The idea of drug testing some welfare recipients in Indiana has made a comeback.

A compromise version of HB 1007 came up for final approval today in the Indiana House of Representatives where it received overwhelming support.

The bill would establish a two year pilot program to test single parent recipients of TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Estimates show that the drug testing program could cost as much as $1.1 million dollars in the first year and between $148,000 and $339,000 in year two.

TANF recipients who failed urine screens could lose their public assistance for three to six months.

The last time the drug testing bill came before the house, members so enthusiastically embraced the concept--they nearly killed the bill.

An amendment was added--that added state lawmakers to the list of those in line to be drug tested.

The development was of great concern to the bill’s author, because a similar lawmaker testing program passed in another state ran into ‘search and seizure’ constitutional problems in the courts.

“You know it’s this type of legislation that makes for great political theatre quite honestly,” said Rep. Terri Austin, (D) Anderson.

While the latest version of the bill had a few more plot twists, today’s theatre failed to shake its critics.

“I could never vote for a bill that would deprive a child of benefits, because of the conduct of the parent, that’s the wrong target,” said Rep. Ed Delaney, (D) Indianapolis.

However, the idea seemed to be on target in terms of public opinion, at least according to the constituent survey done by Rep. Sue Ellspermann, (R) Ferdinand. “85 percent asked that this be something we consider, now is this a perfect bill? Probably not, but it’s a pilot.”

Much of the criticism came from lawmakers who portrayed the efforts as mean spirited. “This bill is half baked, it’s not finished, it has some huge problems and it’s probably going to end up in the courts,” said Rep. Austin.

“Everybody's going to have to make their own philosophical decision and what you have to ask yourself is, ‘do you want to teach a man to fish, or do you want to give a man a fish,’” said Rep. Jud McMillin, (R) Brookville.

The final vote on HB 1007 was 73 in favor and 23 against.

Among lawmakers voting for the bill were Culver, Dermody, Dvorak, Kubacki, Niezgodski, Wesco and Yarde.

Among lawmakers voting against the bill were Bauer, Dembowski, Fry, and Pelath.