Lawmakers to discuss proposal requiring welfare drug tests

drug-test


A legislative panel is set to discuss a proposal that would require welfare recipients to take drugs tests.

Democratic Rep. Terry Goodin of Crothersville proposed the testing requirement last week. He said it would help fight a recent HIV outbreak in southern Indiana. But Goodin says he’s now reconsidering his proposal after learning that its impact on drug use could be minimal.

The bill’s original author disagreed with House changes to the bill. Conference committee members will consider the measure Tuesday. They face an April 29 deadline to reach an agreement.

State health officials say there are more than 130 confirmed and preliminary HIV cases tied to Scott County, which is about 30 miles north of Louisville, Kentucky.