Governor Ron DeSantis has issued a list of legislative proposals for a special session set to take place later this month.
DeSantis made the announcement on Wednesday despite a statement issued earlier this week from legislative leaders rebuffing the governor’s special session call.
“We are not approaching the new administration in a lackadaisical fashion,” DeSantis said during a press conference at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. “We in Florida have a sense of urgency to accomplish this mission, and the mission is very simple. We need to end the illegal immigration crisis once and for all in these United States of America.”
Americans have given President Trump a mandate to secure the southern border and end the illegal immigration crisis. Florida must step up to help carry out this mission.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 15, 2025
Here are some of the proposals I am calling on the Legislature to pass in the upcoming Special Session: pic.twitter.com/6EgPEqVzON
The governor’s list of proposals focuses primarily on immigration reform. He said in a statement that he wants Florida to be 'ready to lead'—referring to changes he expects President-Elect Donald Trump to make immediately after taking office.
“Florida is ready to lead,” said DeSantis. “With President Trump taking office, Florida has a unique opportunity to help facilitate the end to America’s immigration crisis.”
DeSantis’ proposal includes 10 laws he wants the legislature to pass during the special session. The laws span topics from education to election issues, but all are connected to immigration or undocumented immigrants. One proposal would set up a state funded transport system to deport undocumented people out of Florida.
Governor DeSantis Announces Proposals to Prepare Florida to Lead https://t.co/vpzBqJugPU
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 15, 2025
Proposed legislation includes:
• Mandate maximum participation in the 287(g) deportation program, with penalties for non-compliance, including suspension of officials;
• Establish a state crime for entering the U.S. illegally and a process for self-deportation;
• Appoint a dedicated officer to oversee coordination with federal authorities and the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program (UATP);
• Expand UATP to detain and facilitate the deportation of illegal aliens from the U.S.;
• Broaden the legal definition of gang-related activities to include more groups of dangerous illegal aliens;
• Repeal in-state college tuition for illegal immigrant students;
• Require voter registration affirmation of U.S. citizenship and Florida residency;
• Increase penalties for unauthorized aliens committing voter fraud or providing false voter registration information;
• Mandate identity verification for foreign remittance transfers; and
• Create a rebuttable presumption that illegal aliens are flight risks and deny bail.
Tension in Tallahassee
These proposals come while there is tension between DeSantis and the Florida Legislature.
On Monday, Florida’s legislative leaders dismissed the governor’s wishes to have a special session—calling it “premature” and “irresponsible.” Nonetheless, there will be a special session beginning Jan. 27.
The state constitution compels lawmakers to return to Tallahassee when the governor issues a formal call, but the legislature will decide how long they stay.