House puts down drug testing bill

House members voted down a proposal that would have required a drug test in order to receive benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

Under House Bill 1385, $595,000 would have been spent over the upcoming biennium to change eligibility requirements for the welfare program within the state’s Department of Human Services.

Rep. Mike Brandenburg, R-Edgeley, said the idea of individuals receiving the federal benefits, while some are found to be drug users, is frustrating for him and his constituents.

“With the benefits we are giving to these people, we deserve it, and the people we represent, to have something done to put a stop to the use and abuse of drugs and using the system,” he said during floor debate.

Rep. Gail Mooney, D-Cummings, said the bill would punish those in need of the assistance.

The measure failed by a 19 to 72 vote.

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