Relating to the drug testing of certain persons seeking benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

HB 2958 requires adults applying for or continuing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, and minor parents who are heads of household, to undergo drug screening for marijuana and controlled substances. If screening suggests drug use (excluding prescribed low-THC cannabis), applicants must take a drug test; a positive result leads to six months of ineligibility for a first offense or 12 months for a second offense. The bill allows reapplication after six months with proof of substance abuse treatment enrollment or completion. This legislation, pending in the Human Services committee, directly affects TANF applicants in Texas by linking drug testing to benefit eligibility.