Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires drug testing for adult applicants to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, beginning January 1, 2013.

Highlights:

• Requires each adult applicant to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program to submit to drug testing (Sec. 3).

• Requires that each applicant pay for the cost of the drug test (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that an individual who tests positive will be unable to receive TANF benefits for 1 year but may reapply for benefits after 6 months if they provide documentation that they subsequently went through a substance abuse treatment program and took 2 drug tests at least 30 days apart that were both negative (Sec. 3).

• Authorizes an individual who tests positive to apply for a second test one year after the date of the initial test unless, after 6 months, they can provide documentation of going through a substance abuse program and taking 2 drug tests (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that if the applicant tests positive after 1 year, then the applicant will be ineligible for TANF benefits for three years from the date of the first initial drug test (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that when a drug test is positive, a second conformation test shall be done and the cost will be placed on the laboratory administering the test (Sec. 3)

• Requires only one parent in a two-parent household to take the drug test for the family to be eligible for TANF (Sec. 3).

• Specifies that if the parent of a dependent child becomes ineligible to receive TANF benefits due to a failed drug test, a protective payee shall be designated to receive benefits for the child (Sec. 4).

• Prohibits the drug test to be used as evidence in criminal proceedings (Sec. 6).

Full Bill Text