Does Rick Scott's Drug-Testing Policy Violate the 4th Amendment?

[n2doc]

— By Suzy Khimm| Tue Mar. 29, 2011 8:04 AM PDT
Last week, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed off on an executive order that requires that many state employees and job applicants submit to mandatory drug tests. He's also pushing state legislators to pass a bill that would subject welfare recipients to drug testing as well. But legal experts warn that Scott's heavy-handed measures may be unconstitutional. The Miami Herald reports:

ederal courts generally have ruled that such policies violate the U.S. Constitution's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches, say attorneys and legal scholars.

"You can’t do blanket tests like that. They’re facially unconstitutional," said Ephraim Hess, a Davie attorney who prevailed over the City of Hollywood in April 2000 when U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp ruled that governments cannot require prospective employees to take drug tests unless there is a "special need," such as safety.

more

http://motherjones.com/mojo/2011/03/does-rick-scotts-drug-testing-policy-violate-4th-amendment

[FreakinDJ]

1. Like DOT mandatory Drug Testing

[hifiguy]

2. Yes

Well, duh. :eyes:

[Dappleganger]

3. Why do you think he's doing this...

http://www.beachpeanuts.com/2011/03/florida-house-proposes-giving-rick-scott-sole-power-to-appoint-judges.html

Florida House Proposes Giving Rick Scott Sole Power To Appoint Judges

Republicans in the Florida House Civil Justice Committee recently passed three bills that would give Gov. Rick Scott the sole power to appoint appeals court and Supreme Court justices by restructuring the Florida court system, in the name of "accountability."

[demwing]

4. One word: "Solantic"

Scott on Solantic: “I’m not involved”

by John Kennedy | March 29th, 2011

Gov. Rick Scott offered little Tuesday when asked whether he would consider ending his family’s financial stake in Solantic, the urgent care company he founded and which provides drug-testing services.

Scott’s role in the firm was spotlighted when he signed an executive order ordering drug-testing for new state hires and random screening of current employees.

...

Scott, who reported a net worth of $218 million when he filed papers to run for governor last summer, had pledged to put his financial holdings into a blind trust, when elected. Instead, in January, Scott transfered his Solantic stock to his wife, Ann.

http://www.postonpolitics.com/2011/03/scott-on-solantic-im-not-involved/

ok, ok, ok...one more word: "CRIMINAL"

[rzemanfl]

5. Do bears shit in the woods? n/t

[gratuitous]

6. If Rick Scott's that interested in my urine

I'll be glad to leave a sample on his desk.