Bill Would Require Drug Testing for Welfare Program

A hearing by legislative committee will be held today regarding a bill co-sponsored by Merrimack Rep. Jeanine Notter and Rep. Donald LeBrun, R-Nashua, that would require drug testing for people applying for temporary welfare assistance, according to an article in the Union Leader.

The bill pertains to people applying for federally funded Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and would require them to submit a clean drug test before being able to receive the benefit. A failed test wouldn't exclude a family if there was another adult who could submit a clean test in their place and be responsible for the benefit.

Though they'd be disqualified from the benefit for a year for failing the test, an applicant could be reinstated by submitting proof of completion of a substance abuse treatment program.

"It will identify people and put them in the proper program to get treatment, rectifying the problem in a two-fold nature," LeBrun told the Union Leader. "It is giving people who need help all the help they need, plus getting help for the person with a drug problem."