Multiple states have implemented drug screening followed by testing of TANF applicants and have proposed similar requirements for other public benefit programs. These stigmatizing proposals and laws are based on stereotypes about people who need public benefits and are an ineffective means of identifying individuals in need of drug treatment. Suspicionless drug testing for public assistance has repeatedly been found unconstitutional.
Elizabeth Lower-Basch is quoted in an article on the growing number of states that have introduced proposals requiring drug testing for welfare applicants.
Drug testing of public benefits applicants has been repeatedly found illegal, ineffective and even unconstitutional--yet lawmakers keep coming back with such proposals.
On December 31, 2014, the federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida issued final judgment on the state’s 2011 law mandating suspicionless-based drug testing for TANF applicants.
Mandatory drug testing for TANF recipients raises major concerns. Despite evidence that few TANF recipients abuse drugs, states continue to expend major funds on these policies.