Ala. Senate Approves Drug Testing for Welfare Applicants

The Alabama Senate has approved drug testing for some welfare applicants. The Senate voted 24-4 Wednesday to require drug testing for any welfare applicant with a felony or misdemeanor conviction for drug possession or distribution in the last five years. The bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Trip Pittman of Daphne, says the legislation would give people using drugs an incentive to stop. His bill would cut off benefits to the head of a household after three failed drug tests, but others in the household would continue to get benefits. The bill is set to expire in 2017. The Senate also voted 25-5 for a bill requiring able-bodied, unemployed adults with no dependents to participate in work or community service programs if they receive food stamps. Both bills go to the House.