On Wednesday, the Michigan
House passed legislation allowing drug testing for certain welfare recipients. Under
the provisions of the legislation, the Michigan Department of Human Services
would establish a screening process for individuals applying for the family
independence assistance program. If
there is reasonable suspicion that a person is using illegal drugs, the
individual would be required to take a test.
If an individual tests
positive for an illegal substance the first time, he or she would be referred
to a treatment program but would continue receiving benefits. If an individual
tests positive a second time or discontinues treatment, benefits would be eliminated.
The program would initially start as a pilot project in select counties and
expand statewide by 2016. The bills now move to the state Senate for
consideration.
Additionally, legislation
was passed to require children of welfare recipients to meet attendance
requirements determined by each school district. If a child is truant, a family
could risk losing their benefits.