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Federal court to hear suit against Florida’s attempt to drug test welfare recipients

Gov. Rick Scott (left) with Florida Senate President-Designate Don Gaetz, R-Destin (Pic via flgov.com) A federal judge will hear arguments for and against the state’s controversial new law requiring welfare applicants to be drug tested. The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of Luis Lebron over the constitutionality of the law. Lebron is a 35-year old Orlando resident, Navy veteran, full-time student and single father

Jul 31, 202061.4K Shares1.9M Views
A federal judge will hear arguments for and against the state’s controversial new law requiring welfare applicants to be drug tested. The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida recently filed a lawsuiton behalf of Luis Lebron over the constitutionality of the law. Lebron is a 35-year old Orlando resident, Navy veteran, full-time student and single father. He was recently denied benefits he was otherwise qualified for because he refused to waive his Fourth Amendment rights and submit to a drug test.
The Associated Press reportsthat ”the state is being represented by an attorney from the governor’s office.”
Many questions surroundthe implementation of the law. According to preliminary data, a very small number of applicants are denied benefits because they are testing positive for drug use. Despite the questionable constitutionality and motives for the law, the law is supportedby a large number of Floridians.
State Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, has filed legislationthat would repeal the drug testing law.
The ACLU is asking the judge to issue a preliminary injunction against the law in court today.
Paula M. Graham

Paula M. Graham

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