Lawmaker seeks to drop welfare drug-testing measure

An Indiana lawmaker says he no longer supports his proposal that would require certain welfare recipients to take drug tests and instead wants more study on the issue.

Rep. Terry Goodin, D-Crothersville, proposed the requirement in a last-minute amendment on the House floor last week. He said it would help fight a recent HIV outbreak tied to injection drug use in southern Indiana.

Goodin asked conference committee members Tuesday to remove the provision and require further study this summer since its impact on drug use could be minimal.

An aide for Gov. Mike Pence says only about 3,800 people statewide would be eligible for drug testing and it would cost the state about $1.8 million to implement.

Committee members face an April 29 deadline to reach an agreement.