NY A06043

Requires TANF assistance recipients age 18+ to submit to initial substance abuse screening tests, random drug testing, reasonable suspicion drug testing, and resumption of benefits drug testing as a condition of receiving benefits.

Establishes "reasonable suspicion" for drug testing if applicant has been charged with controlled substance offenses, screening test indicates substance abuse risk, or has previously failed a drug test.

Imposes sanctions including 3-month benefit ineligibility for failure to enroll in treatment within 30 days of positive test, or failure to test negative within 4 months of treatment enrollment.

Requires permanent ineligibility for TANF applicant and child ineligibility (while residing with applicant) if individual tests positive upon reapplication after initial 3-month suspension period.

Withholds cost of positive drug tests from future TANF payments; all subsequent drug test costs are withheld regardless of test result; requires SAMHSA-certified laboratories and prohibits test results from being used in criminal proceedings.