January 18, 2013

A Kansas Senate leader is preparing legislation to require drug testing for people who receive cash assistance from the state.

Senate Vice President Jeff King said Friday his proposal would also deny unemployment benefits to people who fail drug tests they take when seeking new jobs.

King, of Independence, said he expects to have a bill drafted within two weeks.

The drug-testing requirement would apply to adults who receive cash benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

The proposal would also require prospective employers to tell the state Department of Labor when a job-seeker who's receiving unemployment benefits fails a drug test.

King's proposal already has been endorsed by House Speaker Ray Merrick, a conservative Stilwell Republican.