Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act

This bill, titled the Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act, would require drug screening and testing as a condition for receiving certain federal welfare benefits. It applies to three programs: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) under the Social Security Act, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and housing assistance programs funded under the U.S. Housing Act (including public housing and Section 8 rental assistance). For adults 18 and older, states or relevant administering entities would be required to check for drug-related offenses in the prior five years and conduct drug testing or screening as a prerequisite to benefit eligibility (or continued eligibility in some cases). If an individual tests positive for a controlled substance, or fails certain screening steps, benefits would be denied or suspended for up to 12 months (or longer if treatment is not completed or further testing remains positive). States would face financial penalties if they fail to enforce the requirements, and the rule would take effect 240 days after enactment. The bill also authorizes the use of certain program funds to cover testing costs, but prohibits charging individuals or households for testing. It includes detailed definitions of terms like “controlled substance,” “drug-related offense,” and “substance abuse screening,” and adds enforcement provisions that would reduce a state’s or housing agency’s federal funding if compliance is not achieved. Sponsor and process: Introduced in the House by Rep. Rouzer on January 13, 2025. The bill would be referred to the Ways and Means Committee, and to the Agriculture and Financial Services committees as well.