VIEW Program; substance abuse screening and assessment of public assistance recipients. (HB1412)
Introduced By
Del. Anne Crockett-Stark (R-Wytheville)
Progress
✓ |
Introduced |
✗ |
Passed Committee |
☐ |
Passed House |
☐ |
Passed Senate |
☐ |
Signed by Governor |
☐ |
Became Law |
Description
Substance abuse screening and assessment of public assistance recipients. Requires local departments of social services to screen each Virginia Initiative for Employment Not Welfare (VIEW) program participant to determine whether probable cause exists to believe the participant is engaged in the use of illegal drugs. The bill provides that, when a screening indicates reasonable cause to believe a participant is using illegal drugs, the local department of social services shall require a formal substance abuse assessment of the participant, which may include drug testing. Any person who fails or refuses to participate in a screening or assessment without good cause or who tests positive for the use of illegal drugs shall be ineligible to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments for a period of one year, unless he enters into and complies with the requirements of a drug treatment program. Read the Bill »
Outcome
History
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 12/18/2012 | Committee |
| 12/18/2012 | Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/13 13100376D |
| 12/18/2012 | Referred to Committee on Health, Welfare and Institutions |
| 01/11/2013 | Assigned HWI sub: #2 |
| 01/18/2013 | Impact statement from DPB (HB1412) |
| 01/24/2013 | Subcommittee recommends incorporating (HB1789-Bell, Robert B.) (7-Y 0-N) |
| 02/05/2013 | Left in Health, Welfare and Institutions |
Comments
The ACLU of Virginia opposes this legislation because by requiring substance abuse screening of all Virginia Initiative for Employment not Welfare Program applicants, the government is treating potential recipients of public assistance as criminals, invading their privacy by conducting a search without a warrant, and denying benefits to those who may most need them.