HB390 Alabama 2018 Session

Under existing law, there is no requirement that a person applying for or receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) be tested for illegal substance abuse

This bill would require an applicant for SNAP benefits to be tested for substance abuse if there is reasonable suspicion that the person uses or is under the influence of a drug

This bill would provide that a person testing positive for a drug without a valid prescription a second time would be ineligible for SNAP benefits and would provide that when a parent of a dependent child tests positive for drugs without a valid prescription, the parent may designate a third party to receive the benefits for the benefit of the dependent child

This bill would specify who is responsible for the costs associated with the drug screening

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

Relating to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits; to require the Department of Human Resources to implement and administer a drug screening program for an applicant for SNAP benefits 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 a person testing positive for a drug without a valid prescription a second time would be ineligible for SNAP benefits; to provide that if a parent of a dependent child tests positive for drugs, the parent may designate a third party to receive the benefits for the benefit of the dependent child; and to authorize the department to adopt rules to implement the act.