HB192 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kerry Rich

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Terri CollinsMark TuggleAlan HarperHoward SanderfordJim McClendonPhil WilliamsRandy WoodChad FincherDan WilliamsRichard J. LairdJim CarnsPaul W. LeeDonnie ChesteenJim PattersonAllen FarleyLynn GreerMary Sue McClurkinMack N. ButlerMike MillicanKen JohnsonApril WeaverWayne JohnsonAllen TreadawayBecky NordgrenEd HenryRichard BaughnMac McCutcheonDuwayne BridgesWilliam RobertsWes LongRandall SheddDavid Sessions

Session

Regular Session 2014

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

HB192 would require drug testing for adults applying for TANF and certain TANF recipients, with penalties for positive tests and a process to designate another person to receive child benefits; the measure takes effect October 1, 2014.

What This Bill Does

The bill requires the Department of Human Resources to screen adults applying for TANF and certain recipients for illegal drug use when there is reasonable suspicion. The department pays the initial screening cost, while any follow-up screens are paid by the tested person, with reimbursement if the test is negative. If someone tests positive without a valid prescription, they become ineligible for TANF; a second positive results in one year of ineligibility, and a third positive results in permanent ineligibility; there is a limit on additional screenings per year. It also allows a parent of a minor child who tests positive to designate a third party to receive TANF benefits for the child, with the designated person approved by the department. The department can issue rules to implement the program, ensure notice and acknowledgment are given to applicants, and handle administrative hearings; test results are not used in criminal cases but can be used in administrative and judicial reviews.

Who It Affects

• Adults applying for TANF benefits and certain TANF recipients who would be subject to drug screening and potential loss of benefits based on results.
• Parents of minor children who test positive, who may designate another person to receive TANF benefits for the child and who must have the designation approved by the department.

Key Provisions

• Drug screening of adults applying for TANF and certain recipients upon reasonable suspicion of illegal drug use.
• Cost rules: the department pays for the initial screening; the individual pays for subsequent screenings with reimbursement if negative.
• Penalties for positive tests: no prescription = ineligibility; second positive = one year ineligibility; third positive = permanent ineligibility; cap on extra screenings per year.
• Designated payee option for minor children's benefits: parents may designate a third party to receive benefits, subject to department approval.
• Notice, acknowledgment, and rulemaking: applicants must be notified and sign acknowledgment; department may promulgate implementing rules; results allowed in administrative/judicial reviews.

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