Georgia proposal would require drug tests for food stamps

ATLANTA — Legislation pending before the Georgia General Assembly would require applicants to pass a drug test before receiving assistance from the Georgia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps.

Under House Bill 772, the Georgia Department of Human Services would be required to conduct drug tests on adult applicants for food stamps. Applicants who also receive Medicaid benefits would be responsible for paying a $17 fee to cover the expense of the drug test.

Applicants who do not receive Medicaid benefits would pay the full cost of the drug test, but would receive food stamp reimbursement in the event that they test negative for controlled substances.

“Hard working Georgians expect their tax dollars to be used responsibly and efficiently,” state Rep. Greg Morris, R-Vidalia, said in a statement. “Under no circumstance should the government fund someone’s drug habit. HB 772 is common sense legislation.”