NY A05528

Mandates urine drug testing for all public assistance applicants and recipients over 18 years old at time of application and periodically thereafter, but not more frequently than every six months.

Requires immediate denial of public assistance benefits to any applicant or recipient over 18 who tests positive for drugs, rather than the previous process of formal assessment and referral to treatment.

Eliminates the existing tiered disqualification periods (45, 120, and 180 days) for failure to participate in treatment, instead requiring disqualification to continue until all requirements are met and a negative drug test is obtained.

Provides that other household members may receive safety net assistance if otherwise eligible when one member tests positive or fails to participate in screening.

Repeals subdivision 3 of section 117 of the social services law and takes effect immediately upon enactment.