Bill to Drug Test Indiana Welfare Recipiants Advances to House
By: Brett Allega
Updated: February 13, 2013
A House committee voted 9-4 along party lines Wednesday to send the proposal to the full Republican-controlled House.
The bill would require all applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to complete a written screening test for possible drug abuse problems. Those identified as possible drug abusers would need to undergo a drug test and anyone failing would have to take part in a treatment program to continue receiving benefit payments.
Bill sponsor Rep. Jud McMillin of Brookville says it is aimed at helping those with drug abuse problems and improving the home environment for children.
Some question whether enough affordable drug treatment programs were available.
The bill would require all applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program to complete a written screening test for possible drug abuse problems. Those identified as possible drug abusers would need to undergo a drug test and anyone failing would have to take part in a treatment program to continue receiving benefit payments.
Bill sponsor Rep. Jud McMillin of Brookville says it is aimed at helping those with drug abuse problems and improving the home environment for children.
Some question whether enough affordable drug treatment programs were available.
