SB496 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Sanford

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Scott BeasonDick Brewbaker

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Human Resources Department, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families applicants, drug testing for substance abuse required, ineligibility under certain conditions, department to implement

Summary

SB496 would require drug testing for TANF applicants in Alabama and make those who test positive ineligible for TANF, with rules for testing, notice, treatment options, and designating someone to receive benefits for a child.

What This Bill Does

The Department of Human Resources would implement and run a drug screening program for any adult applying for TANF, with the test cost paid by the applicant and negative results increasing the initial TANF benefit. An adult who tests positive would be ineligible for TANF for one year after the positive result, with the possibility to reapply after completing treatment and meeting certain conditions; a second positive could lead to longer ineligibility. For two-parent families, both parents must comply, and teen parents not living with an adult must also comply; a parent may designate a third party to receive TANF benefits for the child, but that person must also pass drug screening. The department would provide notice, advise on treatment options, and issue rules; costs for substance abuse treatment and screening are not paid by the state or department.

Who It Affects

• Adults applying for or receiving TANF benefits and other members of the cash assistance group who must undergo drug screening and could lose benefits if they test positive, with exemptions for dependents under 18.
• Parents who designate another person to receive TANF benefits for a minor child; the designated person must undergo drug screening and could be ineligible if they test positive.

Key Provisions

• Defines drug to include prescribed controlled substances and illegal drugs.
• Defines drug screening as a laboratory test conducted by certified labs to detect drugs or their metabolites.
• Requires the Department of Human Resources to implement a TANF drug screening program; the applicant pays the screening cost and, if negative, the initial TANF benefit is increased by that amount.
• If an adult tests positive, they are ineligible for TANF for one year after the date of the positive screen, with reapplication possible after treatment and required conditions; a second positive can lead to longer ineligibility.
• Two-parent families must have both parents comply; dependent children under 18 are exempt from screening.
• If a parent is disqualified, the dependent child’s TANF eligibility is not affected and a protective payee or designated relative may receive benefits for the child.
• A parent may designate another person to receive benefits for the child; the designated person must pass drug screening, and if positive, cannot receive benefits for the child.
• The department must inform applicants of the screening, provide treatment options, and promulgate implementing rules; the state does not pay for substance abuse treatment or screening under this act.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Human Resources Department