Bill to require drug testing for aid

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTHI) - Some recipients of federal aid could be subject to drug testing under a bill before the Indiana House of Representatives.

The bill, which narrowly passed a House committee Wednesday, would require the testing of those who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families for themselves or their children. Those who fail their drug tests would have to participate in drug treatment or lose their funding.

The bill’s sponsor, Republican Representative Jud McMillin, said the goal is to help draw people off drugs.

“The goal is clearly to help people,” McMillin said. “A lot of folks look at this and consider it punative … but if you look at this piece of legislation, it actually doesn’t require TANF funds to stop being administered unless somebody fails a drug screen, refuses to go to treatment and is unable to keep themselves clean.”

Other states, like Florida, have passed similar measures. Those laws have drawn criticism and lawsuits from groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, who claim the measures cost states more than they save and infringe on Constitutional rights.

McMillin said this bill is careful to address some of those concerns.

“This bill has been carefully crafted to make sure we take into consideration the 4th Amendment rights of all the individuals and that we’re not violating their rights,” McMillin said.

The bill now moves to the full House for consideration.