JEFFERSON CITY, MO. -- The Missouri House gave first-round approval Thursday to legislation to require elected officials and people seeking cash welfare benefits in Missouri to be tested for drug use.
Lawmakers, judges, and other state officeholders would be tested upon entering office and every two years after that.
Refusing to take the test would be an admission that the official had used a controlled substance without permission.
Adult applicants for cash welfare payments would be tested if the department of social services has a "reasonable suspicion" that the person is using drugs.
Sponsor Ellen Brandom of Sikeston said recent polling shows widespread public support.
"And many assume we already did it because they're writing, saying, 'I had to get a drug test for my job, Brandom said. “Why doesn't somebody getting welfare benefits have to have a drug test?'"
Those who refuse or test positive could not receive cash benefits for one year.
The drug-testing bill needs another house vote before moving to the Senate.
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