TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Gov. Rick Scott targeted illegal drugs Tuesday morning, signing bills that would ban various synthetic drugs sold at convenience stores and another that would force welfare recipients to be drug tested.
Scott signed both measures in a ceremony at the Bay County Sheriff's Office in Panama City.
HB-1039 bans the sale and possession of MDVP, the active ingredient in designer drugs sold over the counter as under various names, including "Vanilla Sky," "Cloud Nine," "Scarface" and "Snow Leopard." Users snort, inject or atomize the powder for an amphetamine-like high.
Law enforcement officials have encountered users hallucinating wildly and becoming violent.
The substances were already banned under an emergency order issued by Attorney General Pam Bondi, but the prohibition becomes permanent July 1. Violators face third-degree felony charges.
"Since the temporary ban in January, which made the use and sale of a new synthetic drug known as 'bath salts' illegal, we have seen a decrease in the number of reported medical emergencies related to this drug," Bondi said in a release. "I thank Senator Wise and Representative Patronis for sponsoring this legislation and Governor Scott for signing this bill that will permanently ban the use of 'bath salts' and further protect the lives of Floridians."
Scott also signed HB-353, which requires the state's 113,340 welfare recipients to undergo random drug testing. The recipients would have to pay the $30 cost, but would have their cash benefits increased by that much if the test is negative. Recipients who fail will lose benefits for a year. A second failed test cuts recipients off for three years.
Parents who test positive will be forced to turn their benefits over to another responsible adult.
Scott, who has also ordered the testing of state workers, called for the crack down on the campaign trail. Critics note that the legislation does not provide any money for drug treatment and say it unfairly targets the poor.
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