“Tallahassee, FL – Representative Joseph Geller (D-Aventura) has filed HJR 349, which proposes an amendment to the state constitution that will allow citizens to directly propose legislation. The initiative is voted on by electors through a process similar to the ballot initiative procedure for constitutional amendments. To be invoked, a petition must be filed that is signed by a number of voters equal to 4% of the votes cast in each of ½ of the state’s congressional districts and 4% of votes cast in the state as a whole in the previous presidential election.
The ballot initiative must state the clear and unambiguous purpose of the proposed legislation in seventy-five words or less and contain a statement of economic impact. If the proposed legislation is approved by a majority of voters on Election Day, it will take effect on July 1st after the next regular session of the legislature.
“In the chaos of the current legislative climate, the voice of the people is often not heard,” offered Representative Joseph Geller. “By giving the power to propose legislation to the people, we are abiding by the principles of direct democracy and ensuring that they can come together for a common good to make sure their issues are being addressed.”
Proposed legislation that is enacted by the initiative will not be subject to the veto power of the governor. The legislature can only repeal or amend approved legislation by a 4/5 vote of the membership from each house within one year of the effective date or a 3/5 vote of membership from each house after one year or later following the effective date.”
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