A trimmed-down mandate requiring drug tests for parents who apply for welfare passed a divided Senate committee Monday.
Senate Bill 292 would apply applicants for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. TANF provides temporary financial help to low-income families with children. The federal government gives grants to states to run the program.
The bill's sponsor, Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, said it would save the state money and help addicts by identifying those who need assistance. Albers based the proposal on Florida's drug-testing law, which a federal judge has temporarily blocked. Albers said he felt he had properly addressed confidentiality concerns.
Albers originally wanted to also include Medicaid applicants but dropped that condition to gain committee approval. The bill passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on a party line 9-5 vote, with Democrats dissenting. It now must pass through the Senate Rules Committee before reaching the floor for a vote.
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