MADAWASKA — Selectmen in this northern Maine town have decided to hold off, for now, on a proposal to drug test welfare recipients.

Officials in Madawaska say new rules could apply to the town’s use of the state’s General Assistance program, which provides money for things like food.

WAGM-TV reported that town officials need time to determine whether the rule change is legal. Town Manager Ryan Pelletier says he is seeking help from the town’s lawyer and others.

Pelletier says he’s unsure if he’ll make a full recommendation to the selectmen at their next meeting, on Aug. 2. He says the board has another meeting at the end of August, and a recommendation could come then.

The ACLU has raised questions about the legality of the rule change.


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