Florida House Approves Random Drug Testing for State Employees

A bill that would require up to 30 percent of state employees to submit to random drug testing once every three months -- an effort Gov. Rick Scott sought to impose after he was inaugurated last year -- wasapproved Friday in a 79-37 vote by the House.

The bill would also remove provisions that currently prohibit a state agency from firing an employee for failing the test.

The Senate companion bill, SB 1358, is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Budget Committee this afternoon.

Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, sponsor of HB 1205, said the state has a growing drug epidemic and shouldnt believe people arent using just because they work for a Florida agency.

Its time to face the problem and face techniques that dont work, Smith said.

Democrats called the bill an invasion of individual rights because employees would have to disclose all medication they are prescribed to take as part of the testing.

Also, the bill does not require state lawmakers to be tested. State economists could not offer estimates on how much the testing could impact the budget.

Under the bill, each state agency would have had to revise its rules to handle those who fail drug tests, from reassigning employees as they participate in assistance programs to how they can be discharged.

Currently, correctional officers are required to undergo drug testing, and the state has notice and procedural requirements for the drug testing of both public and private employees of contractors for the state.

Last year, shortly after taking office, Scott issued an executive order requiring all agencies to develop a plan for drug testing employees.

However, in June he backed off implementing the policy after the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida filed suit contesting the constitutionality of random drug testing for state workers on privacy grounds.