Mo. House backs drug tests for some on welfare

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The Missouri House has passed a bill allowing drug tests of welfare recipients and applicants if the state suspects they're using illegal drugs.

The House bill would deny Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits for one year to suspected drug users if they failed the test given by the Department of Social Services.

Monday's vote of 116-27 in the House sends the measure to the Senate, where a committee is considering similar legislation.

Supporters say taxpayers don't want their money to fund a person's addiction. Opponents of the bill say it does not help addicts get treatment to get rid of their habit.

------

Drug testing bill is HB73

Online:

Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov