Alabama Senate approves welfare drug testing [View all]

[moobu2]

Source: seattlepi.com

The bill provides that when a person applies to the state Department of Human Resources for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, the person is suspected of using illegal drugs if they have had a drug conviction in the last five years. The person must take a drug test paid for by the state and will get the welfare benefits while awaiting the results of the drug test. If the person passes the drug test, that's it.
If the person fails, they get a warning and tested again later. If they fail again, they lose their share of the welfare benefits, but keep the children's share and they have to take a third test. If they fail that, the children's share is transferred to another person, such as a relative.
"This is an attempt to get people off drugs," Pittman said.
He said it does not involve widespread drug testing and should affect a couple of hundred people each year. The drug testing does not apply to people applying for food stamps, he said.


Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/crime/article/Alabama-Senate-approves-welfare-drug-testing-4460584.php#ixzz2RQPzqycK

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/crime/article/Alabama-Senate-approves-welfare-drug-testing-4460584.php

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Haven't other states tried this ALEC Bill and it was found to be very expensive then found to be unconstitutional?

The probable cause is that the person is suspected if they "had a drug conviction in the last five years". Will that pass the 4th amendment smell test?

The 4th amendment says....

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized