Missouri House passes welfare drug testing bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri (AP) - Missouri lawmakers have given final approval to a bill allowing drug testing of welfare recipients if the state suspects they're using illegal drugs.

The House sent the bill to Gov. Jay Nixon by a 113-34 vote Tuesday. It already passed the Senate.

Under the bill, welfare recipients would lose their benefits for three years if they fail a urine test that screens for narcotics. But the measure would allow them to receive benefits if they complete a drug treatment program and do not test positive again.

It would also require that electronic benefit cards include a photo of the recipient and be renewed every three years.