Joining a small but growing number of states, the Kansas legislature, by wide margins in both chambers, voted to require drug testing of welfare recipients when they are suspected of illegal drug use. The legislation also requires testing of unemployment compensation recipients.
Welfare recipients who fail the first test can take a second test and be reimbursed if the second test is clean. Otherwise, those failing the test lose their benefits until they complete a drug treatment and job skills program. A second failed test results in a year-long loss of benefits. (The children of these parents continue to get the benefit, which is paid to a surrogate.)
The state already requires drug testing of the governor and several other top state officials. The new legislation also extends the requirement to all state legislators suspected of drug use.
