In 2010, at least 12 states tried passing legislation that would have enacted “suspicionless” drug testing for public assistance recipients, but none passed.
Two states have passed legislation this year requiring drug tests for some public assistance applicants. In Alabama, applicants can be drug tested if there is “reasonable suspicion,” which can include convictions related to drugs within the five previous years or failing to pass a “screening.” Mississippi assiatance applicants must fill out a questionnaire and then take a drug test if their answers raise suspicions of drug use.
Walker, who won reelection last week against Democratic challenger Mary Burke, has not offered details for such a plan, but spokeswoman Laurel Patrick told the Pioneer Press that Walker would work with his cabinet to “craft a specific proposal” in the next several weeks.