In the past two days, four measures restricting welfare use have passed the Republican-controlled Alabama legislature and now await the signature of Gov. Robert J. Bentley (R). The bills would impose new eligibility restrictions on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or TANF, a federal welfare program for low-income families, including mandatory drug tests for applicants with drug convictions.

Here are the four bills passed by the Alabama legislature on Wednesday and Thursday:



1. Senate Bill 63

Passed Senate 63-33 on Feb 26

Passed House 73-27 on Apr 3

Senate Bill 63 would require TANF applicants with a drug conviction in the last five years to be drug-tested before receiving their first benefits. Those who test positive for the first time would receive a warning. A second positive test would result in a one-year suspension of TANF benefits. A third positive test would result in a lifetime ban of TANF aid.

2. Senate Bill 114

Passed Senate 29-2 on Feb 26

Passed House 80-17 on Apr 2

Senate Bill 114 would make it a Class A misdemeanor to falsify information in order to qualify for any state or federally funded public assistance program.

3. Senate Bill 115

Passed Senate 28-1 on Feb 26

Passed House 70-33 on Apr 2

Senate Bill 115 would mandate that TANF applicants apply for at least three positions of unsubsidized employment before qualifying for aid.