Bill would require drug testing for TANF

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Applicants for a federal program that provides assistance for needy families would be required to undergo drug testing under a bill approved by a Senate panel. A Senate subcommittee on Wednesday approved the bill by Moore Republican Anthony Sykes that would require the Department of Human Services to establish a drug testing program for applicants to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

Sykes says constituents in his district who knew of program recipients using illegal drugs urged him to introduce the bill. Despite concerns from lawmakers about what would happen to children of parents denied benefits, the measure was forwarded to the full Senate Appropriations Committee.