TALLAHASSEE, Florida — Today, the Florida State Legislature passed House Bill 1205 (HB 1205), a bill that would create major financial, legal, and bureaucratic barriers to the citizen-led amendment process, making it inaccessible for everyday Floridians. The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Florida Policy Director Jonathan Webber said this about the passage:
“The passage of HB 1205 represents a direct attack on Florida voters and their constitutional rights. This bill is nothing short of an effort to block the will of the people and strip them of their ability to bring about meaningful change through the citizen-led amendment process. For decades, this process has allowed everyday Floridians from all walks of life to step up when the legislature has failed to act. Together, we have worked to improve our quality of life, protect our neighborhoods and communities, and ensure equal representation. By passing HB 1205, Tallahassee politicians are consolidating more power in their hands while silencing the voices of working families and dedicated grassroots activists. Governor DeSantis must reject this bill and stand on the side of democracy and the people of Florida by vetoing this bad legislation as soon as possible.”
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About the Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements, and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.