HB131 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Richard BaughnHoward SanderfordWilliam RobertsWayne Johnson

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Human Resources Department, TANF, food stamps, or Medicaid applicants, random tests for substance abuse based on appearance or demeanor implying under influence of controlled substances, required, ineligibility under certain conditions, positive tests not admissible in criminal proceedings, department to administer pursuant to Administrative Procedure Act

Summary

HB131 would require random and appearance-based substance abuse testing for TANF, SNAP, and Medicaid applicants and recipients, with ineligibility for benefits if tests are positive or if the applicant refuses, and with rules to be set by the Department of Human Resources.

What This Bill Does

The Department of Human Resources would design and run a substance abuse screening program that randomly tests adults receiving TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid and tests applicants when the appearance or demeanor suggests possible intoxication. If someone tests positive for a controlled substance (Schedule I) or a non-prescribed Schedule II–V substance, or if they refuse to test, they would be ineligible for the benefits. Test results would not be admissible in criminal proceedings without the person’s consent, and the department would issue implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Who It Affects

• Current recipients of TANF, SNAP (food stamps), or Medicaid who may be randomly tested and could lose benefits if they test positive or refuse.
• Adults applying for TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid who may be tested if appearance or demeanor suggests intoxication and could face ineligibility if they do not participate or test positive.
• Staff and administrators at the Department of Human Resources who would run and enforce the testing program.

Key Provisions

• The Department of Human Resources must design and implement a substance abuse screening program that randomly tests adults receiving TANF, SNAP, or Medicaid and tests applicants when appearance or demeanor suggests possible intoxication, using blood or urine tests to detect controlled substances.
• An adult is ineligible for public assistance if they do not participate in the screening or if they test positive for a controlled substance (Schedule I or a non-prescribed Schedule II–V); test results are not admissible in criminal proceedings without consent; the department must promulgate rules under the Administrative Procedure Act to implement the act, with the act becoming effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

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

Subjects

Human Resources Department