Florida's Constitutional Commission: How Often Do They Meet?

how often does the florida constitutional commission meet

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to propose changes to the Florida Constitution. The CRC is unique to Florida, as it is the only state with a commission empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. The commission is made up of citizens from diverse backgrounds, bringing a wide range of perspectives to the table. The CRC holds significant power over Florida's Constitution, with the ability to impact the state's laws and policies for the next 20 years. The next meeting of the CRC is scheduled for 2037, where it will once again play a crucial role in shaping the future of Florida.

Characteristics Values
Frequency of meetings Once every 20 years
Next meeting 2037
Number of members 37
Members appointed by Governor (15), legislative leaders (18), Florida Supreme Court (3), and the Florida Attorney General
Chair appointed by Governor
Duration of work One year

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The Florida Constitution Revision Commission meets every 20 years

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to review and propose changes to the Florida Constitution. The CRC is unique to Florida and is the only commission in the United States that is empowered to refer constitutional amendments directly to the ballot. The CRC's proposals are then voted on by the public and must receive 60% approval to pass.

The CRC was established in 1968 when the Florida Legislature rewrote the state's constitution. The CRC is designed to increase public participation in governance and provide a pathway for Floridians to amend their constitution. The commission is made up of a diverse group of Florida citizens, including the state attorney general, who bring a range of perspectives and expertise to the commission.

The CRC's process typically involves holding public meetings, conducting issue research through appointed subcommittees, and engaging in thorough discussions. During these meetings, the public can attend and share their ideas and feedback on potential proposals for the ballot. The CRC then drafts proposed changes to the constitution, which are placed directly on the ballot for the next general election.

The CRC has the power to make significant changes to Florida's Constitution, impacting various topics such as gambling, education, redistricting, and the courts. These changes can have long-lasting effects on the state's laws and policies. However, there have been criticisms and calls for reform of the CRC, with some arguing that it holds too much power and can be subject to influence from special interest groups. Despite this, the CRC remains an important mechanism for direct democracy and citizen involvement in governance in Florida.

In summary, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission plays a crucial role in shaping the state's constitution and governance by meeting every 20 years to propose changes that reflect the current and future needs of Floridians.

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The Commission has 37 members

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years. The CRC is unique to Florida, as it is the only state with a commission empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. The 37 members of the CRC are referred to as commissioners, and they are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court. The Florida Attorney General also serves as a member of the CRC.

The CRC is made up of a diverse group of individuals with varying locations, occupations, genders, and races, bringing a wide range of perspectives to the commission. The commission's work typically spans one year, during which they travel throughout the state, gathering public input, researching issues, and drafting proposed constitutional amendments. The CRC holds public meetings and appoints subcommittees to research issues and draft proposed changes to the constitution.

The process of appointing members to the CRC is crucial. The governor appoints 15 members, including the commission chair. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President each select nine members, and the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court chooses three members. This appointment process ensures that the commission represents different viewpoints and expertise.

The CRC plays a significant role in shaping the laws of Florida. Its decisions on various topics, such as gambling, education, redistricting, and the courts, can have long-lasting impacts on the state's families and businesses. The CRC's proposals are put directly on the ballot for a public vote, and they must receive approval from 60% of the voters to pass. This direct democracy mechanism allows Floridians to have a direct say in amending their constitution.

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Members are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders and the Florida Supreme Court

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to review and propose changes to the Florida Constitution. It is the only commission of its kind in the United States, as Florida is the only state with a commission empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. The CRC was established in 1968 to increase public participation in governance and make it easier to modernize the Florida Constitution.

The CRC is made up of 37 Florida citizens, including the state attorney general, who bring diverse views and expertise to the commission. The commission's members are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court. The governor appoints 15 members, including the commission chair. The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President each select nine members, and the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court chooses three members.

The CRC's unique authority allows it to make a significant impact on the laws in Florida. The commission can propose additions to and removals from the state constitution, and its proposals are put directly on the ballot for a public vote. The CRC's decisions on a wide range of topics, including gambling, education, redistricting, and the courts, can shape the state's future for the next 20 years.

The CRC's appointment process aims to ensure representation from different locations, occupations, genders, and races, reflecting the diversity of Florida's population. The commission's work typically spans one year, during which the commissioners travel the state, gather public input, and research issues to draft proposed constitutional amendments. The public then votes on these amendments during the elections, with each proposal requiring approval by 60% of the voters to pass.

The CRC provides an important pathway for the people of Florida to amend their constitution and have a direct say in state governance. While reforms to the CRC have been suggested, abolishing it would further reduce direct democracy and citizen influence in state decision-making.

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The Commission makes changes and additions to the state Constitution

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to make changes and additions to the state Constitution. The CRC is unique to Florida, as it is the only state with a commission empowered to refer constitutional amendments directly to the ballot. The commission is made up of citizens from diverse locations, occupations, genders, and races, bringing a wide range of perspectives to the review of Florida's Constitution.

The CRC's process involves holding public meetings, conducting issue research through appointed subcommittees, and engaging in thorough discussions. They travel across the state, gathering public input and examining the relevance and applicability of the Constitution to current and future needs. The Commission has the power to propose changes, as well as remove portions of the Constitution that are no longer relevant or useful. These proposals are then placed on the ballot for a public vote, where approval by 60% of voters is required for passage.

The CRC's impact on Florida's Constitution has been significant. Past proposals have covered a range of topics, including the right to privacy, accessible polling places, public school quality, public campaign financing, ethics reform, and a ban on off-shore drilling. The Commission's decisions can shape the state's laws and policies for the next 20 years until the next CRC convenes.

The CRC's members are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court. The governor appoints 15 members, including the commission chair, while the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President each select nine members. Three members are chosen by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, and the Florida Attorney General serves as a member as well.

The CRC provides an important avenue for the people of Florida to participate in amending their constitution and ensuring it remains relevant and responsive to their needs. While there have been calls for reform to address certain issues, the CRC remains a powerful tool for direct democracy and citizen engagement in governance.

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The Commission was created in 1968

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) was created in 1968. It is a 37-member commission that reviews and proposes changes to the Florida Constitution. Florida is the only state with a commission empowered to refer constitutional amendments to the ballot. The CRC is unique in that it meets every 20 years and is not tied to one of the traditional three branches of government. Its members are appointed by the governor (15 members), legislative leaders (18), and the Florida Supreme Court (3), with the Florida Attorney General also serving as a member.

The CRC's proposals are put directly on the ballot for a public vote and must receive 60% approval to pass. The commission holds public hearings, conducts issue research through appointed subcommittees, and engages in thorough discussions to draft proposed changes to the constitution. The CRC can also remove portions of the constitution that are no longer relevant or applicable.

The CRC has addressed a range of issues, including the right to privacy, accessible polling places, safe and high-quality public schools, public campaign financing, ethics reform, and a ban on offshore drilling. It provides an important pathway for the people of Florida to amend their constitution and increase their participation in governance.

The 2017-2018 CRC was the third convening of the commission following the enactment of the constitution in 1968. Despite some issues with that iteration of the CRC, many believe it should be reformed rather than abolished to maintain direct democracy and citizen input in state governance.

Frequently asked questions

The Florida Constitutional Commission, also known as the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), meets every 20 years.

The last time the CRC met was in 2017-2018, which was the third convening of the commission.

The CRC was established in 1968, after a long period during which modernizing the Florida Constitution had been challenging.

The CRC is a 37-member commission that reviews and proposes changes to the Florida Constitution. It is the only commission of its kind in the United States.

The CRC members are appointed by the governor (15 members), legislative leaders (18), and the Florida Supreme Court (3). The attorney general also serves on the CRC.

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