SB63 Alabama 2014 Session

Under existing law, there is no requirement that a person applying for or receiving public assistance benefits be tested for illegal substance abuse.

This bill would require an applicant for TANF temporary cash assistance administered by the Department of Human Resources and certain recipients to be tested for substance abuse if there is reasonable suspicion that the applicant is under the influence of an illegal substance.

This bill would provide that any applicant testing positive for a drug without a valid prescription would be ineligible for TANF temporary cash assistance benefits under the program.

This bill would authorize a parent of a minor child who tests positive for drugs to designate a third party to receive the public assistance for the benefit of minor child members.

This bill also would authorize the Department of Human Resources to promulgate rules to implement this program.

Relating to Temporary Cash Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits; to require the Department of Human Resources to implement and administer a drug screening program for any adult applying for TANF temporary cash assistance and certain recipients, upon reasonable suspicion of illegal substance use; to require the department to provide notice of the drug screening to applicants; to specify who is responsible for costs associated with the drug screening; to provide that an adult testing positive for a drug under this screening program is ineligible to receive certain public assistance; to allow a parent of a minor child who tests positive for drugs to designate a third party to receive the benefits for the benefit of the minor child; and to authorize the department to promulgate rules to implement the act.