On Thursday, the first hearing on a bill to radically change Florida’s citizen-led amendment process will take place. The Government Operations Subcommittee will hear HB1205, which would make it extremely difficult for committed groups of everyday Floridians to get amendments on the ballot. 

Common Cause, individual Floridians and several ally organizations, will be present at the committee to speak against the bill. Below is a statement from Amy Keith, Common Cause Florida Executive Director, for use at any time before, during or after the hearing.

“Citizen-led amendments are one of the only ways voters have to pass policies directly, and Florida already has one of the strictest citizen-led amendment processes in the country. Restricting it further will only serve to freeze out everyday Floridians and put the desires of special interests above the will of the people. The majority of Floridians – across political parties – support our citizen-led amendment process. We need our elected leaders to stand up and protect the power of the people by rejecting any new restrictions,” said Amy Keith, Common Cause Florida Executive Director.

WHO: Common Cause Florida Executive Director Amy Keith and other advocates

WHEN: Thursday, March 6 starting at 9 a.m.  

WHERE: Sumner Hall (404 HOB), 400 S Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32399