This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Utahns who need financial help from the government will have to prove they are not using illegal drugs to continue receiving that aid, now that Gov. Gary Herbert has signed of HB155.

The new law, which takes effect later this year, requires those who receive cash assistance through Utah's Family Employment Program to fill out a questionnaire that screens for illicit drug use. If an applicant's answers indicate reason for suspicion, he or she will be required to take a drug test.

If the test is positive, an applicant will be required to receive drug treatment and remain clean in order to continue to receive a cash benefit.

Refusing to take a test also could result in loss of benefits.

Brooke Adams