Committee Hears Kansas Drug Testing Proposal
Associated Press - Wed 02:08 PM 02/20/2013
Supporters say a bill to require some Kansas recipients of state benefits to be tested for drug use is intended to help people improve their lives, not to punish them.
Supporters say a bill to require some Kansas recipients of state benefits to be tested for drug use is intended to help people improve their lives, not to punish them.
Senate Vice President Jeff King told a committee Wednesday the proposals will help those receiving assistance payments or unemployment benefits to receive the treatment they need and find employment.
The requirement would apply to applicants for and participants in the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program. Also, prospective employers would be required to tell the state when a job seeker who's receiving unemployment benefits fails a company drug test or refuses to take one. That would allow the state to cut off the benefits.
Opponents said the proposal targets women and minorities.
Comments must stay on topic and be respectful. Comments that are personal attacks, make unfounded accusations, or are for the purpose of "trolling" or inciting others will be removed. Offending users will have their profile suspended.
Post a comment Log in or Register to comment
fritz2006
Wednesday 20 February 2013 14:45 Report this comment
How about the HIPAA laws? Doesn't that apply to all applicants for employment? I guess the government can ignore it's own laws.
Aurora.
Thursday 21 February 2013 00:08 Report this comment
What a twist they are putting on this story. Now they are saying the drug test is to help improve people's lives. Prior to this it was to cut the amount of benefits being paid. Brownback and his merry republicans only want to squash the poor people even more.
SimpleMan
Thursday 21 February 2013 08:27 Report this comment
Im all for drug testing however..... only persons punished will be the children.