San Joaquin County voters are on track to approve ballot Measure R, which would require those who receive benefits from the county to submit to drug screening and potentially treatment. Seniors over the age of 65, as well as those with dependent children, would be exempted.
The ordinance, which has so far received 74.7 percent of the vote in the general election, as of Nov. 15, targets those suspected of using narcotics. If it passes, these individuals would be required to comply with drug screening to be eligible for benefits. If they test positive, they would be required to be evaluated professionally and potentially referred to treatment programs. The county would be able to deny payments in instances where recipients do not comply.
“This ordinance is intended to help address the overdose epidemic by requiring individuals who receive assistance through the General Assistance program, and who have been professionally evaluated and determined to need treatment, to participate in drug abuse treatment programs,” Measure R’s text reads.
While some individuals will be required to participate in treatment programs, “Measure R does not require recipients to maintain sobriety to be eligible for General Assistance benefits,” according to an analysis by the county counsel.
State law requires all counties in California to fund and administer programs that provide aid and support to extremely poor single adults.
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