Governor Rick Snyder signs drug testing pilot program on Friday. The legislation reportedly created a one-year pilot drug-testing program which requires the Department of Human Services to screen some adult welfare recipients and test those suspected of drug use.
The proposals, House Bill 4118 and Senate Bill 275, are backed by the Republican Party. Governor Rick Snyder signs drug testing pilot program and they were reportedly among several bills approved by the Michigan governor.
The program will be launched by DHS in three or more counties by October 2015. It would essentially apply to residents enrolled in or applying for the Family Independence Program.
Under the drug testing pilot program signed by Governor Rick Snyder, welfare recipients or applicants who are suspected of using drugs will be required to take a substance abuse test. If a recipient refuses to take the test, he or she will be ineligible for benefits for the next six months.
Failing to do a second test would lead to the termination of benefits, reports Michigan Live.
However, benefits can be restored if a person submits a clean drug test, according to The Washington Times.
If a person tests positive for drugs, they will reportedly be referred to a treatment program and required to submit periodic drug tests.
After Governor Rick Snyder signs drug testing pilot program, he said in a press release announcing he had signed Senate Bill 275 and House Bill 4118:
"We want to remove the barriers that are keeping people from getting good jobs, supporting their families and living independently."
"This pilot program is intended to help ensure recipients get the wrap-around services they need to overcome drug addiction and lead successful lives. We'll then have opportunity to assess effectiveness and outcomes."
Meanwhile, as Governor Rick Snyder signs drug testing pilot program, there were still opponents of the legislation. These include the Michigan League for Public Policy. According to the group, there have been similar programs in other states that did not in any way saved the taxpayers' money.
The nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency also estimated that a statewide program such as the drug testing pilot program, would cost roughly $700,000 to $3.4 million, while potentially saving $370,000 to $3.7 million in caseload reductions.
In 1999, Michigan already implemented a mandatory welfare drug testing pilot program. However, federal courts struck it down as soon as it was implemented since the government found it to be an unconstitutional and unreasonable form of search.
Other groups, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, also argue that as Governor Rick Snyder signs drug testing pilot program, it will discriminate against poor people who don't use drugs at a higher rate than the general population.
"We give out tax credits to schools, we give out tax credits to students, we give out tax credits to police and fire (departments)," said Sen. Vincent Gregory, D-Southfield earlier this year on the Senate floor. "And yet the only (group) that we are now saying is subject to drug screening are the poor - the poorest of the poor."
Currently, Michigan has roughly 80,000 welfare recipients, 21,000 of which are adults age 18 and older. They reportedly could be subject to drug testing depending on which counties are selected for the pilot.
Governor Rick Snyder signs drug testing pilot program and the pilot program must be completed by Sept. 30, 2016, according to the Associated Press.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
