Ind. Drug Testing Bill Fails Committee Test

Rep. Jud McMillin

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – A southeast Indiana lawmaker’s proposal to test some of the state’s welfare recipients for drugs died in a Senate committee Wednesday.

Rep. Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) authored House Bill 1007. It earned overwhelming approval in the House when it passed that chamber 73-23 on January 31.

The bill did not enjoy such support in the Senate Health an Provider Services Committee as the panel defeated the bill Wednesday morning on a 5-5 vote.

McMillin presented the bill to the committee members.

“It was disappointing to hear that those who voted against it either didn't fully understand the bill, or held firm in their belief that the government should simply continue giving hand-outs without consequences,” he said afterwards.

McMillin said he would look for other ways to keep the legislation alive. Since HB 1007 has already passed the House, its language could be amended into other bills.

If the proposal became law, it would have required the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services Administration to develop a pilot program in three counties to test for the use of controlled substances by an individual who receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds.

The bill also required the legislative council to establish and administer a program to test members of the General Assembly for the use of controlled substances.

LINKS:

McMillin’s Drug Testing Bill Advances

Drug Testing For Welfare Bill Hits “Bump In Road”

Ind. Drug Testing For Welfare Bill Advances

Rep. McMillin Studying Welfare Drug Testing Bill