When government at any level considers a new policy, it is always a good idea to see how similar policies have worked out elsewhere. If a previous law failed to bring about the desired results, it makes sense to avoid repeating that failure. But if a law has yielded good results, it is reasonable to duplicate it.
So it is with recent discussions in Tennessee on requiring screenings for illegal drug use among people who get certain government benefits.
From a moral standpoint, it would be wise not to confer taxpayer-funded benefits on people who use illegal drugs. Taxpayers shouldn’t have to indirectly subsidize someone’s drug habit.
But what about from a practical standpoint? Would the drug screenings work?
Well, let’s look at history.