Every state in the union should have this law on the books and enforce it.

In a bill filed this week in the Kentucky House, people receiving public assistance like food stamps would have to be drug tested prior to receiving help.

The bill was filed by both Republicans and Democrats, and Republican Rep. Jim DeCesare says he will vote for it if it comes to the House floor.

"It's important that we make sure that people who are getting special assistance from the state aren't using those funds that they're getting to purchase and buy drugs instead of food and other things they need for their families," said Rep. DeCesare.

The bill would cover anyone receiving public assistance including monetary assistance, food stamps, or medical assistance.

After the initial drug test, they must pass a new one every year.

Bowling Green grocery store cashier Janice Hood checks out a lot of people with food stamps and says she agrees with the bill.

"They're obviously hopped up or they're buying candy and potato chips with the food stamps that my tax dollars help pay for and like i said, if I've got to get drug tested for my job, I feel like folks should have to get drug tested for their benefits," said Hood.

Positive drug test results will not be given to police.

"There are no criminal punishments but they can lose their assistance if they do test positive," added Rep. DeCesare.

He says the money should be used for its intended purpose.

"We want them to use that money for the things they need to survive. Drugs are not needed to survive," said Rep. DeCesare.

A statement Janice Hood certainly agrees with.

She said "I don't think it's fair for the public to have to pay for their habits."

This kind of bill has come up before and not made it through.

If anyone refuses a drug test, they are immediately ineligible for any kind of government assistance.

Apparently the bill was voted on and passed today so it is now law! Way to go KY

seems consistent,, employers can require that employees not be smokers(which isnt illegal)


its consistent that health and human services can require applicants not be on drugs,,,(which usually is)

While they're at it check the Immigration status of the parents.

This is so going to backfire on the great Commonwealth. It makes sense in theory but the bi product is not going to be pretty and could wind up costing the state more over time..........

How?

First off drug tests are not free. Secondly, I would expect the crime rate to go up costing the state additional in court costs and incarcerations. The poor children of the state are the ones that will suffer. I don't support it at all.........

That's why we have jails! We already take care of their kids so that's no biggie.

Who the hell are we? You don't live in Kentucky. The state sure as hell don't take care of kids around here.......

When any state including Kentucky takes kids from their parents they are under state control therefore the state takes care of them. I hope all states follow suit but unfortunately we have dumbasses like california who would find insensitive or something like that. i have to perform a drug test where I work and for the most part have had to give one for most jobs I've had so if someone wants to sit on their *** and collect a check they damn well better be tested too, if they test dirty....buh bye

Then what happens to this person? I know. Who cares right........

treatment should be the punishment..we all know jail does not stop
an addiction...
it's a shame some folks hate foreigners enough to see their kids suffer..it's a pitiful world

I agree with it. And live in ky! But pot should be off the list Of drugs.

I agree that treatment is probably more cost effective AND productive than prison

I also think adults should be primarily responsible for their own children and aware of the potential consequences to their children for doing certain things, instead of putting guilt on those who have to enforce the laws or others who wish the laws to be enforced

I know I dont like to see kids suffer, but I usually look to the parents and their choices as the primary reason and great incentive for other parents not to follow suit(if they care about their children as much as they expect others to)

The Kentucky govervment would f!ck up a county fair..........

Agreed, parents SHOULD care and take care...doesn't always happen when it comes to drug addictions. The best thing we could do as a society is treatment, rehabilitation...otherwise these people are just in and out of jail, kids are bounced around, it would come up more costly. Sounds like most just want to punish, not make the situation better...we are a violent nation indeed.

Like I said I agree in theory. I think the timing is very bad. I also don't think it should apply to food stamps or medical assistance. If they are buying potato chips with there food card it is because they can.........

Rehab isn't something you can force on someone.
They have to hit a bottom and really want it.
It doesn't happen that way, it won't stick.
Cut 'em off and send them to Mexico.

I'm sure the kids of food stamps recepients enjoy potato chips now and then..they should be able to get them, who cares.

ya think these kids just eat apples because their parents get food stamps...should they just eat apples just because their parents get food stamps....i think not.