Just as Article V offers We the People a method to propose changes to our Constitution, many states also allow amendments proposed by citizens through ballot initiatives. Ballotpedia offers an overview of the constitutional amendment process with links to Florida specific regulations.
“Of the 24 states that allow citizens to initiate legislation through the petition process, several states have adopted restrictions and regulations that limit the allowable scope and content of initiated proposals. These regulations may include laws that mandate that initiatives address only one topic, restrict the range of acceptable topics for proposed laws, prohibit unfunded mandates and establish guidelines for adjudicating contradictory measures.” Ballotpedia
Why is this an issue now?
Controversy surrounding potentially fraudulent petitions for the 2024 abortion and marijuana ballot initiatives prompted the governor and legislators to consider ways to limit outside interference. Of course, any new restrictions are viewed by opposition as limiting self-governance when voters’ wishes are ignored by the Legislature.
House Bill 1205 sponsor Jenna Persons-Mulicka, R-Fort Myers, said the process is “broken,” with out-of-state money flooding into Florida to try to pass initiatives and paid petition circulators committing fraud.
“Now, the process has been taken over by out-of-state fraudsters looking to make a quick buck and by special interests intent on buying their way into our Constitution,” Persons-Mulicka said.
Another aspect of ballot initiatives under scrutiny is whether state funds can be used to lobby for or against an amendment. The Senate is drafting its own bill SPB 7016.
The Changes
Both proposed bills appear to make the process more difficult and expensive by:
- requiring a $1 million bond (requiring the citizen proposing a change to pay at least $10,000 down before collecting signatures),
- shortening the time allowed to collect the required 800,000+ signatures from 30 days down to 10 days, and
- requiring signers to add their Driver's License numbers and last four of social security number on public record documents (used to confirm signatures via supervisors of elections).
Stay Informed
It's not easy to predict the impact or even understand some of these legislative debates, so follow the links in this blog to read various sources. Now that you have the bill numbers you can go the Florida House or Florida Senate to find and watch committee discussions and see your representatives in action.
Convention of States is working to educate and activate our fellow citizens. We thrive with your help and encourage you to join our engaged army of self-governing activists.
