SB191 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Trip Pittman
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Phillip W. Williams Bryan Taylor Del Marsh Greg J. Reed Paul Sanford Jerry L. Fielding Scott Beason Rusty Glover Gerald O. Dial Tom Whatley Cam Ward Arthur Orr Gerald H. Allen J.T. Waggoner Dick Brewbaker Paul Bussman Shadrack McGill Clay Scofield
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Human Resources Department, public assistance, drug testing for applicants and recipients required upon reasonable suspicion, ineligibility under certain conditions, department to implement, rulemaking authority
Summary: SB191 would require drug screening for adults applying for or receiving TANF benefits when there is reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use.
What This Bill Does
The Department of Human Resources would screen TANF adults for drugs if there is reasonable suspicion. The department pays the initial screening cost, and the recipient pays for any follow-up tests (with reimbursement if the test is negative). A positive test (without a valid prescription) can lead to warnings and loss of TANF benefits, with a second positive resulting in one year of ineligibility and a third positive leading to permanent ineligibility, with a limit of two screenings per calendar year. If a caretaker becomes permanently ineligible, the child’s benefits can be paid to a designated recipient, who may also need to be screened; the department can set rules and procedures, and the act becomes effective on October 1, 2014.

Who It Affects
Adult applicants and recipients of TANF benefits, who could be screened for drugs and may lose benefits if they test positive or refuse testing.
Parents or caretaker relatives of minor children, who may designate a third party to receive benefits for the child if the caretaker is permanently disqualified, and whose designated recipient may be screened and could lose benefits if positive.
Designated recipients or protective payees receiving TANF benefits on behalf of a child, who may undergo drug screening and face ineligibility if they test positive.

Key Provisions
The Department of Human Resources must implement and administer a drug screening program for TANF adults upon reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use.
Reasonable suspicion includes a prior conviction for drug use or distribution within five years before applying or receiving TANF.
Initial drug screening costs are paid by the department; subsequent screenings are paid by the individual, with reimbursement to the individual if the test is negative.
Refusing or delaying a drug screening makes the individual ineligible for TANF.
A positive drug test without a valid prescription results in a warning, then ineligibility: second positive = one year; third positive = permanent; no more than two screenings per calendar year.
If a caretaker is permanently ineligible, the child’s benefits can be paid to a designated relative or approved person, who must also be screened if reasonable suspicion exists and may be ineligible if positive.
The department must provide notice and require written acknowledgment of the drug-screening policy; applicants must disclose any drug-related convictions on the TANF application.
Drug screening results are not admissible in criminal proceedings but are admissible in administrative hearings and for department determinations and judicial review.
The department may promulgate rules to implement the act.
The act takes effect on October 1, 2014.

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