Mike Haridopolos in State of Florida Archives

On Drugs: Require random, mandatory drug testing of state employees

Analysis by ACLU Florida: The legislature took it upon itself to expand the Drug-Free Workplace Program to mandate random, suspicionless drug testing for state employees on a rotating basis. Each state agency can choose whether to participate in the program as it will have to find the funds to do so, i.e. pay for the drug tests, in its current allotted budget. If an employee fails the drug test, he/she must attend a˙rehab program or face disciplinary action or discharge.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 79-37-3 on Mar/2/12; Passed Senate 26-14-0 on Mar/9/12; State Senator Mike Haridopolos voted YES: Signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/19/12

On Education: Allow students to deliver inspirational messages

Analysis by ACLU Florida: This is the school prayer, which was termed "inspirational message" bill when Senate legal staff expressed doubts it could pass constitutional muster. The measure authorizes school districts to adopt a policy to allow students of all ages to deliver inspirational messages at compulsory and non-compulsory school events and prohibits school personnel from being involved in overseeing the message contents, sectarian or otherwise.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 88-27-4 on Mar/1/12; Passed Senate 31-8-1 on Feb/1/12; State Senator Mike Haridopolos voted YES: Signed by Governor Rick Scott on Mar/23/12

On Government Reform: Reduce early voting; stricter third party registration

Analysis by Greenberg Traurig LLP: Proponents say the measure generally is meant to crack down on voter fraud. Opponents say it simply makes it harder to vote. HB 1355:

• reduces the time for early voting from two weeks to 8 days;
• Cuts the "life" of petition drive signatures for citizen petitions to place constitutional amendments on the ballot from four to two years; and
• Requires third-party voter registration groups to submit voter-registration cards within 48 hours.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 79-37-0 on Apr/21/11; Passed Senate 25-13-2 on May/5/11; State Senator Mike Haridopolos voted YES; Signed by Governor Rick Scott on May/19/11

On Health Care: Amend state constitution to block ObamaCare in Florida

Amendment to the State Constitution to prohibit compelling any person or employer to provide for health care coverage.
• To preserve the freedom of all residents of the state to provide for their own health care:
• A law may not compel any person or employer to purchase, obtain, or otherwise provide for health care coverage.
• A person or an employer may pay directly for lawful health care services and may not be required to pay penalties for paying directly for lawful health care services.
• A health care provider may accept direct payment for lawful health care services and may not be required to pay penalties for accepting direct payment from a person or an employer for lawful health care services.
• The private market for health care coverage of any lawful health care service may not be abolished by law or rule.

Status:Bill passed House, 80-37-2; passed Senate, 29-10-1. (Mike Haridopolos voted YEA).