Oklahoma Governor Signs Drug Screening Bill Into Law

Governor Fallin signs the law allowing drug testing for certain welfare applicants.

House Bill 2388 requires the Department of Human Services to screen adults who apply to the "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families" program. Anyone who fails or refuses the drug test, will be denied benefits.

Applicants who test positive for illegal drug use and undergo substance abuse treatment can reapply for benefits six months after the date of their denial. Child-only cases and underage parents would be exempt from drug screenings. The bill also allows for an alternative payee to be named when a parent has been denied benefits.

"House Bill 2388 will help ensure welfare checks are not being used to pay for drugs," Fallin said. "Hard working taxpayers shouldn't be asked to subsidize drug abuse, and this bill will help to ensure they are not."

The law is set to take effect in November.

4/25/2012 Related Story: Oklahoma Senate OKs Scaled-Back Drug Test Bill