The Florida Legislature delivered Gov. Rick Scott a victory in the closing days of the 2011 legislative session when it passed a measure requiring all Floridians who receive cash welfare assistance to first pass a drug test.

Scott had run for office promising a drug-testing requirement, and worked to broaden an original drug-testing bill that would have applied only to recent drug felons.

The final bill, HB 353, forces all people who receive welfare cash, called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, to pass a test in order to be eligible for the funds. If prospective recipients fail a first test, they would lose benefits for one year. A second positive drug test makes them ineligible for three years. The new testing requirement would affect about 58,000 people.

The bill passed the House 78-38 on April 26 and passed the Senate 26-11on May 5.

"This bill is all about trying to break the cycle of drug dependency and using taxpayer dollars to buy illegal drugs," said Senate sponsor Steve Oelrich, R-Gainesville. Opponents say the measure singles out one group of people who receive state funding and could violate a person's constitutional rights.

Under the bill -- which Scott is expected to sign -- welfare applicants would have to pay for the test. If they pass, the state would reimburse them for the cost of the test, which can range from $10 to $25. The new law would take affect July 1, 2011.

Scott promised that welfare recipients would be drug tested. The Legislature has given him the ability.

We rate this Promise Kept.