Capitol Chatter: March 23

Florida Supremes
under the microscope
Perhaps never in Florida's history have so many laws been challenged in court.

In just the past few months, judges have overturned laws privatizing prisons, requiring drug testing for welfare recipients, banning physicians from asking patients gun-related questions and requiring state workers to contribute 3% to their pension plans. Rulings are forthcoming on challenges to new laws the Legislature passed last year.

From the current session, drug testing of employees and allowing students to offer “inspirational messages” are among those that will assuredly be challenged in court.