Florida Decides Healthcare has initiated a lawsuit against the Florida secretary of state following the signing of H.B. 1205 by Gov. Ron DeSantis. This law introduces strict regulations on the petition process for constitutional amendments. Key aspects include reduced time for submitting signatures and increased penalties for infractions. The lawsuit claims these adjustments threaten ongoing Medicaid expansion efforts and describes the legislation as a significant blow to citizen-led initiatives, crucial for engaging Floridians in the amendment process. The group argues such measures could lead to the collapse of their campaign to place a Medicaid expansion measure on the 2026 ballot.
"We are filing this lawsuit because we refuse to let them silence the people of Florida," said one plaintiff. This reflects the frustration over limits on citizen initiatives.
According to the lawsuit, Florida Decides Healthcare claims H.B. 1205's restrictions could force them to shut down efforts to expand Medicaid coverage, undermining democracy.
The organization argues this law is a 'direct assault' on the citizen-led initiative process, essential for empowering Floridians to propose ballot amendments.
H.B. 1205 is framed as creating intolerable uncertainty for organizers, with harsh penalties leading to fears of crippling their campaign efforts.
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