by Sia Nyorkor KWCH 12 Eyewitness News KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

10:11 p.m. CST, February 13, 2013
(WICHITA, Kan.)—

Kansans who receive welfare or unemployment benefits from the state may soon be subject to random drug testing. 

The measure will come up in the statehouse later this week. 

Jessica Brooks is a single mother who used to depend on temporary assistance. She said welfare recipients already have a tough time making ends meet. 

"There's a lot of families, they do have jobs but they're barely making enough to make ends meet and they can't even get assistance," Brooks said.

Some Kansas lawmakers would like to require one-third of all welfare recipients to go through random drug testing. A positive test would require a recipient to enter a treatment program. The person could also lose benefits if they fail to pass the screenings. 

"If it was me and I was in that situation, I would feel targeted," said. "You're offering assistance, which I really appreciate and need but you don't have to go through that measure."

Brooks said the new laws will only make those who need help feel worse.
  
Similar bills have been introduced in the statehouse, but have failed. If lawmakers approve the bill, Kansas would join a handful of other states that have proposed similar laws.

Proposed welfare laws could require drug testing