Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires certain recipients of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF) to undergo drug testing, effective October 1, 2014.

Highlights:

• Requires an individual applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to be drug tested if the applicant has been convicted for use or distribution of a drug within 5 years prior to the date of the application or initial TANF payment (Sec. 2).

• Requires an individual who tests positive on the initial drug test to receive a warning which states that a subsequent positive drug test will result in the loss of eligibility for the TANF cash assistance program (Sec. 2)

• Requires an individual who tests positive on a second drug test to be ineligible for the TANF cash assistance program for one year after the date of the positive drug test (Sec. 2).

• Requires an individual who tests positive on a third drug test to be permanently ineligible for the TANF cash assistance program (Sec. 2)

• Authorizes a designated individual to receive TANF benefits for a child if the child’s parent is ineligible for the benefits due to the provisions of this bill (Sec. 2). 

Full Bill Text