CalWORKs eligibility: periodic drug testing.

Existing law requires each county to provide cash assistance and other social services to needy families through the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program, using federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program, state, and county funds. Under existing law, the county is required to annually redetermine eligibility for CalWORKs benefits. Existing law requires a county to develop a plan describing how the county intends to deliver the full range of activities and services necessary to move CalWORKs recipients from welfare to work. The county plan is required to include a plan for the provision of substance abuse treatment services. This bill would require an applicant for, or recipient of, CalWORKs cash aid to undergo drug testing on a periodic basis, as a condition of eligibility. The bill would specify the substances for which drug testing would be conducted, and would require the department to seek any federal approvals necessary for the implementation of the bill. The bill would specify the duties of the department and county welfare departments in connection with the drug testing procedures, including paying the costs of a licensed substance abuse program, as specified. This bill would provide that otherwise eligible children in the household of an applicant or recipient who is ineligible for aid because of a positive drug test shall receive CalWORKs aid, under specified conditions. This bill would authorize the department to implement the bill through all-county letters or similar instructions from the director until regulations are adopted. The bill would require counties to implement the bill's requirements within 60 days from the date of issuance of the all-county letters. Because counties administer the CalWORKs program, by increasing county duties, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.