LAW WOULD REQUIRE DRUG TEST FOR UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

A Toccoa legislator is sponsoring a bill to require random drug
testing of recipients of unemployment compensation benefits and other
government assistance.

HB 1389, sponsored by Rep. Michael Harden, would require that the cost
of the drug test be paid by the recipient or deducted from his or her
benefits. Failing the drug test could result in a loss of benefits.

Harden's proposal calls for the Georgia labor commissioner to conduct
annual random drug testing of unemployment benefit recipients.

Those testing positive for use of "marijuana, dangerous drugs, or a
controlled substance" would be tested a second time, according to the
bill.

Anyone failing a mandated second test would lose their benefits -- and
the ability to apply for benefits -- for two years.

Refusing to submit to drug testing also would make a person ineligible
for benefits, according to the bill.

Harden said Tuesday that the intent of the legislation is to "level
the playing field" since most of the employed are subject to drug testing.

He said the cost of the drug test would be about $20 and that it could
be paid, if necessary, in installments so it would not be a burden to
any individual.

Georgia's unemployment rate currently is 10.8 percent, the highest on
record and among the highest in the United States.

Staff writer Marcus K. Garner contributed to this article.