Florida House Passes Welfare Drug Testing Requirement
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Updated: 12:00 AM Apr 27, 2011
Florida House Passes Welfare Drug Testing Requirement
Welfare applicants would have to pay for drug tests but they'd get reimbursed if they pass under a bill that has cleared the Florida House.
Posted: 11:54 PM Apr 26, 2011
Reporter: Associated Press
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Welfare applicants would have to pay for drug tests but they'd get reimbursed if they pass under a bill that has cleared the Florida House.

The Republican-controlled chamber passed the bill (HB 353) Tuesday night on a party line 78-38 vote.

GOP lawmakers argued that it's only fair for welfare recipients to be drug tested because many taxpayers are tested at their workplaces.

Democrats cited a federal appeal court ruling that struck down a similar program in Michigan.

The court ruled that random or universal testing of welfare recipients violates their privacy rights if there's no suspicion they are using drugs.

The bill next goes to the Senate where similar legislation is awaiting a floor vote.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 27, 2011 at 08:35 PM

the children do not get any of the money welfare gives to the drug user. that is the point. stop enabling the drug user.
Posted by: mary Location: perry.fl on Apr 27, 2011 at 06:55 PM

i agree with this bill,but what it's going to do is hurt the children.children have no say in what there parents do.what is the state going to do for these kids who's parents don't pass the drug test?the adults are going to do the drugs no matter what they don't care.if they did they would'nt be using drugs and taking money away for there kids.before we put this bill into law we have to make sure our children are takin care of not left to fin for there selfs.we owe it to them.to make sure they are gettig what they need
Posted by: veK Location: Tally :( on Apr 27, 2011 at 04:26 PM

Thaaat's going to be expensive.
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