Crowell bill would require drug testing for public assistance recipients

State Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, introduced a bill Wednesday that would require drug testing for people receiving benefits from the Missouri Department of Social Services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

In a prepared statement Crowell said his reason for filing the bill was so that "the people utilizing these funds are not abusing this service, and are really trying to improve their quality of life."

The program provides assistance to needy families with children by promoting job preparation, work and marriage, according to a news release from Crowell's office.

From the news release:

Sen. Crowell's legislation would require participants and otherwise qualified applicants for Temporary Assistance to participate in a drug screening program. Any participant or applicant that tests positive for a controlled substance would be declared ineligible for the program for three years. Those who test positive will also be referred to a substance abuse treatment program.

"A drug problem is a serious affliction that needs to be dealt with, and I want to make sure that help is available to these individuals," said Sen. Crowell. "However, I don't think drug users should be able to receive state funds that could possibly feed their habit."

After being introduced on the Senate floor, the bill is referred to a Senate committee where public testimony is heard and the legislation is discussed.