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GA HB861
Bill
Status
Passed
4/16/2012
Primary Sponsor
Stephen Allison
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AI Summary
- Requires the Georgia Department of Human Services to implement mandatory drug testing for all applicants aged 18 and older seeking Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, with the program to begin by July 1, 2013
- Establishes a random drug testing program for current TANF recipients, requiring submission to testing at least once every two years as a condition of continued benefits, contingent upon available funding
- Imposes escalating penalties for failed drug tests: a first failure results in denial of benefits with the option to reapply after passing a new test; a second failure triggers a two-year ban on reapplying; a third failure results in an indefinite ban from TANF benefits
- Protects dependent children by allowing an approved protective payee (who must also pass a drug test) to receive benefits on behalf of a child whose parent is disqualified due to a failed drug test
- Caps the cost of drug testing at $40.00 per test (deducted from benefits over 12 months, no more than two tests per two-year period) and prohibits use of test results in criminal investigations, civil actions, or public records disclosures, with all records destroyed after five years
Legislative Description
Law enforcement officers; report drug related arrests to Department of Human Services; require
Last Action
Effective Date
7/1/2012
Committee Referrals
Health and Human Services3/7/2012
Judiciary2/1/2012
Full Bill Text
No bill text available