MIAMI (AP) _ A Miami federal judge has declared that Gov. Rick Scott’s order requiring drug testing for state workers is unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Ursula Ungaro ruled Thursday that blanket testing of some 85,000 workers violates the Fourth Amendment ban on unreasonable searches and seizures.
The ruling could eventually have an impact on a new state law also permitting random worker drug testing.
Scott’s order was challenged by a labor union representing government workers and the American Civil Liberties Union.
They contended that drug testing should only be done if there is a suspected problem and in safety-related and high-risk jobs.
Lawyers for the governor contend that objecting workers are free to quit and job applicants could choose to find employment elsewhere.
Scott suspended the order in June because of the lawsuit.
