Pilot Program for Drug Testing of ‘suspicious’ Welfare Recipients

State Representative Joseph Graves announced yesterday that he supported a one year pilot program, House Bill 4118, that will drug test welfare recipients suspected of drug use. After one year the Department of Human Services will report the findings to Legislature.

The program will start in three counties across the state. It is up to he discretion of the DHS as to which three counties that is.

"Welfare dollars should not support anyone's drug habit and this common-sense legislation makes sure that is no longer possible," said Graves.

First time offenders will be referred to a substance abuse agency for treatment. Those who comply would still receive benefits, those who refute would lose them. The bill also calls for the recipient being tested to pay for the cost of the test.

The bill now goes for Senate consideration.