A bill requiring mandatory drug testing for some welfare recipients did not get a favorable response from officials Tuesday who claimed the proposal would deter drug treatment and hurt struggling families.
“It would not encourage substance abusers to get help and it sends the wrong message that we?re not about families,” said Kevin McGuire, executive director of the Family Investment Administration.
The bill, authored by Anne Arundel Republican Del. James King, would require drug testing for all new applicants seeking temporary cash assistance, given to those in need to pay utility bills, rent or a mortgage.
Anyone testing positive would have to submit to a 90-day treatment during which the person would not receive any cash. Other benefits such as medical insurance and food stamps would not be affected.
“This would curb what I believe to be state-sponsored drug abuse,” King told the House Appropriations Committee. “The idea of this bill is to get people into treatment.”
No one else spoke in favorof the bill. The American Civil Liberties Union, the Legal Aid Bureau, Catholic Charities and the United
Way testified against the measure.
The Family Investment Administration, which administers cash assistance, opposed the bill as well, saying current policies pinpoint abuses.
All applicants are screened for potential drug activity. If a person is suspected of abusing drugs, they must be tested and possibly treated. However, they do not lose their benefits during the process.
Del. Gail Bates, R-Howard, questioned the argument that the law would deter those seeking help.
“If they need assistance, they?ll come to get assistance,” Bates said.
McGuire also said the testing would cost an additional $2.8 million a year.
Del. Melody Griffith, D-Prince George?s, asked King why alcohol wasn?t included in the bill even though “alcohol can have a negative impact on a family.” King countered that alcohol can be consumed legally.
King told the committee he was willing to work on the measure to win favor.
