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Drug Testing for Welfare, Food, and Housing Assistance Recipients

New rules mandate drug testing for individuals applying for welfare benefits, food assistance, and housing aid. Those who fail or refuse a test may lose their eligibility for these benefits for a specified period. The aim is to restrict public assistance access for individuals using illegal substances.
Key points
Adults applying for temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP), and public housing/Section 8 rental assistance will be required to undergo drug testing.
If an individual has been arrested for a drug-related offense in the past 5 years, they must pass a drug test.
If no prior drug-related arrest, individuals must complete a substance abuse screening; if determined to be at high risk, they must also pass a drug test.
A positive drug test result leads to a suspension of benefits for at least 12 months, until a treatment program is completed or a negative test result is obtained.
The costs of drug testing and screening will be covered by the state, not by the applicants.
Refusal to undergo testing or screening will also result in denial of benefits.
Denial of benefits for one individual will not affect the assistance amount for other eligible family members.
States failing to comply with these requirements may face a 15% reduction in federal funding for these programs.
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Expired
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_204
Sponsor: Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7]
Process start date: 2023-01-09
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_204.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-01-09.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Adults applying for temporary assistance for needy families, supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP), and public housing/Section 8 rental assistance will be required to undergo drug testing.
  • If an individual has been arrested for a drug-related offense in the past 5 years, they must pass a drug test.
  • If no prior drug-related arrest, individuals must complete a substance abuse screening; if determined to be at high risk, they must also pass a drug test.
  • A positive drug test result leads to a suspension of benefits for at least 12 months, until a treatment program is completed or a negative test result is obtained.
  • The costs of drug testing and screening will be covered by the state, not by the applicants.
  • Refusal to undergo testing or screening will also result in denial of benefits.
  • Denial of benefits for one individual will not affect the assistance amount for other eligible family members.
  • States failing to comply with these requirements may face a 15% reduction in federal funding for these programs.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Work and Welfare.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-24.

CATEGORIES

Benefits Courts and Law Family