someone with robbery was also pulled from the ballot.
"At the moment the law states that if someone commits robbery, there has to be the threat of violence or an assault along with an intent to permanently deprive the victim of their possession," Stanford explained.
"So if someone carjacks you and takes the vehicle for a joyride and then dumps it, it's difficult for police to successfully prosecute the offender because they may not have permanently taken the car."
Stanford said police have expressed frustration to her about the loophole.
National MP Andrew Bayly also got lucky with his Bill pulled from the ballot. It's a proposed law change that would help police track stolen goods being sold through second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers.
The law change would require second-hand dealers and pawnbrokers to keep and supply electronic records to help police access them, because many dealers appear to only keep handwritten records or printed computer copies to comply with their current obligations under the law.
"This will allow police to receive the records by email, process them electronically, and compare the data against records of known burglars and stolen property, faster," Bayly said.
"The law hasn't kept pace with technology in this area, and this common sense amendment will help police do their job quicker and more effectively."
