Tuesday, July 3, 2012

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia won't immediately enforce a new law that would make applicants for welfare pass a drug test before they can receive benefits.

Brian Robinson, spokesman for Gov. Nathan Deal, says the governor still supports the law as good policy, but wants to hold off on implementation pending the outcome of legal action against similar legislation in Florida.

Courts have struck down similar laws in other states, but supporters in Georgia have said the law here would be upheld. Still, Robinson says the state is trying to avoid needlessly wasting taxpayer dollars.

Under the law, the state Department of Human Services must create a drug-testing program that would be paid for by welfare applicants. Those who fail would be ineligible to receive benefits until they can pass a drug test.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)