Indiana House Approves Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients

Could become eighth state to require it

Indiana welfare recipients could face drug testing and loss of benefits if they fail to stick to treatment in a bill now headed to the Indiana Senate.

House Bill 1483, which passed the Indiana House 78-17 Monday, is part of a growing movement among states trying to ensure that those who receive tax dollars because they are poor don't spend them on illegal drugs.

Seven states have laws, passed in 2011 and 2012, requiring drug testing or screening for public assistance applicants or recipients, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. They are Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.