AK HB259

Amend citizenship requirements for adult public assistance by specifying that recipients must be U.S. citizens or legal aliens as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1181-1186, and remove redundant language about temporary residency.

Establish a statewide alcohol impairment and drug testing program for applicants and recipients of adult public assistance, with authority for both random and suspicion-based testing.

Require department regulations to specify testing methods, substances tested, and drug cutoff levels established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as of November 1, 2004.

Guarantee testing rights including confirmatory testing, results within five working days of written request, confidential explanation within 72 hours of adverse action, and department payment of all testing and transportation costs.

Authorize the department to deny or suspend assistance for applicants or recipients who test positive for alcohol impairment or illegal drugs after confirmatory testing, or who refuse required testing.