SB26 Alabama 2012 1st Special Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2012

Title

Athlete Agents, student athletes, negotiating enrollment at specific educational institutions prohibited, criminal penalties, registration with proof of league players association required, commission authorized to issue reprimands and additional penalties, Secs. 8-26A-2, 8-26A-4, 8-26A-5, 8-26A-6, 8-26A-9, 8-26A-10, 8-26A-11, 8-26A-13, 8-26A-14, 8-26A-15, 8-26A-17, 8-26A-30 am'd.

Summary

SB26 would require adults who apply for or receive state-subsidized health care benefits to submit to substance abuse testing, with testing run by the Alabama Department of Public Health and possible loss of benefits for positive results or refusal.

What This Bill Does

Creates a substance abuse screening program for adults seeking or receiving state-subsidized health care benefits. Tests are initial and yearly, with random monthly testing; those who test positive for certain controlled substances or who do not participate become ineligible for benefits, though eligibility can be restored after a 12-month rescreening. Test results are not admissible in criminal proceedings without consent, and the cost of testing is added to the tested individual's health care premium. The Public Health Officer would set rules to implement the program, and certain long-term care residents are exempt.

Who It Affects

• Adults applying for or receiving state-subsidized health care benefits who must participate in substance abuse testing and may lose benefits if they test positive or refuse to test.
• Residents of nursing homes, penal facilities, mental health facilities, or other long-term care facilities who are exempt from the testing requirement.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a substance abuse screening program for adults seeking or receiving state-subsidized health care benefits, administered by the Department of Public Health.
• Requires initial and periodic (annual) testing of blood or urine for controlled substances; testing is a condition precedent before benefits and then once per year, with random month assignment.
• Makes adults ineligible for benefits if they do not participate or test positive for certain substances (Schedule I or non-prescribed Schedule II-V); allows rescreening after 12 months to regain eligibility.
• Ensures test results are not admissible in criminal proceedings without the test subject's consent.
• Costs of periodic tests are added to the tested adult's health care premium.
• Public Health Officer to promulgate rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the act.
• Exempts residents of nursing homes, penal facilities, mental health facilities, and other long-term care facilities from Section 2.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Athlete Agents