Welfare drug testing law limits how officials can help others, some say

But ask Hughes about a recent law that changed Oklahoma's welfare program and her tone might change.

House Bill 2388, which passed during last year's session, blocks people from qualifying for welfare money if they test positive for drugs.

Hughes, a program manager for the welfare program, said the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program is set up to help people find jobs, technology education, or other opportunities to better themselves. But the new lawlimits that, she said.

“My opinion with substance abuse is — that's a huge barrier (to employment). If you've got a problem, you can't just send somebody right back out on the street,” Hughes said. “Sometimes it takes five times before they ever make a change.”

House Bill 2388, which took effect in November, declares welfare applicants who test positive for drugs are ineligible for services through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

Before the law passed, residents were screened for substance abuse when they applied for TANF. They might undergo further testing. If a urine analysis came up positive, they could receive a treatment plan.

Under the new law, the process is the same, except a positive urine test removes them from TANF with no help from a DHS worker.

Expecting more

Proponents of the bill say drug testing TANF recipients ensures that taxpayer money is going to people worthy of receiving it.