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History
- Referred to social services
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Provides that before a person may receive public assistance benefits, he or she must submit to a drug test
In Assembly Committee · Social Services · Sponsor Clifford Crouch
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to people receiving public assistance
Purpose or general idea of bill
Provides that before a person may receive public assistance benefits, he or she must submit to and pass a drug test.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1. Section 131 of the social services law is amended by adding a new subdivision 9-a to read as follows:
9-a. Upon determining that a person is eligible for any form or category of public assistance and prior to making any distribution to such person, the social services official shall require the person seeking assistance to submit to a drug test. The commissioner of health shall establish rules and regulations regarding the method of testing, the frequency of testing, the substance for which to be tested, and what constitutes failing such drug test. If a person fails the drug test, he or she shall enroll in a drug rehabilitation program certified by the commissioner of health. Such person shall not be eligible to receive any assistance under this chapter if he or she fails to enroll and actively participate in the rehabilitation program.
Justification
New York State offers a variety of programs to financially assist low to poor income families with food stamps and other necessities needed to survive with little or no money. The assistance provided to them from our State has very strict rules and regulations they must follow in order to continue to receive such necessities. Too often individuals take advantage of our public assistance program and try to pocket or use their extra funds to purchase items they are not supposed to such as drugs. Before determining that a person is eligible for any form or category of public assistance, and prior to making any distribution to such person, the social services official shall require the person seeking assistance to submit to a drug test. And if he or she fails the drug test then they must be required to enroll in a drug rehabilitation program certified by the commissioner of health.
Prior legislative history
New bill.
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.