Judge Blocks Florida’s Welfare Drug Test Law

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a law which requires the state's welfare recipients to take a drug test in order to receive benefits. In June, Florida Governor Rick Scott said the law requires residents be accountable, and noted that it isn't right for taxpayers to subsidize drug users' habits.

On Monday, Judge Mary Scriven blocked the law, saying  it may violate the Constitution's ban on unreasonable searches and seizures. The law took effect in July. The American Civil Liberties Union opposes drug testing in order to receive welfare benefits.

Michigan implemented a program similar to this in 1999, but it only lasted five weeks before a judge banned the practice, which was eventually ruled unconstitutional.

[Fox10TV]