Feds say Ga. can't drug-test food stamp recipients

Some states, including Georgia, have tried to require recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families—commonly called welfare—to submit to drug tests, but Georgia is the only state trying to force some food-stamp recipients to take such tests, Craig Schneider reports for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. A new law would allow state workers—when they're reasonably suspicious—to require certain food-stamp recipients to be tested for drug use.

The measure is scheduled to become law July 1, but last week federal officials told the state it cannot require drug tests for food-stamp applicants and recipients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture policy "prohibits the states from mandating drug testing of applicants and recipients," according to a letter from Robin D. Bailey, regional administrator of USDA's Food and Nutrition Service. (Read more)