Stricter Laws For Alabama Welfare Applicants And Recipients

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama has enacted new laws setting stricter requirement for welfare, including requiring applicants to apply for three jobs before getting aid.

Gov. Robert Bentley signed four bills Thursday that were passed by legislators at the end of their 2014 session. They were sponsored by Republican Sens. Arthur Orr and Trip Pittman.

One of the bills requires applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to submit three job applications before receiving benefits.

Other laws increase penalties for welfare fraud, require drug testing for welfare applicants with a drug conviction in the last five years, and prohibit spending welfare benefits at casinos and strip clubs and for alcohol and tobacco.