SSB 1237

_____ preceding six months of the application for benefits. The bill defines “drug” as tetrahydrocannabinol, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, methamphetamine, and amphetamines. The bill directs the department of human services to develop a survey to screen applicants and participants for potential drug use. The bill requires the department to require a nine panel drug test for a person subject to drug testing under the bill, and requires that the person be advised that the person shall be tested for drug use and that the person has the option to not submit to the test if the person does not apply for benefits. The person being tested shall sign an acknowledgment stating they understand the testing and that they are required to pay for the test. The bill provides an applicant or participant shall also be subject to a background check. If the person tests positive for a drug, the person is ineligible to apply for FIP benefits for three months if the person can provide a confirmed negative test result. If the person tests positive for a drug a second time, the person is ineligible to receive benefits for a period of six months. However, after six months, the person may reapply if the person can document successful participation in a licensed substance abuse treatment program. Upon showing successful completion of a substance abuse treatment program, the person must submit to another drug test. If the test result is negative, the person may apply for benefits. If the person tests positive for a drug a third time, the person is ineligible to receive benefits for one year. The bill provides that if the parent or guardian of a child is suspected of drug use and required to submit a drug test that returns positive results, the child will remain eligible for benefits. The parent, guardian, or department may appoint a person who will receive the benefits on behalf of the child. _____ be required to undergo the same testing that the parent or guardian underwent before the disbursements of funds can occur. The bill exempts persons who are under the age of and adults eligible for Medicare based on the adult’s age from being drug tested.