Food stamp recipients in Alabama could face drug testing under a bill set to go before the State Legislature.

The bill filed by Rep. Tommy Hanes, R-Bryant, would allow for beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to be tested for illegal substances if “there is a reasonable suspicion” that the person uses or is under the influence of drugs. Reasonable suspicion includes a drug conviction within the past five years.

The first positive drug test would result in a warning. A second test would make a person ineligible for food stamps for one year but does allow a provision so that a parent could designate a third party to receive benefits for a dependent child.

A third positive test would make a person permanently ineligible for the benefits.

A beneficiary who refuses to take a drug test or delays the screening would be ineligible for food stamps, the bill notes.

You can read the complete bill here.

Almost 750,000 Alabamians receive SNAP benefits each month, with more than 73 percent of beneficiaries being families with children. The average monthly SNAP benefit per each household member is $120, or $1.32 per person, per meal.

Alabama is the most recent state to consider drug testing for food stamp recipients after the Trump administration signed an order giving states more flexibility on administering the program.