COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - State law disqualifies workers fired for drug use from collecting unemployment benefits.
A proposal before the House Judiciary Committee addresses those who are 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.
The benefits could be restored if the person successfully completes a drug treatment program and passes a drug test.
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.
