Business, Government Legal News from throughout WVWV Legislators weigh in about drug testing welfare recipients, fighting drug abuse

WV Legislators weigh in about drug testing welfare recipients, fighting drug abuse

Drug abuse is a major societal problem in West Virginia, according to Sen. Roman Prezioso, D-Marion.

Prezioso and Delegate Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha, discussed the drug abuse issue and others at the Associated Press Legislative Lookahead Jan. 5. Prezioso, who is the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said the problem is in "crisis mode."

"I think we need to put more money into preventing, educating and making sure people have the resources to get help," Prezioso said.

The West Virginia Legislature has entertained the idea of subjecting welfare recipients to random drug test for the past three legislative sessions. Delegate Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, introduced a bill to the House of Delegates in 2009, but the bill died before it could reach the Senate. The bill was redrafted and reintroduced in the 2010 session. Since then, similar bills have not gained enough traction to pass both chambers of the Legislature.

However, Prezioso pointed out that drug testing may not be the only solution to the state's problem. He suggested providing safe houses and facilities that could alleviate some of the pressure.

"We need safe places for people who have a problem," he said.

Armstead said a number of people in the House Republican caucus have pushed for support of the bill.

Both men said they support drug testing in the private sector. Armstead said he was subjected to a drug test prior to his employment and "wasn't offended" by it. However, he also pointed out that the Legislature can't legally pick and choose who to subject to these random tests.

A bill will likely be taken up when the Legislature meets for its 2012 session beginning Jan. 11.