The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to answer Governor Ron DeSantis’s question about whether the state can make felons pay restitution, fines, and fees before allowing them to register to vote.
Thursday’s announcement comes after DeSantis signed an implementing bill for 2018’s Amendment 4 which gave select felons their right to vote back as long as they completed their sentence, including parole and probation. The bill passed by the Republican-led legislature ties financial obligations like fees, fines, and restitution to completing a sentence. That move is being challenged in federal court by civil rights advocates who argue it equates to a poll tax.
Oral arguments are set to begin on November 6.
