S.B. No. 207 Summary

• Amends unemployment compensation law to require drug testing of applicants who are suspected of unlawful controlled substance use and were discharged from their most recent job due to such use, with failure or refusal to test resulting in disqualification for benefits during unemployment.

• Establishes a two-year Ohio Works First drug testing pilot program in three volunteer counties (one rural, one suburban, one urban) requiring assessment of adult assistance group members for suspected chemical dependency, with mandatory drug testing if reasonable cause is found.

• Directs cash assistance to protective payees (non-family members) for one year if adults refuse to cooperate with assessments, refuse drug tests, or fail drug tests; allows reinstatement after six months if treatment is completed and a new drug test is passed.

• Requires referral of individuals who fail drug tests to community addiction services providers certified by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for treatment.

• Appropriates $100,000 each for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for continuum of care services and drug treatment under the pilot program.