Gov. Snyder Signs Bills For Drug Testing Welfare Recipients

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed legislation creating a suspicion-based drug-testing program for adult welfare recipients on Friday.

House Bill 4118 and Senate Bill 275 were among a number of bills approved on Friday by Snyder.

So far, the drug testing program is slated to be a one-year pilot program, and will be used in three counties in Michigan which have not yet been specified.

If drug use is suspected, welfare recipients or applicants will be required to take a substance abuse test. Refusal to take the test will result in benefits ineligibility for six months.

Positive drug tests will lead to referrals to treatment programs. State assistance will be terminated for refusing to participate in the program or failing to submit to testing under the program. Benefits can be restored after that person passes a substance abuse test.

[MSNBC]