More States Seek Drug Tests for Public Benefit Recipients

This year, lawmakers in dozens of states have proposed drug testing for residents who receive benefits such as welfare, unemployment assistance, job training, food stamps and public housing. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 36 states considered drug testing for recipients of cash assistance from the welfare program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, 12 states proposed it for unemployment insurance and others considered mandating tests for food stamps, home heating assistance and other programs. To date, the majority of state proposals that would require drug tests have not gained widespread support because of legality concerns.

• "States Adding Drug Test as Hurdle for Welfare" (Sulzberger, New York Times, 10/10).