State lawmakers consider requiring drug testing for public assistance
-
Some controversial new legislation is up for debate in Carson City. If approved, it would make drug testing mandatory for anyone receiving public assistance from the taxpayers of Nevada. Video by ktnv.com
video
Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- Some controversial new legislation is up for debate in Carson City. If approved, it would make drug testing mandatory for anyone receiving public assistance from the taxpayers of Nevada.
That means the state could deny welfare, food stamps and Medicaid to anyone who tests positive for illegal drugs and/or refuses to enroll in a treatment program.
Republican State Senator James Settelmeyer from Minden introduced the bill Wednesday. He says its purpose is not to deny people aide, but to get them the help they need.
Under the bill, anyone who fails a drug test would be required to enter a state treatment program, during which time they would receive public assistance. If they fail another drug test after treatment, assistance would be cut off.
The bill has exemptions for people who have prescriptions for medical marijuana or other prescription drugs.
People 65-years-old or older would be exempt.
If the bill passes, Nevada will be the 8th state in just two years to make this kind of change. Those other states are Utah, Georgia, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arizona, Florida and Missouri.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.