Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Drug Test Measure

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A Wyoming legislative committee has endorsed a bill to require some welfare recipients to take drug tests to collect benefits.

The House Labor, Health and Social Services Committee by a 6-to-3 vote on Friday endorsed House Bill 82. Lawmakers in several other states, including Colorado, are considering similar proposals.

The legislation would apply to people in the state's Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities program. Those who tested positive would be ineligible for state aid for a month.

Sponsors of the Wyoming legislation include Rep. David Miller, a Republican from Riverton. Miller told the committee the bill's purpose is to put pressure on people with drug problems to get help.

Linda Burt, with the Wyoming ACLU, urged the committee to reject the bill. She says it unconstitutionally targets poor people.