Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires adults in the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program to submit to random drug testing.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the Department of Children and Family Services to establish a mandatory drug testing program for at least 20 percent of adults in the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) (Sec. 1).

• Requires each FITAP participant to sign a written consent form that informs the participant that he or she must agree to random drug testing in order to remain eligible for cash assistance benefits (Sec. 1).

• Requires FITAP participants who fail the initial drug test to complete an education and rehabilitation program within 90 days in order for the participant's eligibility for cash assistance benefits to be restored (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits FITAP participants who do not complete an education and rehabilitation program within 90 days from receiving cash assistance benefits for 1 year or until the participant completes the program (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits FITAP participants who fail a second or subsequent drug test from receiving or reapplying for cash assistance benefits for 1 year (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to pay for the initial drug test and for the treatment of FITAP participants who fail the initial drug test (Sec. 1).

• Requires FITAP participants to pay for any subsequent drug tests beyond the initial test (Sec. 1).

• Requires the Child Welfare Division of the Department of Children and Family Services to investigate, within 72 hours, every case in which a FITAP participant with children is denied benefits for failing a drug test (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text