Proposed law in Alabama would require people to pass drug tests to receive food stamps
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (FOX 11) - A proposed bill in Alabama would require some residents to pass a drug test to receive food stamp benefits.
Under existing law, there is no requirement that a person applying for or receiving benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) be tested for illegal substance abuse.
House Bill 3, introduced on March 5 by Rep. James Hanes, would require an applicant for SNAP benefits to be tested for substance abuse if there is reasonable suspicion that the person uses or is under the influence of a drug.
The proposed bill states that anyone who tests positive for a drug without a valid prescription a second time would be ineligible for SNAP benefits. It further goes on to say that if a parent of a dependent child tests positive for drugs without a valid prescription, the parent may designate a third party to receive the benefits for the benefit of the dependent child.
Anyone who refuses to take a drug test or delays any of the screenings would be ineligible for SNAP benefits under the proposed bill.
FOX 11 reported on this story from Los Angeles.