A new pilot program for welfare recipients is causing controversy.

The program requires mandatory drug testing for some recipients, but not others.

As part of the Pennsylvania's state budget for 2012, lawmakers passed a bill that places conditions to qualify for welfare for those convicted of a felony drug offense.

"If they're going to get a welfare check, they're going to have to pass a drug test," said Pa. Sen. David Argall, R-Berks/Schuylkill counties.

States like Ohio, Arizona, Louisiana and Oklahoma are already piloting the program, said Argall, who supports the new law.

The state's Department of Public Welfare chose Schuylkill County as one of three counties to test the program before it goes statewide.

Argall said he believes it will not only save taxpayers money, but that it cracks down on those who try to cheat the system and use their checks for illegal purposes.

"We cut over $400 million in state welfare spending as part of the last budget," said Argall. "The last thing the people I represent in Schuylkill County or Berks County want is to have taxpayer dollars being used to buy illegal drugs." 

Two other counties in Pennsylvania will be implementing the program by March. State officials have not yet chosen those counties.

Come July 1, every county across the state will have the program, Argall said.

Carole Koursaros, executive director of Berks Community Action Program, said she believes drug tests on offenders or those currently on probation may hinder those who are trying to reform themselves.

"By singling out one particular group, it does appear to be discriminatory," said Koursaros. "Perhaps if the approach were to do random drug testing on anyone who receives Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, Social Security, you could possibly make a case for that."

"We understand that people with tremendous handicaps ought to get welfare benefits, but there's always the concern are people abusing the system," said Argall.