Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act
3/21/2025, 2:53 PM
Status of Legislation
Purpose and Summary
Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act
This bill requires states participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and specified public housing programs to subject applicants to substance abuse testing or screening and to deny benefits for individuals who test positive for a controlled substance.
Specifically, states administering these programs must determine whether an adult applicant for benefits has been arrested for a drug-related offense within the past five years. Applicants who have been arrested for such an offense must be tested for at least one controlled substance and must test negative to receive benefits. Applicants who have not been arrested for such an offense must be screened (via an interview, questionnaire, or other instrument) for risk of substance abuse. Applicants determined to be at high risk for substance abuse must be tested for at least one controlled substance and must test negative to receive benefits. Applicants who are determined not to be at high risk do not have to undergo testing.
Applicants who test positive for a controlled substance at any point during this process are ineligible for benefits for one year, until they complete a treatment program, or until they test negative for the substance, whichever is later.
Family members and households of individuals disqualified from receiving benefits under these provisions may generally continue to receive support.
States that fail to enforce these provisions are subject to reduced federal funding for these programs the following fiscal year.
Under this legislation, individuals who apply for welfare benefits would be required to undergo a drug test. If the individual fails the drug test, they would be ineligible to receive benefits. The bill also includes provisions for individuals to receive treatment for substance abuse in order to regain eligibility for benefits.
Supporters of the bill argue that it is necessary to ensure that welfare programs are being used responsibly and that individuals are not using taxpayer dollars to support their drug habits. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential for discrimination and the impact on individuals who may have a legitimate need for assistance. Overall, Bill 119 HR 372 seeks to address the issue of drug use among welfare recipients and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. It is currently under consideration in Congress and has sparked debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
Comments
Recent Activity
Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act
This bill requires states participating in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and specified public housing programs&nbs...
Specifically, states administering these programs must determine whether an adult applicant for benefits has been arrested for a drug-related offense within the past five years. Applicants who have been arrested for such an offense must be tested for at least one controlled substance and must test negative to receive benefits. Applicants who have not been arrested for such an offense must be screened (via an interview, questionnaire, or other instrument) for risk of substance abuse. Applicants determined to be at high risk for substance abuse must be tested for at least one controlled substance and must test negative to receive benefits. Applicants who are determined not to be at high risk do not have to undergo testing.
Applicants who test positive for a controlled substance at any point during this process are ineligible for benefits for one year, until they complete a treatment program, or until they test negative for the substance, whichever is later.
Family members and households of individuals disqualified from receiving benefits under these provisions may generally continue to receive support.
States that fail to enforce these provisions are subject to reduced federal funding for these programs the following fiscal year.