State to drug test those in job training programs

Indiana's Department of Workforce Development will begin drug testing unemployed Hoosiers participating in the state's job training programs.

The state plans to begin testing applicants for illegal drugs under state policy that passed the General Assembly this year.

Indiana Workforce Development Commissioner Mark Everson said Wednesday that it's "irresponsible" to train job applicants who would later be barred from getting a job because of illegal drug use.

Those who fail the state's drug test would have to wait three months before entering the state's job training program. Applicants who fail a drug test a second time will have to wait a year before trying again.

Any applicant who fails a drug test will be referred to drug-abuse counseling.