A House panel Monday approved a proposal that would make it harder to pass state constitutional amendments. The House Ethics, Elections & Open Government Subcommittee voted 11-6 to back the proposal (HJR 335), filed by Rep. Rick Roth, R-West Palm Beach. Under the proposal, constitutional amendments would need support from 66.67 percent of voters to pass, up from the current 60 percent.
“I can’t think of a better way to protect our Constitution than to raise the bar,” Roth said. Roth has repeatedly proposed the change in past years, but it has not cleared the Legislature. If approved during this year’s session, it would go on the 2024 ballot. That is because requiring the higher voter threshold would, in and of itself, need a constitutional amendment.
Groups have used the ballot initiative process to pass constitutional amendments on a series of major issues, such as allowing medical marijuana and increasing the minimum wage. Opponents of Roth’s proposal say groups have needed to pass constitutional amendments because the Legislature has ignored the public’s wishes on issues.
They said Roth’s proposal would limit the ability to make such changes. “I think that this (proposal) is really doubting our constituents that we serve and their ability to make informed decisions,” Rep. Ashley Gantt, D-Miami, said.
–News Service of Florida
Wallingford says
The Governor’s disciples know that they are on the wrong side of the abortion issue and want to make certain the voice of the majority of Floridians is not heard. Under the current laws, a sufficient number of signatures have been secured to make it a ballot issue. Contact your State Legislators and demand that they defeat such a provision or face being voted out of office. The voice of the people has been silenced for too long.
R.S. says
It seems to me to be a move toward “I know better what’s good for you,” which is the soul of fascism. It fits into the general trend in Florida. But, the government is not and should not be the people’s parent.
Deborah Coffey says
What part of “NO” don’t these people understand? They couldn’t care less about ANY constitution and their MAGA leader wants to do away with it completely…Trump’s words, not mine.
c says
“Florida Lawmakers Want to Raise Constitutional Amendment Approval Threshold to 66.67%”
Actually, this headline is misleading in a way … What the Florida GOP actually WANTS is to do away with citizen-sponsored amendments entirely. This is just another step on the way.
Sherry says
Simply Fascism 101 !!!!! Far right Republicans doing their best to silence the people!
As my clever husband says. . . “trump put the DICK in Dictator” and moved the “I” in United so the it becomes “Untied”!