CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A bill to require drug testing for some state welfare recipients has received preliminary approval in the Wyoming House of Representatives.

The House endorsed a bill sponsored by Rep. David Miller, a Riverton Republican, by a voice vote on Thursday. It would require drug tests for people who receive welfare payments through a program administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services.

Miller and other supporters noted it's common for private-sector employers to require drug testing. They said the tests could help people get drug treatment if necessary.

The House defeated a proposal from Democratic Rep. James Byrd of Cheyenne, who proposed expanding the drug-testing requirement to include legislators.

Opponents of the bill said the testing would violate the U.S. Constitution's ban on the government performing searches without probable cause.

 

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