After Bill To Drug Test Welfare Applicants Is Unveiled, Lawmaker Proposes Testing Legislators

[eridani]

http://www.nationofchange.org/news/2016/02/03/after-bill-to-drug-test-welfare-applicants-is-unveiled-lawmaker-proposes-testing-legislators/

At the end of last year, lawmakers in West Virginia unveiled a bill that would drug test some applicants for the state’s welfare program. Applicants who failed could eventually be barred from receiving benefits, possibly permanently.

In response, state House Delegate Shawn Fluharty has introduced legislation to drug test state lawmakers. Legislators would have to take a drug test before each voting session, and those that failed would be barred from casting a vote or receiving their pay. “I think the public expects us to adhere to the rules that we try to legislate,” he told WTRF. “There’s no reason we shouldn’t do it. It’s not going to cost the taxpayers any more money because we’re going to pay for it ourselves.”

He added, “There’s no reason why state legislators should get a pass, simply because we wear suits.”

West Virginia’s proposed drug testing regime for welfare applicants would require them to be screened for “reasonable suspicion” of drug use, and those who are suspected would undergo the drug test. Those who test negative would have the cost of the test reimbursed by the state and be allowed to enroll, while those who test positive would have the cost of the test deducted from their first benefit payment and be forced to complete a substance abuse treatment paid for by the state, although there is currently a shortage of drug treatment programs. Parents who fail a test would also be referred to child protective services. A second failed test would suspend an applicant from benefits for a year, while a third positive test would lead to a permanent ban.

[B Calm]

1. Well that's legislation that won't see the light of day!