Bill: Use drugs, buy your own food

Two years ago the Georgia Legislature wanted to ban drug users from getting welfare. Now, a state lawmaker wants to prevent anyone who fails a drug test from getting food stamps.

Rep. Greg Morris, R-Vidalia, chairman of the House Banks and Banking Committee, has prepared House Bill 772, which would require all food stamp applicants to take and pass a drug test to receive assistance.

In 2012, lawmakers passed, and Gov. Nathan Deal signed into law, HB 861, which had similar requirements for anyone requesting temporary assistance for needy families. But that law was never implemented after a federal court struck down a similar version in Florida.

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Aaron Gould Sheinin

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