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Brownback Signs Drug Testing Bill

Kansas Governor Sam Brownback has signed a bill into law that allows drug testing for people receiving some  types of state assistance or unemployment payments.

People receiving certain assistance payments could be tested if there’s suspicion they’re using drugs. If they test positive, they would have to complete drug treatment and job training. If they don’t comply, they lose benefits. A second positive test would mean losing benefits for at least a year. Governor Brownback says the goal of the bill is fighting drug use in Kansas.

“What this effort is about is an attempt to get ahead of it, and instead of ignoring the problem, is to start treating the problem,” says Brownback.

People receiving unemployment payments who fail a drug screening would also have to complete drug treatment and job training. The bill also includes state legislators in the list of state employees who could be tested for drugs if there’s reasonable suspicion.

As the Kansas News Service managing editor, I help our statewide team of reporters find the important issues and breaking news that impact people statewide. We refine our daily stories to illustrate the issues and events that affect the health, well-being and economic stability of the people of Kansas. Email me at skoranda@kcur.org.
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