House Bill 42 Summary

• Requires all public benefit recipients age 13 and older to take an annual drug test starting October 1, 2016, where "public benefits" includes any salary, compensation, or grants funded by state or local funds.

• Imposes penalties for refusing drug tests: 90-day benefit termination for first refusal within one year; one-year termination for second refusal within one year.

• Allows continued benefits if recipient tests positive and enters an approved substance use disorder treatment plan lasting at least 60 days, then tests negative; requires documented proof of treatment completion within 90 days.

• Terminates benefits for 90 days to one year if recipient declines treatment or fails to meet treatment requirements; permanently terminates benefits after three positive drug test results.

• Repeals existing Section 43-17-6 requirements for TANF recipients and amends Section 43-17-5 to remove the prior drug testing provision specific to TANF recipients only.