SB 5924-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Provides that recipients of general assistance-unemployable who are also chemically dependent are subject to the following rules as a condition of eligibility:  (1) Recipients shall be enrolled in a certified chemical dependency treatment program;

     (2) recipients shall be entitled to receive benefits under this chapter while they are waiting for an available treatment slot;

     (3) recipients shall be assigned a protective payee to prevent the division of cash assistance toward purchasing alcohol or other drugs until such time as they enter a treatment program;

     (4) recipients shall cooperate in attending the assigned treatment program in order to retain eligibility;

     (5) recipients shall be subject to periodic drug tests that shall be used by the department to determine if recipients are cooperating with assigned treatment options; and

     (6) if recipients cooperate in attending treatment but continue to be chemically dependent after treatment ends, the department shall make a determination as to what treatment option is appropriate for the recipient.  Recipients who are cooperating with the department in identifying and attending treatment options shall not have eligibility terminated.