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Ky. bill calls for drug testing

Ky. bill calls for drug testing

Posted: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 8:01 pm
By: AP

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky lawmaker has proposed a bill that would require random drug testing for adults who get food stamps, Medicaid or other state assistance.
Under the bill filed by state Rep. Lonnie Napier, R-Lancaster, those who fail the drug test would lose their benefits.
They could get it back by passing a drug test at a later date determined by the state.
The proposal has the backing of House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, but critics say it would stigmatize welfare recipients and possibly harm their innocent children.
Napier says the goal “is to get people off drugs.”
He says there would be exceptions for those who have a prescription for a controlled substance.
Published in The Messenger 1.19.11