In 1968, Florida became the only state to allow for its state constitution to be revisited and changed through a regularly scheduled commission called the Constitution Revision Commission. Once every 20 years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a 37-member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research and possibly recommending changes to the (State) Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the CRC would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. You can visit their web site at flcrc.gov to see all of the proposed Commission and Public Proposals, the full text of each proposed ballot amendment and additional information about the commission.
You might want to consider voting by mail, mailed to you by the Supervisor of Elections 35 days prior to the election. This will allow you plenty of time to review the eight (8) amendments being proposed by the CRC. In addition, there are numerous other amendments and perhaps a few local issues for consideration. The eight proposals by the CRC are as follows:
- Rights of Crime Victims; Judges
- First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges and Universities
- School Board Term Limits and Duties; Public School
- Prohibits offshore Oil and Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces
- State and Local Government Structure and Operation
- Property Rights; Removal of Obsolete Provision; Criminal Statutes
- Lobbying and Abuse of Office by Public Officers
- Ends Dog Racing
The fact that most of these amendments cover more than one subject should give you pause. The Supervisor of Elections in an April 18th Press Release encouraged voters to vote by mail and to expect a lengthy ballot in November. These amendments must secure 60 percent of voter approval to become law.
You may feel strongly about an issue, but consider, does this issue belong in my State Constitution or can it be accomplished through the legislative process by passing a bill to become law.
Keep in mind this is your Government, your Constitution and you decide the outcome.
