March 17, 2010

ATLANTA (AP) -- A Republican lawmaker is pushing legislation that would require random drug tests for recipients of public assistance, like unemployment benefits and food stamps.

The bill from state Rep. Michael Harden would strip benefits from anyone who fails a drug test. Benefits could be restored after they pass another test. A second failed drug test would result in losing aid for two years.

Recipients would pay for the tests or the costs could be deducted from their benefits.

Harden, of Toccoa, said the bill is designed to ensure that "taxpayers aren't subsidizing illegal activity."

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