Colorado's Welfare Drug Test Law Moves Forward

Colorado's bill to drug test welfare recipients gained a step forward as it passed the house's appropriations committee, on Friday. The amendment it took to pass there, adds a requirement for all elected officials, including the governor, to have to pass drug tests as well.

Opponents of the bill state that it plays on inaccurate stereotypes of minorities and low-income people. They also warn that the state could face legal challenges because courts in other states have struck down similar drug-testing programs, ruling that such plans amount to an unconstitutional search of people. Concerns also have risen that it would cost more to implement, than the money it could possibly save.

Backers of the bill say that it is needed make sure government benefits are going to people who truly need the help, not people who are using the money for drugs. As to the cost, they say it is actually much cheaper than the numbers from the opposition suggest.

The bill is expected to pass the Republican held house. However, the Democrat controlled senate is not likely to allow the bill to survive.

Similar bills have failed in other states, such as Wyoming. But earlier this week Florida Governor Rick Scott signed such a law into place.