MO HB73

Department of Social Services shall screen applicants and recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and test those with reasonable cause to suspect illegal drug use using a urine dipstick five-panel test.

Applicants or recipients who test positive for unprescribed controlled substances or refuse testing shall be declared ineligible for TANF benefits for three years after an administrative hearing, unless they successfully complete a department-referred substance abuse treatment program and test negative during the six-month period following program entry.

Case workers must report to the Children's Division suspected child abuse resulting from drug abuse when an applicant or recipient tests positive for illegal drugs or refuses testing.

Other household members otherwise eligible for TANF benefits may continue receiving benefits as protective or vendor payments if the ineligible person is removed from the household.

Electronic benefits cards distributed to TANF recipients must display a photograph of the authorized recipient or protective payee, expire after three years, and be renewed; cards cannot be used by retail establishments if the cardholder's photograph does not match the person presenting the card.