Utah House Passes Drug Testing For Welfare Recipients

Some welfare recipients may be required to undergo drug tests to qualify for benefits under a bill that has passed the House.

Republican Rep. Brad Wilson of Kaysville says Thursday that anyone who fails a drug test could enroll in a treatment program to avoid losing their benefits.

Wilson says the law would only apply to people who qualify for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which already has a written test that can identify addictive behaviors. People who are flagged by that test would then be given a urine test to screen for drug use.

Democratic Rep. Brian King of Salt Lake City says he concerned children will be hurt if their parents lose benefits.

The bill is moving to the Senate for further debate.