http://www.kpic.com/news/local/113612639.htmlPORTLAND, Ore. - Two Oregon lawmakers have introduced legislation that will require people to submit to drug tests in order to receive state services.
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State Sen. Bruce Starr, R-Hillsboro, is the chief sponsor of Senate Bill 538, which will require adults to undergo drug tests before they receive public assistance like welfare and food stamps. To continue receiving public assistance, they must take a drug test every six months. If they fail a test, their benefits will be revoked.
State Rep. Dennis Richardson, R-Central Point, is sponsoring House Bill 2995. If passed into law, those who want unemployment insurance will also need to pass a drug test. Those who fail will be denied the insurance unless they take part in a drug-treatment program.
Starr said the idea for his bill came from his constituents, and he said the goal is to get people off drugs.
Recipients of public services would pay for the tests and Starr said it would not be unlike what people do when they get a job. The idea is to provide an incentive for people to kick drug habits, and Starr thinks if they really want and need state services they will do so.
“Ultimately, though, as Oregonians, we should really hope and desire these people to get off the drugs,” he said. “Because that’s not healthy for them; it’s not healthy for their families, (and) if they have children, it’s not healthy for their children.”
He said taxpayers shouldn’t have to foot the bill to support someone’s drug habit.
“We’re in a tough economic environment. We’re trying to look for opportunities to save money in government, and I think this is a way to do that that benefits the taxpayers and the recipients of state services.”
If both bills become law they will take effect on July 1, 2012.
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Read Senate Bill 538
Read House Bill 2995