ATLANTA, Ga. (WTXL) - There's a house bill on the table that would require food stamp applicants to pass a drug test before they can receive any assistance from state government.
HB 772 was introduced by State Representative Greg Morris who says it's common sense legislation. "Hard working Georgians expect their tax dollars to be used responsibly and efficiently," said Morris.
If passed, the law would require the Department of Human Services to drug test all applicants for food stamps and they must pay the full cost of the test.
Applicants receiving medicaid benefits would only have to pay a 17 dollar fee. Anyone who fails the test would be ineligible for food stamps until they pass. If they fail a second time, they're ineligible for three months.
The bill specifies that dependent children under 18 are exempt from drug testing.
In florida, the governor passed a similiar law but it was reversed by a federal judge.
