Oklahoma House Approves Welfare Drug Testing

The Oklahoma House has approved a bill to require drug testing for certain welfare recipients, but not before it was amended to include testing for those seeking elected office.

The full House voted 82-6 on Monday for the amended bill. It now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Oklahoma City Republican Rep. Guy Liebmann says those receiving Temporary Benefits for Needy Families would pay for the test and then be reimbursed if they test negative. Under the bill, children whose parents fail a test would be able to receive benefits through another family member.

Democratic Rep. Mike Shelton of Oklahoma City successfully amended the bill to require candidates for state and local offices to be tested for illegal drugs before filing for office.