In this occasional post, we will feature topics receiving widespread media coverage, tips for finding bills filed during the 83rd legislative session, and related resources.

 

 

Public assistance programs, like the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families [TANF] program, act as temporary safety nets for people and families in need of financial help. Many states have recently enacted or proposed legislation that calls for drug testing of people seeking public assistance benefits.

 

To find bills filed during the 83rd Legislature about drug testing applicants and recipients of public assistance, visit the Texas Legislature Online, and select "Bill Search" under the Search tab. Click on "select subject criteria" and select Human Services--Direct Assistance (I0900) and DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING (S0010) from the subject list to find bills.

 

You can also try looking directly under the subjects TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (S0401) or WELFARE (S2341) to find bills related to public assistance programs.

 

Local news articles have discussed proposed legislation in Texas that calls for drug testing those who apply for or receive public assistance:

Governor Perry has spoken recently about drug screening for those receiving public assistance benefits.

 

The National Conference of State Legislatures provides a state-by-state map and chart of state laws related to drug testing and public assistance programs.

 

Information about the TANF program in Texas is available via the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. At the federal level, information about TANF is available via the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.