Florida's Constitution Revision: The Last Commission's Location

where was the last florida constitution revision commission in florida

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 last CRC was held between 2017 and 2018, and it was the third convening of the commission since its establishment in 1968. The CRC is unique to Florida, as it is the only state with a commission that can refer constitutional amendments directly to the ballot for a public vote.

Characteristics Values
Year 2017-2018
Number of Commissioners 37
Number of Amendments Proposed 8
Number of Amendments Approved 7
Number of Standing Committees 10

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The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC)

The CRC is composed of 37 commissioners, who are referred to as commissioners. All but one of the commissioners are appointed. The Florida Constitution requires the CRC to convene every 20 years, with meetings in 1977, 1997, 2017, 2037, and so on. The commission must examine the constitution, hold public hearings, and refer constitutional amendments to the ballot no later than 180 days before the election.

The CRC holds two sets of public hearings across the state. The first set of hearings is to gather ideas from the public, and the second set is to gain feedback on the proposals. After the proposals have been approved by the CRC, they are placed directly on the ballot for a public vote. The CRC can consider proposed amendments from standing committees and the public. If at least 10 commissioners agree to hear a public amendment, the full commission can vote on whether to further consider the amendment.

The CRC of 2017-2018 was the third convening of the commission following the enactment of the constitution of 1968. On April 16, 2018, the CRC referred eight constitutional amendments to the 2018 ballot, combining multiple proposals in some of the amendments. Seven of the measures referred by the CRC were approved.

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37-member commission

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that examines the Florida Constitution and proposes changes for voter consideration. The CRC is unique to Florida, as it is the only state with a commission that can refer constitutional amendments directly to the ballot for a public vote. The commission must meet every 20 years, with meetings scheduled for 1977, 1997, 2017, 2037, and so on.

The 37 members of the CRC, referred to as commissioners, are appointed by various government officials and include:

  • 15 members appointed by the Governor of Florida, including the commission chair.
  • Nine members appointed by the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
  • Nine members appointed by the President of the Florida Senate.
  • Three members appointed by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court with the advice of the other justices.
  • The Florida Attorney General, who serves automatically by virtue of their office.

The CRC typically meets for approximately one year, travelling across Florida, identifying issues, conducting research, and proposing changes to the state constitution. During this process, the commission holds two sets of public hearings. The first set of hearings aims to gather ideas and input from the public, while the second set seeks feedback on the proposals developed by the commission. The CRC is also allowed to consider proposed amendments from standing committees and the public. If at least 10 commissioners agree to hear a public amendment, the full commission can vote on whether to further consider it.

The most recent CRC took place from 2017 to 2018, marking the third convening of the commission since its establishment in 1968. During this period, the commission referred eight constitutional amendments to the 2018 ballot, with seven of them being approved. Despite some issues with this iteration of the CRC, it serves as an important pathway for Floridians to amend their constitution and exercise direct democracy.

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Commissioners appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is a 37-member commission that reviews and proposes changes to the Florida Constitution. The CRC is provided for in Section 2 of Article XI of the Florida Constitution, which was ratified in 1968. The commission must meet every 20 years, with the next meeting scheduled for 2037.

The CRC is composed of 37 members, referred to as commissioners, who are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court. The governor appoints 15 commissioners, including the commission chair. Legislative leaders appoint 18 commissioners, and the Florida Supreme Court appoints three. The attorney general also serves on the CRC as an ex-officio member.

The governor of Florida plays a significant role in the state's government and judicial system. They are the chief executive and administrative officer of the state and are responsible for planning and overseeing the state government. The governor has the power to appoint judges, including Supreme Court justices, with the assistance of a judicial nominating commission (JNC). The JNC screens and recommends candidates to the governor, who makes the final appointment. Additionally, the governor can call special sessions of the Florida Legislature, which is composed of the Senate and House, and delivers the \"State of the State Address\" at least once per legislative session.

The Florida Supreme Court, which is part of the judicial branch of the state government, also has a crucial role in the state's judiciary. The court has exclusive authority over certain types of cases, such as death penalty and public utilities cases, and provides advisory opinions to the attorney general and governor. The justices of the Florida Supreme Court are selected through an assisted appointment process, with the governor appointing judges from a list of nominees submitted by the JNC.

The legislative leaders in Florida, consisting of the Senate and House members, also play a vital role in the state's governance. They propose and pass laws, hold special sessions, and work alongside the governor to address various issues. Florida's unique cabinet-style government gives equal footing to the governor and other independently elected cabinet members, including the attorney general, commissioner of agriculture, and chief financial officer.

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CRC 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, as it is the only state with a commission that can refer constitutional amendments directly to the ballot for a public vote. The next scheduled meeting of the CRC is in 2037.

The CRC is composed of 37 commissioners, who are appointed by the governor (15 members), legislative leaders (18), and the Florida Supreme Court (3). The attorney general also serves on the CRC, and the governor designates the chair of the commission. The CRC meets for approximately one year, traveling across Florida, identifying issues, conducting research, and recommending changes to the state constitution.

During its meetings, the CRC holds public hearings to learn about the issues that matter most to Floridians and considers proposed constitutional amendments submitted by the public. The commission must examine the constitution, hold these public hearings, and refer constitutional amendments to the ballot no later than 180 days before the election. The CRC's proposals are then put directly to a public vote and must receive 60% approval to pass.

The CRC provides an important pathway for the people of Florida to amend their constitution. The commission has faced criticism and attempts at abolition due to issues with its processes and influence. However, abolishing the CRC could further diminish direct democracy and citizen voice in state governance. Reforms have been suggested to address these concerns, including improving the appointment process to ensure a more bipartisan and balanced representation from the state's three branches of government.

The CRC of 2017-2018 was the third convening of the commission following the enactment of the constitution of 1968. During this period, the CRC referred eight constitutional amendments to the 2018 ballot, with seven of them being approved. The CRC created 10 standing committees to address proposed changes to the 12 articles of the Florida Constitution.

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CRC refers constitutional amendments to the ballot

The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) 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 directly to the ballot for a public vote. The CRC is provided for in Section 2 of Article XI of the Florida Constitution, which was ratified in 1968 when voters adopted a new constitution via Amendment 1.

The CRC is required to convene every 20 years, with meetings scheduled for 1977, 1997, 2017, 2037, and so on. The commission must examine the constitution, hold public hearings, and refer constitutional amendments to the ballot no later than 180 days before the election. The CRC sets its own rules and procedures beyond what is required in the Florida Constitution.

The CRC has played an important role in allowing the people of Florida to amend their constitution directly. In 1980, the legislature referred to a ballot a constitutional amendment to abolish the CRC, but voters rejected the amendment. Similarly, in 2022, 54% of voters supported Amendment 2 to abolish the CRC, but it failed to reach the required 60% threshold for approval.

The most recent CRC, which concluded in 2018, referred eight constitutional amendments to the 2018 ballot, with seven being approved. The CRC held 15 public hearings across the state and received a historic level of public input. The CRC's proposals were combined with multiple proposals in some of the amendments.

Frequently asked questions

The last CRC took place between 2017 and 2018.

The CRC convenes every 20 years.

The CRC was established in 1968.

The CRC has 37 members, referred to as commissioners.

The CRC examines the Florida Constitution and proposes changes for voter consideration.

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