A bill that would require drug testing for people seeking welfare passed a Virginia House of Delegates committee and could be ready for final vote by week’s end.
The bill sponsored by Delegate Richard Bell, R-Staunton, is one of at least 11 similar GOP measures.
People who refuse of fail the test would forfeit benefits for at least a year.
Bell said the state has a responsibility to check. Opponents call the bill an "attack on the poor" and an unconstitutional violation of protection from unreasonable search and seizure.
