Senate Bill 2028 Summary

• Requires all adults 18+ applying for state, local, or federal public benefits to submit to random drug testing starting July 1, 2013, with limited exemptions for emergency medical care, disaster relief, immunizations, and prenatal care.

• Establishes ineligibility periods based on drug test results: 90 days for first positive test, 180 days for second positive, and one year for third and subsequent positive tests, with a required negative reentry test before eligibility resumes.

• Imposes one-year benefit ineligibility for any applicant who refuses to submit to random drug testing.

• Applies random drug testing requirements to Medicaid applicants, TANF applicants, unemployment insurance claimants, and public housing assistance applicants through amendments to existing state law.

• Directs the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Narcotics, and State Board of Health to establish testing standards and procedures, with testing performed at the Mississippi Crime Laboratory or approved facilities, and requires federal waivers before implementation.