Florida's New Drug-Testing Law: Other States To Follow?

Florida has become the first state in the nation to adopt a law mandating random drug screenings for state workers. The unprecedented move may result in similar efforts among lawmakers in other states, setting the stage for battles with labor unions and others opposed to drug testing by the government.

The new law, which exempts elected officials from testing, was quietly signed by Gov. Rick Scott (pictured at left) on Monday after normal working hours. It is sure to result in a legal challenge. The American Civil Liberties Union released a statement this morning in which it described the law as being in "clear defiance of constitutional principles."