Saturday, July 13, 2013

Texas to Begin Drug Testing Applicants for Unemployment Benefits

In June, Gov. Rick Perry signed Senate Bill 21 which will require mandatory drug screening as a condition for the receipt of unemployment compensation benefits by certain individuals. 

SB 21 authorizes drug screenings for those receiving unemployment benefits in Texas who work "in an occupation designated by the United States Department of Labor regulations as an occupation that regularly conducts pre-employment drug testing."  A written drug screen assessment will determine the likelihood that an individual is using a substance regulated by the Texas Controlled Substances Act.  If the TWC determines a positive finding, the claimant will have to submit to and pass a state-administered drug test to receive benefits.  The Texas Workforce Commission will develop the program, in line with federal guidelines. 

The law becomes effective September 1.



No comments:

Post a Comment