Drug Tests For Welfare Recipients Proposed

Lawmakers have proposed a bill that requires random drug tests for anyone getting unemployment benefits or welfare.

Rep. Michael Harden said the drug test would cost no more than $25 and the test would be paid for by the person taking it, not the taxpayers. Harden said the state would cut off anyone who refuses the test or fails the test.

"They want to know at without a doubt that their tax dollars are not going to support illegal drug activity," Harden said.

"We have to make sure these people, particularly if they are on the unemployment line, have the ability to go back to work and one of the things that's preventing them from having that opportunity is the fact they can't get past the drug test," said state Rep. Jimmy Pruett.

The proposed bill has angered some people receiving unemployment.

"I think it's an invasion of privacy. It's an unnecessary burden on the people who are trying to find work," said George Lawson, who has been out of work for a year.

Sponsors of the bill said the bill is trying to help, not hurt.

"The government needs to be in a role of not enabling folks to have an addiction," said state Rep. Clay Cox.

Both the Georgia AFL-CIO Labor Union and the Georgia Drug Use prevention coalition have expressed opposition to the bill. The ACLU said the drug testing of welfare recipients may be unconstitutional.

The bill's sponsors said six other states have passed similar legislation.

Channel 2 received mixed comments from its Facebook fanpage. One person for the bill said, "Yes they should. We have to be tested for jobs, why not those that sit at home and draw the money from the government?"

A person against the bill said, "Working class people also stay strung out on drugs. I think it would be a waste of time and money. I don't see what benefit would come out of it. Half the industries that should be tested, are not. Let an employer test them if they so choose."

Join the discussion on Facebook