Lawmakers advance drug testing for workers, aid recipients

MADISON - A Wisconsin legislative committee has advanced two Republican bills that would establish drug testing for public benefit recipients.

The Assembly's public benefits reform committee approved the bills Wednesday almost on party lines. The measures passed on 8-6 votes with Republicans voting in favor. Rep. Adam Neylon, a Pewaukee Republican, voted against the measures.

The bills would require applicants for state job training programs such as Wisconsin Works and certain applicants for unemployment benefits to answer questionnaires screening for drug abuse. Based on the answers, applicants could be forced to undergo tests and enter state-sponsored treatment to retain their eligibility.

Full story: WJFW