NY A04753

Requires all TANF assistance applicants and recipients age 18+ to submit to drug screening and testing, including a written substance abuse screening inventory test at application.

Establishes reasonable suspicion criteria for drug testing including: criminal charges under controlled substances laws, positive screening test results, or prior failed drug tests.

Imposes penalties for positive test results: three-month TANF ineligibility if applicant does not enroll in treatment within 30 days; permanent ineligibility for the individual if they test positive upon reapplication after the three-month period.

Requires individuals who test positive while in treatment to pass two consecutive drug tests (within 20-30 day intervals) within four months to avoid three-month ineligibility; extends random drug testing requirements for those who successfully reapply.

Withholds drug test costs from TANF payments for positive results and all subsequent tests regardless of outcome; protects test results from admission in criminal proceedings and requires notification to child welfare services regarding ineligible children.