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Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act
12/21/2024, 9:05 AM
Summary of Bill HR 204
Bill 118 HR 204, also known as the Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act, is a proposed piece of legislation in the US Congress. The bill aims to require individuals who receive welfare benefits to undergo drug testing in order to continue receiving assistance.
Under the provisions of the bill, states would be required to implement drug testing programs for welfare recipients. Individuals who test positive for illegal drug use would be ineligible to receive benefits for a certain period of time, unless they agree to participate in a substance abuse treatment program.
Supporters of the bill argue that drug testing for welfare recipients is necessary to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being used to fund drug habits. They believe that drug testing will help to identify individuals who may be struggling with substance abuse issues and connect them with the necessary resources for treatment. Opponents of the bill argue that drug testing for welfare recipients is discriminatory and stigmatizing. They believe that it unfairly targets low-income individuals and perpetuates negative stereotypes about welfare recipients. Critics also point out that similar programs in the past have been found to be costly and ineffective. Overall, the Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the balance between ensuring accountability for welfare recipients and protecting the rights and dignity of individuals in need of assistance.
Under the provisions of the bill, states would be required to implement drug testing programs for welfare recipients. Individuals who test positive for illegal drug use would be ineligible to receive benefits for a certain period of time, unless they agree to participate in a substance abuse treatment program.
Supporters of the bill argue that drug testing for welfare recipients is necessary to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not being used to fund drug habits. They believe that drug testing will help to identify individuals who may be struggling with substance abuse issues and connect them with the necessary resources for treatment. Opponents of the bill argue that drug testing for welfare recipients is discriminatory and stigmatizing. They believe that it unfairly targets low-income individuals and perpetuates negative stereotypes about welfare recipients. Critics also point out that similar programs in the past have been found to be costly and ineffective. Overall, the Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act is a controversial piece of legislation that raises important questions about the balance between ensuring accountability for welfare recipients and protecting the rights and dignity of individuals in need of assistance.
Congressional Summary of HR 204
Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act
This bill requires the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and specified public housing programs to subject individuals to substance-abuse screening and to deny benefits for individuals who test positive for a controlled substance.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill HR 204
Bill HR 204 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 9, 2023. Bill HR 204 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 9, 2023. Bill HR 204's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare. as of December 17, 2024
Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 204
Total Number of Sponsors
1Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
1Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
0Democrat Cosponsors
0Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 204
Primary Policy Focus
Social WelfarePotential Impact Areas
- Drug, alcohol, tobacco use
- Food assistance and relief
- Intergovernmental relations
- Low- and moderate-income housing
- Poverty and welfare assistance
- State and local government operations
Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 204
Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act
Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act
To require certain welfare programs to deny benefits to persons who fail a drug test, and for other purposes.
Comments
Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 204
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