FL Gov. orders drug tests of all state employees

Florida Gov. Rick Scott orders random drug testing of state employees / Gov. Rick Scott’s executive order requires quarterly drug tests; ACLU says courts have already found similar attempts unconstitutional by David Royse from the Orlando Sentinel:

Gov. Rick Scott signed an executive order Tuesday that will require random drug testing of many current state employees as well as pre-hire testing for applicants.

“Floridians deserve to know that those in public service, whose salaries are paid with taxpayer dollars, are part of a drug-free workplace,” Scott said. “Just as it is appropriate to screen those seeking taxpayer assistance, it is also appropriate to screen government employees.”

The reference to taxpayer assistance referred to a push by Scott and legislative Republicans to require those who apply for state benefits under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program to submit to a drug test before getting benefits. That proposal (SB 556) was approved unanimously Tuesday by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. It has another stop before the Senate floor.

[Update: There is a bill in the Arkansas legislature this year to drug test all candidates for office, contrary to Chandler v. Miller. While some people complain about “big government,” those same people want that government in our lives and have never read the Fourth Amendment or cases. The Arkansas bill failed in committee.]