With Republican Gov. Rick Perry’s signature Friday, a bill that would require some people seeking unemployment assistance in Texas to undergo drug tests has become law. But critics say it is a waste of time and taxpayer dollars.
Perry signed into law Senate Bill 21, which will require applicants trying to find work in occupations where drug testing is already prevalent, such as aviation and truck driving, to undergo written screening for possible drug use. If that screening indicates possible drug use, the applicant would then have to take and pass a drug test. Failure to pass the drug test will lead to a denial of unemployment benefits.
Gov. Perry signs the Texas unemployment drug testing bill on Friday, June 14, 2013.
Unemployment benefits are available to people who lose their jobs for lack of work. People who lose their jobs because of drug use are already ineligible for unemployment benefits.
The new law allows people to receive unemployment benefits despite a positive drug test if they immediately seek drug treatment or if they are taking a prescription drug under a doctor’s supervision.
“Texas is a state where personal responsibility is very important, and recipients of unemployment benefits have a responsibility to be prepared to work when an opportunity presents itself,” Gov. Perry said in a statement Friday.
Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor
via Texas to Start Drug Testing Some Unemployment Applicants.
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