A measure passed this week by the Arizona Senate would require applicants for unemployment insurance to pass a drug test.
In an 18-10 vote on Monday, Senate members passed Senate Bill (SB) 1495. The legislation calls for the Department of Economic Security, which administers the unemployment insurance program in Arizona, to require all individuals who apply for funds to submit to a drug test, which will be paid for by the applicant.
The bill would also require DES to establish a random drug testing program for all individuals who receive benefits.
If applicants fail the initial drug test, they would be refused benefits, but could reapply in 30 days, at which time they would undergo another drug test at their own expense.
After beginning to receive unemployment benefits, individuals would be subject to random drug testing. If recipients fail a drug test after they’ve begun receiving benefits, they would have their benefits suspended for that month and would have to undergo six months of drug testing to continue receiving benefits.
If the recipient fails any of the subsequent drug tests during the six-month period, the individual would forfeit the monthly unemployment payment and would not be allowed to reapply for benefits until six months from the date of a positive drug test.
The bill is now headed to the House of Representatives for a final vote.
