ATLANTA — State Representative Michael Harden (R-Toccoa) announced today the filing of House Bill 1389- legislation requiring random drug testing for recipients of unemployment compensation benefits and other state assistance or state administered federal assistance.
“HB 1389 prevents people who use drugs illegally from receiving public assistance from the taxpayers of Georgia,” said Representative Harden. “If people are unwilling to follow the law, then they will not be eligible for the voluntary assistance programs listed in this legislation.”
This legislation requires recipients of unemployment benefits, state public assistance, and state administered federal assistance to submit to a random drug testing program at least once per year as a requirement of eligibility for benefits or assistance. The cost of the drug test shall be paid for by the recipient or deducted from the recipient’s benefits or assistance. Any recipient who refuses a drug test or who fails for illegal consumption of any marijuana, dangerous drugs, or controlled substances will be denied benefits or assistance.
The drug test program will not be required to receive public assistance related to medical care or for children under the age of 18 receiving state administered assistance programs.
“These public assistance programs should always be viewed as temporary. Those who use drugs illegally are hampering their ability to find a job and gain their independence from these programs,” said Representative Ben Harbin (R-Evans), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. “HB 1389 is a revenue neutral approach that helps ensure proper use of public assistance without adding to state spending.”
Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Oklahoma, South Carolina and West Virginia have proposed legislation similar to HB 1389. Other states, such as Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Virginia already require drug testing for convicted felons or parolees receiving some forms of public assistance.
“These programs were meant to be a hand up, not a handout,” said Representative Jimmy Pruett (R-Eastman), one of Governor Perdue’s House Floor Leaders and a co-sponsor of HB 1389. “We should use these opportunities to help identify problems that prevent people from getting jobs and becoming productive members of society.”
For more information on HB 1389 please click here.
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Representative Michael Harden represents the citizens of District 28, which includes Banks County, and portions of Franklin and Stephens Counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2008, and currently serves on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Higher Education, Motor Vehicles, and Transportation Committees.