Tallahassee, Florida - June 1, 2012 -
Gov. Rick Scott has followed through on his vow to appeal a federal court ruling that blocked drug testing of state employees. Scott's attorneys last week filed a notice of taking the case to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. The governor said he would pursue an appeal after Miami federal judge Ursula Ungaro ruled last month that a plan to drug test employees violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches. Scott issued an executive order last year calling for drug testing, but it was quickly challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. State lawmakers this year also approved a measure aimed at drug testing, but it has not been carried out because of the legal fight. The notice of appeal does not detail the arguments that Scott's attorney will make.
