House Approves Drug Testing Legislation As a Part of Welfare Reform Effort
House Bill 1297, which would establish a drug testing program for public assistance recipients who have been convicted of a drug-related felony, has been passed by the House with a vote of 164 to 23, Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) announced Wednesday.
“This approval by the House, with a bipartisan vote, indicates the determination to bring about substantive reform of our welfare system in Pennsylvania, and my legislation is a step in the right direction,” said Everett. “The bill is not designed to impugn everyone who is receiving assistance in a time of need. This measure is specifically directed at preventing abuse of the system by those who have been convicted of a drug-related felony and who continue to use illegal drugs.”
The bill would require the administration of a drug test to individuals who have a felony drug conviction in the previous five years, or those who are currently on probation for a felony drug conviction. Every six months, 20 percent of that group would be tested. A refusal to take the test results in a loss of benefits. The public assistance programs that apply in this care are the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, food stamps, General Assistance and state supplemental assistance. Medical Assistance is not impacted by federal eligibility requirements.
Everett says the bill contains a specific provision that anyone having to take this test that has a positive result will not have eligibility for Medical Assistance-paid drug and alcohol treatment revoked. He also notes that several other states such as Virginia, Wisconsin, Indiana, New Jersey, Arizona and Minnesota have similar provisions in effect.
“This approval by the House, with a bipartisan vote, indicates the determination to bring about substantive reform of our welfare system in Pennsylvania, and my legislation is a step in the right direction,” said Everett. “The bill is not designed to impugn everyone who is receiving assistance in a time of need. This measure is specifically directed at preventing abuse of the system by those who have been convicted of a drug-related felony and who continue to use illegal drugs.”
The bill would require the administration of a drug test to individuals who have a felony drug conviction in the previous five years, or those who are currently on probation for a felony drug conviction. Every six months, 20 percent of that group would be tested. A refusal to take the test results in a loss of benefits. The public assistance programs that apply in this care are the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, food stamps, General Assistance and state supplemental assistance. Medical Assistance is not impacted by federal eligibility requirements.
Everett says the bill contains a specific provision that anyone having to take this test that has a positive result will not have eligibility for Medical Assistance-paid drug and alcohol treatment revoked. He also notes that several other states such as Virginia, Wisconsin, Indiana, New Jersey, Arizona and Minnesota have similar provisions in effect.
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