Lawmakers eyed, too, in drug test bill

Published: 2/28/2013 9:30 PM | Last update: 3/1/2013 10:48 AM

Sen. Jay Emler, R-Lindsborg, was one of two Republicans voting Thursday against drug-testing Senate Bill No. 149. It sailed through on a 31-8 vote. The bill goes to the House for consideration.

"Many people from my district have asked me if legislation that required drug testing for welfare recipients could be brought forward in Kansas. I don't think taxpayers should be subsidizing drug addictions," Love said in a statement.

"More importantly, I have seen the ill effects of those on welfare, who are fathers and mothers, who use the welfare money for drugs, and also how that negatively impacts their families. While some feel we are being passionate, some of our welfare policies are really promoting a culture of poverty," Love wrote.

Drug screening can be ordered "when reasonable suspicion exists" that an applicant or recipient of cash aid is unlawfully using a controlled substance, the bill states.

Opponents expressed concern during a prior committee hearing that state officials could presume welfare recipients were on drugs.

Senate Majority Leader Terry Bruce said the legislation "provides the help and services those struggling with drug addiction need."

For those failing the drug test, he noted, assistance is suspended until they have completed drug rehabilitation and a job-skills training program. Penalties stiffen with subsequent failed tests.

"Failing to end the cycle of dependency on both drug use and government assistance harms the same people the opponents purport to help," Bruce said in a statement.

Go here to see the original:
Lawmakers eyed, too, in drug test bill