Video: MS. Senate Sends Welfare Drug Testing Bill to Bryant

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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – A bill to test some Mississippi welfare recipients for illegal drugs is headed to Gov. Phil Bryant’s desk.

The state Senate passed House Bill 49 Wednesday, which would require any adult applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to fill out a questionnaire. If the answers indicate possible use of illegal substances, the person would have to undergo a drug test.

If drugs were found, the person would be required to undergo treatment.

The House passed the bill earlier.

Bryant, who has advocated for the bill, says he welcomes its passage.

Opponents say it’s a waste of money because few drug users are likely to be found.

The Mississippi Department of Human Services says that in 2013, it paid $140 a month to the average family receiving TANF.