Texas Lawmakers Looking To Require Drug Test For Unemployment Benefits
By: Kelly James
Updated: January 9, 2013
AUSTIN -- Texas legislators are trying to send a message to Texans on unemployment: You can't use the benefits if you use drugs.
Texas Governor Rick Perry has asked lawmakers to pass legislation requiring those who apply for unemployment or food stamps to pass a drug test.
Several other states have already passed this law, and many Texas lawmakers say it makes sense for the Lone Star State.
"We don't want to provide funds forward for people who are using controlled substances so they can use more controlled substances," said Texas Senator Kel Seliger (R-Midland). "I don't think the taxpayers -- and employers in this case -- want to pay into a fund that is going to pay people who are unemployed and cannot be employed because of drug use."
Texas Senate Bill 11 would look a lot like Florida's controversial law.
A study done on Florida's drug testing program shows that the state has saved a little more than $48,000 in unemployment benefits.
However, the cost of drug testing in Florida was $118,000.
The American Civil Liberties Union also says that Florida's law violates the search and seizure amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Texas Governor Rick Perry has asked lawmakers to pass legislation requiring those who apply for unemployment or food stamps to pass a drug test.
Several other states have already passed this law, and many Texas lawmakers say it makes sense for the Lone Star State.
"We don't want to provide funds forward for people who are using controlled substances so they can use more controlled substances," said Texas Senator Kel Seliger (R-Midland). "I don't think the taxpayers -- and employers in this case -- want to pay into a fund that is going to pay people who are unemployed and cannot be employed because of drug use."
Texas Senate Bill 11 would look a lot like Florida's controversial law.
A study done on Florida's drug testing program shows that the state has saved a little more than $48,000 in unemployment benefits.
However, the cost of drug testing in Florida was $118,000.
The American Civil Liberties Union also says that Florida's law violates the search and seizure amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
