Candidates seeking the office of state representative or state senator may be required to take a substance abuse test as a condition for filing nomination papers, thanks to legislation introduced by State Rep. Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth).

However, the real target of Mitchell's bill is welfare recipients. Under the proposal, HB 174, an individual who tests positive for controlled drugs would be ineligible to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits for one year. Testing for lawmakers is a red herring.