SC bill would suspend benefits for drug users
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A measure suspending the unemployment benefits of anyone who fails a drug test as part of a job application is heading to the House floor.
State law already disqualifies workers fired for drug use from collecting unemployment benefits.
The bill advanced Tuesday by the House Judiciary Committee addresses those already receiving benefits. They would be suspended if a job seeker tests positive for illegal drugs while applying for a new job, and the employer reports the failure to the state.
Rep. Todd Rutherford of Columbia says the bill is a job discourager by adding another level of bureaucracy to employment.
A Senate bill would require all jobless workers to pass a drug test to collect their benefits. But the U.S. Labor Department says that would conflict with federal law.
