Patch Poll: Is Suspicion-Based Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients a Good Idea?

The Michigan House of Representatives approved legislation for a three-county pilot project that would require welfare recipients suspected of using drugs to take a drug test to continue receiving benefits.

Majority Republicans who backed the proposal say they want to help the state’s poor, but not if they’re using drugs. Democrats who oppose suspicion-based testing say the program would unfairly target innocent children.

Related:

• Suspicion-Based Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Clears House

The proposal is different than a Florida drug-testing law struck down as unconstitutional by a federal appeals court. In Florida, drug testing is mandatory for all public assistance recipients and is not based on suspicion.

The legislation previously passed the Senate and will return there for final concocurrence. Gov. Rick Snyder hasn’t indicated whether he will sign it.

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