Plan to drug test Indiana welfare recipients stalls - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Plan to drug test Indiana welfare recipients stalls

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INDIANAPOLIS -

A bill to require drug testing for some Indiana welfare recipients has failed in a legislative committee after concerns were raised about the possible $1 million cost to start the program.

The Senate's health committee tied 5-5 on the bill Wednesday morning, stalling it for now. The bill's sponsor is Rep. Jud McMillin. The Brookville Republican says he'll look for a way to revive it later in the legislative session.

The House passed the bill after adding a provision requiring lawmakers to submit to drug tests before receiving perks like parking spots and laptops. The bill proposed a three-county pilot program for testing those receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds.

Republican Sen. Beverly Gard of Greenfield voted against the bill, saying she believes the program's cost needed more review.

A similar program implemented by Florida was temporarily halted by a judge in 2011 after a welfare recipient launched a legal challenge.

(Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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