citizens' initiative

A bill would change how Floridians place constitutional amendments on the ballot, and it would prevent the use of taxpayer dollars to promote or oppose a ballot measure.

Supporters say the measure helps fix a “broken system”, but opponents worry it will have a “chilling effect”, keeping Floridians from engaging with the process.

They spoke in favor of state park and residential utility protections, and protested proposed changes to the citizens' initiative process.

Nearly a dozen bills have been filed ahead of the start of the Florida legislature’s special session. The measures seek to fulfill Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to help President Donald Trump’s administration crack down on illegal immigration, and DeSantis’ efforts to curb citizen-led ballot initiatives.

Florida’s Legislative leaders have officially made the call: the state House and Senate are scheduled to meet in special session at 10:30 a.m. Monday. However it remains unclear whether the governor will get all of the immigration and ballot reform changes he’s calling for at this time.

Attorney General Ashley Moody’s office is boosting arguments against a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the recreational use of marijuana in Florida.

Voters could be asked to support abortion rights through viability in the 2024 election, but the Floridians Protecting Freedom coalition has to meet tough requirements to get the item on the ballot.

A federal judge has rejected an attempt by Florida lawmakers to limit contributions to political committees supporting ballot initiatives, saying it violates the First Amendment.

Citizens initiatives are one of five ways Florida’s constitution can be changed. But some lawmakers say they think citizens are using the process to route around the legislature.

For the third year in a row, Florida legislators want to make it more difficult to amend the state Constitution. Florida requires approval of 60 percent of voters to change the Constitution. Republicans want to raise the bar higher.