HB 5582
Extending program for drug screening of applicants for TANF
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill extends the program in West Virginia that requires drug screening for applicants seeking Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits. It maintains the current process of screening applicants for substance abuse, including testing for a range of drugs, and establishes criteria for reasonable suspicion and potential consequences for positive results. The bill also outlines requirements for substance abuse treatment and job skills programs for those who test positive, and includes provisions for protecting dependent children’s eligibility for benefits.
Key provisions
- Requires drug screening of adult applicants for TANF benefits.
- Establishes criteria for ‘reasonable suspicion’ of substance abuse, including drug test results and prior drug-related convictions.
- Mandates completion of a substance abuse treatment and counseling program and a job skills program for applicants with positive drug tests.
- Allows for a second drug test and potential suspension of benefits for repeated positive results.
- Protects dependent children’s eligibility for benefits even if a parent is deemed ineligible.
- Provides a pathway for reapplication after successful completion of a drug treatment program.
- Requires reporting to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance on program status and outcomes.
- Includes penalties for intentionally misrepresenting information on an application.
Who is affected
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) applicants
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