Governor Herbert signs welfare drug testing law

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Some welfare recipients could be required to undergo drug tests to qualify for benefits under a bill being signed into law by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert.

Herbert has signed House Bill 155 on Monday.

Republican bill sponsor Rep. Brad Wilson of Kaysville says anyone who fails a drug test could enroll in a treatment program to avoid losing benefits. The law would apply to people who qualify for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and are flagged by a written test used to identify addictive behaviors.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Utah says requiring drug testing for people receiving public benefits is potentially unconstitutional.

A similar law in Florida has been put on hold by a federal judge.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)