House Bill 1371 Summary

• Requires random drug testing of public assistance recipients aged 13 and older to determine eligibility for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, and other state-funded benefits.

• Recipients testing positive must enter substance abuse treatment through a community mental health center or local medical provider and provide documented proof of being drug-free within 90 days to continue receiving benefits.

• Recipients who fail to provide proof of recovery within 90 days become ineligible for benefits for at least 90 days; they may reapply and regain eligibility by passing another drug test.

• The Mississippi Department of Human Services, in conjunction with the Bureau of Narcotics and State Department of Health, shall establish and administer the testing program using the Mississippi Crime Laboratory or an approved laboratory.

• Repeals prior drug testing provisions in Section 43-17-6 and makes the new drug testing requirement effective July 1, 2016.