A bill authored by State Representative Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) to screen welfare recipients for drug abuse is moving forward. The bill passed the House this week and is now going to the full Senate.
The measure would require Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients to take a questionnaire screening for substance abuse and potentially face drug testing.
If a resident would test positive for illegal drugs, they would have to seek treatment for substance abuse to remain eligible for TANF.
The bill would also restrict what can be purchased through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps. Recipients would only be able to buy foods deemed by the state as healthy, possibly excluding soda and candy.
If the bill is passed through the Senate, it would need the governor’s signature to become law.
