Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to take a drug test.

Highlights:

• Requires applicants to undergo a drug test within 48 hours of being approved for TANF benefits (Sec. 3).

• Requires applicants currently receiving Medicaid benefits to pay a drug screening application fee of up to $17 (Sec. 3).

• Requires applicants who do not have active and current Medicaid benefits to pay the full cost of the drug test (Sec. 3)

• Requires the Georgia Department of Human Services to pay back the cost of the test by increasing the applicant's initial TANF payment the appropriate amount if they test negative, unless they used their Medicaid benefits to pay for the test, in which case they will not be reimbursed (Sec. 3).  

• Requires only 1 adult in a 2-parent family to comply with the drug testing requirements (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the first positive test will result in the applicant becoming ineligible for benefits for 1 month (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the second positive test will result in the applicant becoming ineligible for benefits for 3 months (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that the third and any subsequent positive tests will result in the applicant becoming ineligible for benefits for 1 year (Sec. 3).

• Requires the state to provide applicants who have tested positive with a list of substance abuse treatment centers in the area (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes applicants who are ineligible for benefits for 1 year due to a positive drug test to reapply for benefits after 6 months if they show proof of successfully completing a substance abuse treatment program (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes a parent who is ineligible for benefits due to a positive drug test to designate another adult to receive benefits on behalf of his or her child (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text