South Dakota panel kills bill to drug test people on welfare

By Washington Examiner
Published February 6, 2014 5:00am ET
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South Dakota panel kills bill to drug test people on welfare
A South Dakota Senate committee killed a bill on Wednesday that would have established drug testing of welfare recipients. The bill would have required the Department of Social Services to develop a drug screening and testing program for people getting financial assistance benefits. People who receive funding from South Dakota's welfare program, called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, would have been subject to the testing. (Photo: Thinkstock) | Kuzmik_A

PIERRE, S.D. — A South Dakota Senate committee killed a bill on Wednesday that would have established drug testing of welfare recipients. The Health and Human Services Committee voted 5-2 to defeat the measure.

Similar bills have been rejected by South Dakota lawmakers in recent years. The bill’s main sponsor, Sen. Mark Kirkeby, R-Rapid City, was the only person who testified in favor of the measure, arguing it would discourage illegal drug use and promote stable families.

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Tag:

Associated Press Entitlements Food Stamps South Dakota Welfare