Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires individuals receiving "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families" benefits and members of the general assembly to consent to random drug tests.

Highlights:

• Establishes a pilot program in three counties to test for controlled substances by individuals applying for or receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits (Sec. 10).

• Requires county officials to have “reasonable suspicion” of drug use before requiring a test be performed (Sec. 10).

• Defines “reasonable suspicion” as relating to any individual that meets any of the following criteria (Sec. 10):
• The individual tested positive on a previous drug test;
• The individual has been convicted of a crime or charged with a drug related offense;
• The individual failed to attend a scheduled meeting pertaining to TANF benefits; or
• The individual failed to complete the online requirements of TANF.

• Requires any applicant or recipient that refuses consent to a drug test to be ineligible for TANF benefits for 3 months and reapply after consenting to a drug test (Sec. 10).

• Requires an individual who fails the first drug test to be ineligible for TANF benefits for a period of 6 months and to have their children’s benefits reduced by 50 percent for a period of 6 months (Sec. 10).

• Prohibits an individual and their children from receiving TANF benefits if the individual fails a drug test during the reapplication process (Sec. 10).

• Authorizes an individual who has tested positive on a drug test to continue to get TANF benefits if they participate in, and complete, a drug treatment program (Sec. 10).

• Requires the Office of the Secretary to pay for the drug test if the individual consenting the the drug test has not previously tested positive on a drug test admitted under this provision and tests negative on the drug test (Sec. 10).

• Requires members of the Senate and House of Representatives to consent to random drug tests (Sec. 10).

• Prohibits members of the Assembly that refuse consent to a drug test or test positive from receiving any of the following (Sec. 10):
• Partisan staff;
• Franked mail;
• Reserved parking or office space at the state house; or
• Electronic devices.

• Requires the following information be made available to the public (Sec. 10):
  
  • A list of members who tested positive;
  • A list of members who tested negative;
  • A list of members who consented to random drug tests; and
  • A list of members who refused consent to random drug tests.

Full Bill Text