H.R.1121: Ensuring Quality in the Unemployment Insurance Program (EQUIP) Act

H.R. 1121 would amend title III of the Social Security Act to codify states’ ability to conduct substance abuse risk assessments and targeted drug testing as a condition for the receipt of unemployment benefits.

The test, given by the National Institute of Health (NIH), would use a screening instrument to determine if someone is a “strong candidate” for substance abuse. A person who is found to be at high risk of drug use would be subject to drug testing prior to receiving benefits, as well as drug screenings with “limited” notice at any point within the benefit year. If a high risk individual tested positive for substances, they would be responsible for the cost of the test.

For those who test positive for drugs once, benefits would be revoked for thirty days. If someone tests positive a second time, benefits are revoked for the remainder of the year.