Florida bill to change petition process decried as aiding special interests

[Zorro]

Changing the ballot initiative process is one of Gov. Ron DeSantis' priorities this session.

Florida’s Legislature is eyeing changes to the ballot initiative process after last year’s intense fight over two proposed amendments on abortion access and recreational marijuana.

Opponents say the bill would consolidate more power in the hands of Tallahassee and monied special interests. Proponents say the changes ensure the integrity of the process and keep out-of-state special interests out.

Florida’s ballot initiative process, a right guaranteed in the constitution, has long been used by groups to pass measures that have been otherwise stymied by state lawmakers. It’s how Florida got a $15 minimum wage, medical marijuana and felon voter restoration.

The process is among the hardest of any of the 24 states that allow citizens to directly amend their laws or constitution. Legislative changes have made the process in Florida harder and costlier in recent years.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2025/03/06/ballot-petition-constitutional-amendment-desantis-abortion-marijuana/

Can't have those pesky citizen-inspired initiatives interfere with unpopular Republican legislative positions.