Drug tests would be required for parents seeking public assistance under a bill passed Tuesday by the state Senate.
House Bill 861 was changed to reflect an earlier Senate bill that included the same mandate. The bill passed on a 36-15 vote, with Democrats strongly opposed to the measure. HB 861 now heads back to the House to see whether it agrees with the changes.
The mandate would apply to applicants for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. TANF provides financial help to low-income families with children. Parents would have to pay $17 for the drug test, according to the bill.
Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, who carried the bill Tuesday, has said drug testing would save the state money and help addicts by identifying those who need assistance. Albers also sponsored the Senate version of the bill, which he based on a Florida law that a federal judge has temporarily blocked.
State officials have been concerned about the proposed Georgia mandate's constitutionality.
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