SB496 Summary

• Requires the Department of Human Resources to implement mandatory drug screening for all adults applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, with applicants bearing the cost of testing.

• Makes applicants who test positive for drugs without a valid prescription ineligible for TANF benefits for one year, or three years if they test positive a second time.

• Allows ineligible applicants to reapply for benefits after six months if they document completion of a department-approved substance abuse treatment program and pass a new drug screening.

• Provides that dependent children's TANF eligibility is not affected if a parent fails the drug screening; benefits go to a protective payee or a person designated by the parent, who must also pass drug screening.

• Establishes that applicants who test negative receive a reimbursement equal to their screening cost added to initial TANF benefits, and requires the department to provide information about licensed substance abuse treatment providers.