State House Wants to Drug Test Welfare Recipients
Friday, April 1, 2011
By: Tom Flanigan, Florida Public Radio

April 1, 2011 | WMFE - A state House committee has cleared a bill requiring drug tests for all recipients of public assistance. The measure would affect more than 100,000 people a year who receive help from the state's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program.

Republican Representative Jimmie Smith from Lecanto brought the bill before the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday.  He told members that drug tests for those seeking welfare is no different from many other situations.
“You know, people in the Army, high school athletes, people looking for jobs, all have to submit to drug tests.” Smith said. “Why should welfare recipients be different?  This is good public policy.  It supports Florida’s children and families while also providing accountability and transparency for the taxpayers.”
A handful of opponents told the committee that a similar requirement in Michigan had been overturned in the courts.  There were also concerns it could lead to mandatory drug testing for anyone seeking any kind of public benefit, including education grants and emergency relief. Under the proposal, the welfare recipients would be required to pay for the tests themselves. Each test would cost between $10 and $70 dollars. After the vote, Governor Rick Scott said he supported the bill. The governor said it would be an added incentive for people to avoid using illegal drugs.