Signed by Governor Nathan Deal

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

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

Highlights:

• Requires an applicant for or a recipient of food stamps to submit to a drug test if the Department of Human Services has “reasonable suspicion” that the individual is using illegal drugs (Sec. 1).

• Defines “reasonable suspicion” as certain information including, but not limited to, the following information (Sec. 1):
• The individual’s demeanor;
• The missed appointments, arrests, or other police records of the individual;
• The previous employments or applications for employment of the individual in occupations or industries that regularly conducts drug screenings; or
• The terminations from previous employments because of unlawful use of a controlled substance.

• Prohibits a recipient with a positive test result from receiving food stamps for at least 1 month and until the individual tests negative in a retest (Sec. 1). 

• Prohibits a recipient with a second positive test result from receiving food stamps for at least 3 months and until the individual tests negative in a retest (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a recipient with a third positive result and subsequent positive results from receiving food stamps for at least 1 year and until the individual tests negative in a retest or meets the requirements for the exceptions as outlined in this bill (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that an individual who tested positive and who is ineligible for food stamps for 1 year can reapply for food stamps after 6 months if the individual documents the successful completion of a substance abuse treatment program offered by a Department of Human Services approved provider (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes a designated protective payee to receive food stamps on behalf of a child if the parent tests positive for illegal drug use and is ineligible for food stamps (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text