A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT requiring applicants for public assistance to undergo drug testing before the applicant is eligible for public assistance.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 108A of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following section to read:
"§ 108A‑26.1.  Eligibility for assistance.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, to be eligible for program assistance under this Article, an applicant shall undergo a substance abuse screening as administered by the county department of social services in the county in which the applicant resides, or, in the case of residents of Electing Counties, administered by the public or private entity designated by the board of county commissioners. If the applicant fails to pass the substance abuse screening, the applicant shall be required to undergo substance abuse treatment. The Social Services Commission (Commission) shall adopt rules that establish requirements and policies for (i) substance abuse screenings of applicants, (ii) substance abuse treatment, when applicable, (iii) subsequent screenings of recipients after becoming eligible for public assistance, and (iv) any other requirements or policies the Commission deems relevant."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.