Travis Couture-Lovelady, who represents the 110th District, including portions of Ellis County in the Kansas House announced on his Facebook page last night

that the House Commerce Committee had passed SB 149, drug testing for welfare and unemployment benefits bill.  Click on the photo for a closer look at some of the Facebook comments.

The bill would require the Department of Children and Family Services to screen applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits for illegal drug use. Those identified with a suspicion of use would be subject to testing.

The state would provide drug treatment and job skills training to those who test positive. The State Senate has already approved the measure. Members of the Senate’s Democratic minority amended the bill during debate to include legislators, arguing it’s only fair to hold elected officials to the same scrutiny as individuals seeking government assistance.