Failed Drug Test Could Prevent Jobless Benefits

Failing or refusing to take an employer's drug test could put a stop to your unemployment benefits if you're among South Carolina's jobless. 

Last week, the South Carolina House passed bill 4043, which allows an employer to "confidentially notify the Department of Employment and Workforce when a prospective employee fails a drug test required by the employer as a condition of employment."

The bill, which passed 70-24, also states that the suspended benefits couldn't be restored until the person has successfully completed a drug treatment program and passes a drug test.

The concept for drug testing the state's unemployed who receive benefits is one Gov. Nikki Haley has strongly supported since running for governor. 

"I so want drug testing," . "It's something I've been wanting since the first day I walked into office."

Haley's camp sees drug testing as a way to reform the state's unemployment system.

Several people seeking jobless benefits told Patch editors and the Huffington Post in January that the testing was an invasion of privacy.

Lawmakers disagree.

In a report from The State, Rep. Eddie Tallon, of Spartanburg, the bill's main sponsor, said if someone who is receiving benefits misses out on a job offer because of drugs, they shouldn't be allowed to collect the benefits. 

"It's fundamentally not right," he said. 

The bill now heads to the Senate for first reading and debate.