There was reportedly no clear statement as to whether a positive test may lead to jail time.

Yet another proposal was made towards implementing drug testing for those who are receiving welfare, a topic that has been a subject of debate in the other states where it has also been proposed. â Too many Americans are locked into a life of a dangerous dependency not only on drugs, but the federal assistance that serves to enable their addiction. This amendment is a way to help people get off of drugs to become productive and healthy members of society, while ensuring that valuable taxpayer dollars arenâ t wasted.â Advocates of the idea of drug testing recipients of federal assistance point out concern over whether the aid is being used by beneficiaries to finance their drug habits. Hatchâ proposal includes a provision for enrollment in a state or federal drug treatment program for those who test positive for drug use. According to the senator, such a program will lead to savings and reduction of deficit as benefits are withheld from those who fail the tests although.

The proposal was brought forward by Republican senator Pietrek Hatch of Utah, who was quoted in an article on CBS News with the statement.