Welfare Drug Testing

The Missouri Senate has endorsed a bill that would allow the state to drug test welfare recipients, if they’re suspected of using illegal drugs. If they test positive, they would get to continue receiving benefits, if they complete a drug treatment program. The measure would also require electronic benefit cards that have a photo of the recipient and are renewed every three years. The first version of the bill projected the drug testing would cost 300-thousand dollars a year, but now Senators are asking that the State use a less sophisticated drug test to save money. There will be a second Senate vote before the measure moves to the House.