Representative files drug-testing bill for lawmakers, ‘needy families' citizens

Rep. Kevin Wilson, R-Neosho, has filed House Bill 2342, which would require General Assembly members to undergo random drug testing.

The bill would also require drug testing for citizens who apply for "needy families" benefits. According to the bill, citizens who do not comply with the drug testing policy would be refused benefits.

In the General Assembly, the proposed legislation, for which a hearing has not been scheduled and it is not on the calendar, would require each senator and representative to be tested at least once every two years.

Language in the bill reads, "Refusal to submit to a drug test as authorized under this section is an admission that the member of the general assembly has taken a controlled substance without legal authorization. A member who refuses to submit to a drug test under this section shall be subject to any sanction authorized by law or rule of the respective house of the General Assembly."

In the bill, it states that a member who tests positive for drugs that have not been lawfully prescribed shall participate in a drug treatment program. A member who tests positive for illegal drugs, and who fails to participate in a drug treatment program, will be subject to any sanction authorized by law or rule of the respective house of the General Assembly, the bill reads.

The bill reads "drugs" includes marijuana, any narcotic drug or controlled substance.

If passed, the drug testing policy for General Assembly members would begin Jan. 1, 2009.

Also beginning on that date would be a program of random drug testing for all persons who receive temporary assistance for "needy families" benefits and who are work eligible.

The program would be implemented by the Department of Social Services.

Under the bill, a recipient who tests positive for illegal drugs shall participate in a drug treatment program. A recipient who tests positive for drugs and fails to participate in a drug treatment program shall not be eligible to receive temporary assistance for "needy families" benefits, if this bill is passed.

Neosho Daily News