"Punish the poor" bill endorsed by Republican-controlled Wyoming House

From the Billings Gazette:

A bill to require drug testing for some state welfare recipients has received preliminary approval in the Wyoming House of Representatives. The House endorsed a bill sponsored by Rep. David Miller, a Riverton Republican, by a voice vote on Thursday. It would require drug tests for people who receive welfare payments through a program administered by the Wyoming Department of Family Services.

Miller and other supporters noted it's common for private-sector employers to require drug testing. They said the tests could help people get drug treatment if necessary. 

The House defeated a proposal from Democratic Rep. James Byrd of Cheyenne, who proposed expanding the drug-testing requirement to include legislators. 

Opponents of the bill said the testing would violate the U.S. Constitution's ban on the government performing searches without probable cause.

Thanks to Rep. Jim Byrd, a Democrat, for adding some levity to the proceedings.