Vt. bill would impose drug testing for public assistance recipients

Vt. House Minority Leader Don Turner, R-Milton, wants Vermonters receiving state assistance to be drug tested.

Turner has introduced a bill, H.866, seeking drug tests for people on the state's Reach Up program who have substance abuse issues. If a screening process indicates substance abuse a test would be ordered. Those who fail drug tests could still receive assistance if they agree to treatment. But refusing treatment, or failing to complete treatment, would result in a loss of benefits.

The bill is not expected to be taken up this year.