Fla. Welfare Drug Testing May Get State Funding
TALLAHASSE (CBS4) -- The Senate Budget Committee's chairman says he'll try to find state dollars to reimburse welfare applicants who pass drug tests that would be required by pending legislation.
Sen. JD Alexander, a Lake Wales Republican, made that promise Friday before his panel approved the drug testing bill (SB 556) on a largely partisan vote with most Republicans in favor and Democrats against.
The panel earlier rejected a motion by Sen. Evelyn Lynn, an Ormond Beach Republican, to require the reimbursements.
The bill requires applicants to pay for the tests. Cost estimates range from $10 to $70.
Alexander said he would try to find money during budget talks with the House, where a similar bill (HB 353) is awaiting a floor vote. The Senate version also now goes to the full chamber.
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