Honorable James B. Frank, Chair, House Committee on Human Services
FROM:
Jerry McGinty, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3425 by Slawson (Relating to the drug testing of certain persons seeking benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 31 of the Human Resources Code to require certain persons seeking financial assistance benefits to submit to a marihuana and controlled substance screening assessment and/or a drug test. The bill would make certain persons ineligible for financial assistance benefits.
The bill would require the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to use the most efficient and cost-effective screening assessment that HHSC can develop; to pay for the screening assessment and drug test with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant federal funds; and to report certain information to the Department of Family and Protective Services for use in an investigation.
It is assumed that cost savings generated due to individuals being excluded from financial assistance benefits through drug screening and tests would partially offset other costs related to implementing the provisions of the bill, and that any remaining costs could be absorbed using existing resources. The ability to use TANF federal funds to implement the provisions of the bill would be subject to availability of unappropriated federal funds. Costs associated with the cash assistance program for two-parent families could not be paid with TANF federal funds as required by the bill.
Local Government Impact
No fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.
Source Agencies:
529 Hlth & Human Svcs Comm, 530 Family & Protective Services