Lawmakers to debate drug testing for workers, aid recipients

MADISON (AP) — A legislative committee is set to consider two Republican bills that would establish drug testing for public benefit recipients.

The Assembly's public benefits reform committee is scheduled to vote Wednesday on bills that would require applicants for state job training programs such as Wisconsin Works and certain applicants for unemployment benefits to answer questionnaires screening for drug abuse. Based on the answers, applicants could be forced to undergo tests and enter state-sponsored treatment to retain their eligibility.

Minority Democrats on the committee have prepared two dozen amendments to the bills, setting up potentially hours of debate.

Committee approval would send the bills to the full Assembly next week.