State Senate approves drug testing for welfare recipients

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The state Senate approved a bill that would make it harder for some welfare applicants to get assistance.

The measure would require drug testing and criminal background checks on all applicants for North Carolina’s Work First Welfare Program.

Anyone who fails the test cannot receive benefits for a year.

The only way around that is to show proof you’ve finished a substance abuse treatment program and passed another drug test.

“People that, you know, that drink, or do drugs, shouldn’t be on it,” Ron S., a supporter of the bill said. “And if they drug test people or alcohol test and drug test, and whatever, and they find out the person’s doing it, then they don’t need to be on it.”

Another requirement would be mandatory background checks for applicants.

Bill advocates say that will keep fugitives, probation and parole violators, plus those with outstanding warrants off government assistance.