By AP/Rachel Lippmann
Jefferson City, Mo – The Missouri House gave preliminary approval Thursday to legislation that would require drug testing for certain welfare recipients, and public officials.
Adult applicants for cash assistance payments would be tested if the Department of Social Services has reasonable suspicion that they are using drugs. A positive test, or refusing to take one, would make someone ineligible for cash benefits for a year.
And lawmakers, judges, and state officeholders would take a test before taking office, and every two years after that. A refusal would be an admission that a person took a controlled substance without permission.
The bill still needs another House vote before going to the Senate.