State lawmaker introduces bill to require drug testing for welfare recipients

By The Associated Press
Thursday, February 9, 2012

DENVER — Colorado lawmakers are considering making welfare recipients take a drug test before receiving benefits.

The proposal sponsored by Republican Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg is getting its first hearing in a House committee Thursday. House Bill 1046 would require applicants of the Colorado Works Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to pay for and pass a drug test before receiving assistance. People who passed the drug test would be reimbursed for the cost.

Utah is considering a similar proposal.

Applicants who fail the test would be ineligible for benefits for one year.