The Texas Senate has approved a bill that would require drug testing for some people when they apply for unemployment benefits.
Republican Tommy Williams from The Woodlands authored the measure. State workers would ask applicants for unemployment insurance a series of questions, and if they appear to have a drug problem, the state will require that they take a drug test.
Democrats signed on to the bill after adding provisions for retesting and drug treatment programs. An applicant will have 10 days to request a retest or seven days to enroll in a drug treatment program. The state will continue to provide the benefits during the retesting period or while the applicant is undergoing treatment.
Brownsville Democratic Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr. called on senators to also submit to drug tests.
