Panel OKs drug testing of Okla. welfare recipients

A Senate panel has approved a bill to require drug testing for certain welfare recipients.

The bill by Oklahoma City Republican Sen. David Holt passed 5-3 on Monday in the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, with Democrats opposing the measure.

The bill already has been approved in the Republican-controlled House.

Holt removed from the bill an amendment added in the House that would have required drug tests for those seeking elected office.

He described that amendment as a ``stunt'' by those who oppose the concept.

The bill requires those receiving Temporary Benefits for Needy Families, or TANF, to pay for a drug test and then be reimbursed if they test negative.

Under the bill, children whose parents fail a test could receive benefits through a designated appointee.