House passes bill to drug test some welfare applicants

(Rep. Stephanie Hess, R-Havre, voted no.

Reps. Roy Hollandsworth, R-Brady, Bruce Meyers, R-Box Elder, and Mike Lang, R-Malta, voted yes.)

HELENA (AP) — The House has passed a measure that would require certain welfare applicants to take drug tests in Montana.

House Bill 200 sponsored by Republican Rep. Randy Pinocci of Sun River passed by a 55-45 vote Friday. People who apply for assistance under the state's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program would have to fill out a questionnaire about drug abuse and possibly take a drug test based on their responses. Those who refuse to fill out the questionnaire would not receive public assistance.

People who test positive for drugs wouldn't receive benefits unless they agree to complete a 30-day treatment program. The bill would allow a third party to accept payments for children whose parents are ineligible because of the drug screening.

The bill will move to the Senate for consideration.