Some welfare recipients would face drug testing to keep receiving benefits under a proposal that the Indiana Senate has approved.
The bill would require all applicants for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to complete a written screening test for possible drug abuse problems. Those later failing a drug test would have to seek treatment to continue receiving benefit payments.
Testing supporters say it's aimed at helping those with drug problems and protecting children. Democratic Sen. Lindel Hume of Princeton says he opposed the proposal because he doesn't believe the state should spend money on a program that could intimidate some needy people from seeking assistance.
The Senate voted 38-12 Wednesday in favor of the bill. The House earlier approved a different version.
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