New Bill Would Mandate Drug Testing for Needy Adults Before They Apply for Benefits
Federal law doesn’t allow states to drug test food stamp recipients, but there is no such law for another program that gives federal grant funds to states to provide families with financial assistance and other support services. Nine states currently require either screening or drug testing for adults seeking to receive the federally funded Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Now Texas wants to join them.
Low-income adults who are between jobs or unemployed can use TANF funds for paying rent, utilities and for groceries – whatever will help provide basic needs for their families.
Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) has filed a bill to mandate TANF applicants undergo drug screenings and – if they’re deemed at-risk, have a felony on record or have previously tested positive for substance use – get tested for drugs. Rep. Ken King (R-Canadian) has filed a similar bill in the House.
Marissa Evans with the Texas Tribune describes the bill:
“Essentially what the bill’s saying is that if you – if they suspect that you might be using drugs, you will be sent to a drug test,” she says. “If you test positive, you’ll be denied benefits for six months. But the bill does have a caveat that allows, say, a protective payee, if there’s a child involved, to accept the benefits on behalf of the child. But that person will have to get drug tested too.”
Read more: http://www.texasstandard.org/stories/mandate-drug-testing-for-needy-families-before-applying-for-benefits/
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