Initiative would test lawmakers for drugs and alcohol

-- Require lawmakers to be tested for the illegal use of drugs and the "habitual use of alcohol.

-- Prevent a lawmaker who tests positive from performing his or her official duties or from getting paid until they complete a substance abuse program at their own expense.

-- Require a lawmaker to permanently forfeit his or her office upon a second positive test.

-- Provide an exception for use of medicinal marijuana under a doctor's care.

The proponents for this measure must collect signatures from 433,971 registered voters,  the number equal to 5 percent of the votes cast for governor in the 2006 gubernatorial election, in order to qualify it for the ballot.

The proponents -- Dorothy Cummings and Gary Ellis -- have 150 days to circulate petitions for this measure, meaning the signatures must be collected by Dec. 10.

Cummings and Ellis can be reached at P.O. Box 969, Lake Arrowhead, Calif. 92352.