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Jobless Benefits Drug Test Proposed

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By MIKE SALINERO

msalinero@tampatrib.com

Published: March 17, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Out-of-work Floridians who use illegal drugs shouldn't be able to support their habits with state unemployment compensation benefits, a state senator says.

Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, has sponsored a bill that would require random drug testing of 10 percent of applicants for jobless benefits. Anyone who applies for benefits would have to agree to be tested before becoming eligible. The costs of the testing would be borne by those who are tested.

Bennett, a developer, said all recipients of unemployment benefits are supposed to be "ready, willing and able" to take a job.

"If they can't pass a drug test for unemployment compensation," Bennett said, "then they can't pass a drug test at my construction business."

Bennett also expressed concern that the $800 million Florida Unemployment Trust Fund is being drained rapidly because of rising unemployment. His bill, SB 2062, would deny benefits for up to 52 weeks to anyone failing a drug test.

The bill is not a hit with the state's top substance abuse official. Bill Janes, director of the Office of Drug Control, said the legislation is punitive and does nothing to reduce the ranks of the addicted.

Bennett's bill has three committee stops before it can go to the Senate floor. A similar bill, HB 0969, has been filed in the House.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303.

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