Federal Judge Weighs Halt to Controversial Florida Ballot Amendment Law

A mad dash to destroy citizen democracy in Florida

One of Tallahassee’s all-time worst bills was barely out of the printer on May 2 when legislative leaders rushed it to an eagerly waiting Gov. Ron DeSantis. That was unusual. The House speaker and Senate president normally take their sweet time, especially at session’s end, when scores of bills are churning through what’s often compared to a sausage factory. But this one rush job, HB 1205, was especially dear to the governor’s authoritarian hear…

Groups ask judge to block new restrictions on Florida amendment signature gathering

One of the most-controversial parts of the law shortens from 30 to 10 days the length of time to submit signed petitions to supervisors of elections.

Judge Weighs Blocking Ballot Initiative Law

By Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — “Fear and uncertainty” about a new law targeting the state’s ballot-initiative process has led to a significant drop in people working to collect signatures for 2026 ballot measures, groups challenging the law told a federal judge on Thursday. One of the most-controversial parts of the law, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature on May 2 and immediately signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, …

Judge weighs blocking Florida ballot initiative law

TALLAHASSEE — “Fear and uncertainty” about a new law targeting the state’s ballot-initiative process has led to a significant drop in people working to collect signatures for 2026 ballot measures, groups challenging the law told a federal judge on Thursday. One of the most-controversial parts of the law, passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature on May 2 and immediately signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, shortens from 30 to 10 days the length of…

Federal Judge Hears Challenge to Florida's Law Sharply Restricting Ballot Initiatives

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker listened to about three hours of testimony on Florida Decides Healthcare’s and Smart & Safe Florida’s request that he block certain provisions of the law while the legal challenge moves ahead — including a requirement that sponsors turn in completed petitions within 10 days after the voter signs the petition, as well as stepped up fines and criminal penalties. The post Federal Judge Hears Challenge to Florid…

Campaigners urge judge to block new restrictions to getting measures on Florida’s ballot

Attorneys for groups trying to ballot measures before Florida voters next year say their First Amendment rights are being infringed on every day that a new state law remains on the books. The lawyers told a judge Thursday that law…