Georgia officials are considering the next steps after federal officials told Georgia Tuesday not to begin drug testing people who use food stamps.

The federal Food and Nutrition Service warned Georgia’s chief of human services in a letter that implementing the law on July 1 would violate federal rules. The law’s author, though, said he thinks it’s legal and vowed to “see them in court” if the feds try to halt the changes.

Find out more about the debate over Georgia's one-of-a-kind law at myajc.com.

About the Author

Keep Reading

With the closure of the labor and delivery unit in St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia, expectant mothers will instead be directed to deliver at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, about 45 miles away.  (Photo Illustration / Getty Images)

Credit: Getty Images

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com