Case Closed on Florida Welfare Drug Testing

A lower court’s determination that Florida’s law requiring mandatory drug testing for welfare recipients is unconstitutional will likely stand.

The state failed to file a request for a review from the U.S. Supreme Court by Tuesday’s deadline, NBC is reporting. That move effectively closes the case on the issue, the network reports.

Back in December the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied a request from Gov. Rick Scott’s administration to reinstate the 2011 law that requires drug testing for welfare applicants.

See Also:

• No Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients, Federal Court Says
• Bill Aims to Make Living in Sin Legal in Florida

The three-judge panel determined Florida’s desire to drug test all applicants for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program violated the Constitution’s Fourth Amendment.

Essentially, the judges determined the law added up to illegal search and seizure.

The appeals court ruling upheld a 2013 decision by U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven in Tampa that called for the permanent halt of the 2011 law. That law required those seeking benefits to pay up to $45 for drug screenings. Those costs were refundable if the tests came back negative. Only an estimated one in 40 tests were positive while the law was in effect.

Do you think the law should have been allowed to stand? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

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