MO SB615

Department of Social Services shall develop a screening and testing program for work-eligible applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits when the department has reasonable cause to believe they engage in illegal use of controlled substances.

Applicants or recipients who test positive for illegal use of controlled substances not prescribed by a licensed health care provider shall be declared ineligible for TANF benefits for one year from the date of the administrative hearing decision.

Department shall refer individuals who test positive to an appropriate substance abuse treatment program approved by the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse within the Department of Mental Health.

Other household members of an ineligible person may continue receiving TANF benefits as protective or vendor payments to a third-party payee if otherwise eligible.

Department shall promulgate rules under chapter 536 to develop screening and testing provisions, with any rules proposed or adopted after August 28, 2010 becoming invalid if the General Assembly's rulemaking review powers are held unconstitutional.