The Sykes Update for Feb. 12, 2010

Oklahoma State Senator Anthony Sykes filed SB 1392

Oklahoma State Senator Anthony Sykes has filed SB 1392:

The measure states: “The Department of Human Services shall establish a program of drug testing for those persons applying for or receiving assistance pursuant to the TANF program.
Those persons refusing to submit to the drug test, or having a confirmed positive drug test, shall not be eligible to receive assistance.”

Bill would require drug testing for TANF

A measure that would require welfare clients to be tested for drug use passed a Senate panel on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1392 by Sen. Anthony Sykes, R-Moore/Duncan, passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.

The measure states: “The Department of Human Services shall establish a program of drug testing for those persons applying for or receiving assistance pursuant to the TANF program. Those persons refusing to submit to the drug test, or having a confirmed positive drug test, shall not be eligible to receive assistance.”

Senator Sykes says constituents in his district who knew of program recipients using illegal drugs urged him to introduce the bill.