Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a pilot drug testing program for certain welfare recipients.

Highlights:

• Establishes a pilot program for drug testing adult participants of the Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities (POWER) program under Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) (Sec. 1).

• Requires a random sample of at least 100 participants to be tested by July 1, 2013 (Sec. 1).

• Requires the joint labor, health and social services interim committee to be notified of the number of participants who (Sec. 1):
• Decline to take a drug test; and
• The results of the tests that are conducted.

• Authorizes POWER participants who receive benefits on behalf of a minor child to be tested if there is probable cause that the individual is using a controlled substance or that the child is neglected or abused (Sec. 1).

• Requires individuals who test positive for controlled substances to be ineligible for benefits for 1 month (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes individuals to immediately reapply for benefits if they provide proof of "successful" participation in a substance abuse treatment program (Sec. 1).

• Prohibiits individuals that test positive for controlled substances on a second test from being eligible for benefits for 1 year (Sec. 1).

• Exempts POWER participants from the random drug tests if the participant's work training program requires drug tests (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires drug testing of certain welfare recipients.

Highlights:

• Requires drug testing of individuals applying for benefits from Personal Opportunities with Employment Responsibilities (POWER) program under Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) (Sec. 1).

• Requires individuals that test positive for controlled substances to be ineligible for benefits for 1 month (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes individuals to immediately reapply for benefits if they provide proof of "successful" participation in a substance abuse treatment program (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits individuals that test positive for controlled substances on a second test from being eligible for benefits for 1 year (Sec. 1).

• Requires another payee to receive benefits on behalf of children whose parents are ineligible because of a positive drug test (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text