MADAWASKA — Officials in a northern Maine town are considering a plan to require all welfare recipients to pass random drug tests to qualify.

Madawaska’s new rules would apply to the state’s General Assistance program, which is run by the state and provides money for things like housing and food.

WLBZ-TV reports the subject will come up at a July 19 Board of Selectmen meeting in Madawaska. There hasn’t been a vote on the idea. The town gave assistance to 45 people last year.

Town manager Ryan Pelletier says the rule change would extend the rules of Madawaska’s workfare program to everyone who receives assistance.

The American Civil Liberties Union has described random drug testing as a violation of an applicant’s privacy rights.

Madawaska is on the Canadian border.