TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida lawmakers will meet next week to finalize the state’s takeover of Walt Disney World’s governing district and debate proposals on immigration and election crime, as Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to exploit the national political fissures of the past. open the White House is expected.
Republican Legislature leaders, in coordination with DeSantis, on Friday ordered lawmakers to meet for a special session next week to address the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as Disney’s government knows it.
In addition, the Statehouse will also consider legislation to create a program to relocate migrants and make it clear that statewide prosecutors have the authority to prosecute election crimes in federal and state races.
The agenda marks DeSantis’ continued focus on issues such as immigration, voter fraud, gender and sexuality, with the rising Republican eager to join the political divide as he runs for president in 2024 and further his reputation as a conservative brand.
The meeting will represent the latest development in a dispute between DeSantis and Disney over the company’s criticism of what critics call the “Don’t Talk Gay” law, which blocks instruction about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. and lessons that are considered age-inappropriate.
The governor, while pushing lawmakers to scrap his self-governing status, showed his willingness to go after one of the country’s biggest employers and political donors, reinforcing the aggressive leadership style that has made him a national political star.
The special session is reportedly focused on Disney, but Friday’s announcement detailing additional subjects also warrants serious attention to the governor’s approach to voter fraud and immigration, key concerns for conservative Republican primary voters.
The memo issued Friday did not provide details on the proposals and the bill has not yet been introduced.
Image by Paul Hennessy/SOPA via Getty Images
Electoral crime prosecution measures were initiated after several allegations related to the new gubernatorial election police unit were dropped due to jurisdictional issues. The memo described the move as a clarification of state law.
Lawmakers will also create a program to transport immigrants in the country illegally to other countries once they have been processed by the federal government and migrant volunteers. DeSantis has used part of a $12 million fund, paid for by taxpayers, to fly about 50 South American migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, in protest of federal immigration policy.
The feud between DeSantis and Disney dates back to last year, when the entertainment giant publicly opposed the education law and said it would pause political donations in the state and would support organizations fighting the law.
DeSantis was quick to criticize the company, calling it a purveyor of a wake-up call ideology that’s inappropriate for children, and giving lawmakers the ability to eliminate Disney’s government while the Legislature is meeting for a special session on redistricting.
The GOP-controlled statehouse in April approved legislation to dissolve Reedy Creek by June 2023, beginning a closely watched process that will determine the governing structure that controls the company’s vast properties.
The memo did not provide details on the county’s future, only that the bill would “revise the governance and powers of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, while protecting local taxpayers from County debt.”
The creation of the Reedy Creek district was instrumental in Disney’s decision to build near Orlando in the 1960s. Having a separate government allows the company to provide zoning, fire protection, utilities and infrastructure services on its land.
The special session will also adjust language in current legislation regarding endorsement deals for college athletes.
Florida was one of the first states to pass a law that allows college athletes to profit from their name, image or likeness, but does not allow those affiliated with the university to help secure endorsement deals. The proposal would lift that provision to make Florida more competitive with other states that do not have restrictions.
Lawmakers will also consider a bill to provide more money for Hurricane Ian and Nicole recovery efforts, according to the memo.
AP writer Brendan Farrington contributed to this report.