Columbus Dispatch...
New bill would require drug tests for public aid
By Catherine Candisky 
September  1, 2011 

Ohioans seeking cash assistance or other types of public aid would have to first prove that they are not using drugs under legislation that will be introduced in the state Senate. 

“Hardworking taxpayers of the state of Ohio should not have to pay for the drug habits of illegal-drug users. This assistance from the state is for those who need these funds for food and shelter, not illegal drugs,” said Sen. Tim Grendell, a Chesterland Republican who is seeking co-sponsors for his bill. 

Similar to a law recently passed in Florida, Grendell’s proposal would require applicants for public assistance to pay for a drug test. If they passed, they would be reimbursed for the expense and given the benefits they sought, assuming they met income requirements. If they failed, they would be barred from receiving benefits for a year or until they completed a drug-treatment program. Two failures would make someone ineligible for benefits for three years. 

Children of parents who test positive for drugs would receive benefits and would not be penalized, but another adult would be named to administer the aid. 

Read it at the Columbus Dispatch