Malcolm Rivera
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) was created in 1968 to increase public participation in governance. The CRC is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to propose changes to the Florida Constitution. The commission holds public hearings, performs research, and identifies issues that matter to Floridians. The CRC's proposals are put directly on the ballot for a public vote and must secure at least 60% voter approval to become law. The CRC provides an important pathway for Floridians to amend their constitution, as legislative measures have made the citizen initiative process to amend the constitution more difficult and expensive.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often it meets | Every 20 years |
| Number of members | 37 |
| Members appointed by | Governor (15), legislative leaders (18), Florida Supreme Court (3), Attorney General (1) |
| Purpose | To propose changes to the Florida Constitution |
| Powers | Can refer constitutional amendments to voters |
| Requirements for amendments to pass | 60% voter approval |
| Rules | Sets its own rules and procedures |
| First established | 1968 |
| Previous attempts to abolish | 1980, 2022 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is provided for in Section 2 of Article XI of the Florida Constitution
- The CRC meets every 20 years to propose changes to the state constitution
- The CRC is composed of 37 members, with 15 appointed by the Governor of Florida
- The CRC holds public hearings and considers proposed constitutional amendments submitted by the public
- The CRC's proposals are put directly on the ballot for public vote and must secure at least 60% voter approval to become law
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is provided for in Section 2 of Article XI of the Florida Constitution
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 CRC is a unique provision among the states, intended to increase public participation in governance. The commission convenes once every 20 years and is scheduled to meet in 2037. It receives proposals from the public, holds public hearings, and refers constitutional amendments directly to the ballot for a public vote. Amendments must receive 60% of the vote to pass.
The CRC was established in 1968 after a long period during which modernizing the Florida Constitution had been extremely difficult. The CRC has convened four times, in 1977-78, 1997-98, 2017-18, and is scheduled to meet again in 2037. The CRC addresses proposed changes to the 12 articles of the Florida Constitution. The commission placed eight measures on the ballot in 2018, seven of which passed. The CRC is empowered to set its own rules and procedures.
The 37 members of the CRC are referred to as commissioners, and all but one are appointed. The Florida Constitution provides for the automatic membership of the state attorney general. The governor appoints 15 commissioners, including the commission chair. Nine commissioners are appointed by the President of the Florida Senate, and nine by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Three commissioners are appointed by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court.
The CRC provides an important pathway for the people of Florida to amend their constitution. Recent legislative measures have made the citizen initiative process to amend the constitution more difficult and expensive. Abolishing the CRC would further diminish direct democracy and citizen voice in state governance and would invest more power in the legislature. However, the CRC has faced criticism and calls for reform, with some arguing that it should be abolished.
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The CRC meets every 20 years to propose changes to the state constitution
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (FCRC) is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to propose changes to the state constitution. The FCRC was created in 1968 when Florida's Constitution was rewritten. The Commission is provided for in Section 2 of Article XI of the Florida Constitution, which outlines the ways to propose amendments and revisions to the constitution.
The CRC meets for approximately one year, travelling across the state of Florida, identifying issues, performing research, and proposing changes to the Florida Constitution. The Commission must 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, and any proposals that pass the CRC's final vote are placed on Florida's General Election ballot and must secure at least 60% voter approval to become law.
The 37 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, and the governor designates the chair. The CRC is not within one of the traditional three branches of government, and a separate lobbyist registration is required. The CRC's unique role provides an important pathway for the people of Florida to amend their constitution, as legislative measures have made the citizen initiative process more difficult and expensive.
The CRC has placed a variety of issues on the ballot for voter consideration, including the creation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a revision to provide that no person will be deprived of any right because of gender, and the elimination of the Florida Cabinet. In 1998, Florida voters passed eight out of nine amendments proposed by the CRC, and some proposals that did not pass were later implemented by ballot initiative or legislative proposal.
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The CRC is composed of 37 members, with 15 appointed by the Governor of Florida
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 was established in 1968 to increase public participation in governance and make it easier to modernise the Florida Constitution. The CRC has convened four times, in 1977-78, 1997-98, 2017-18, and 2037.
The CRC's 37 members are referred to as commissioners, and all but one are appointed. The Florida Constitution provides for the automatic membership of the state attorney general. The remaining 36 members are appointed by the governor (15 members), legislative leaders (18), and the Florida Supreme Court (3). The governor also designates the chair of the CRC.
In the 2017-2018 CRC, Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican, appointed 15 members. President of the Florida Senate, Joe Negron (R-25), appointed nine members. Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, Richard Corcoran (R-37), appointed nine members. Jorge Labarga, Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court, appointed three members.
The CRC holds public hearings to learn about issues that matter to Floridians and considers proposed constitutional amendments submitted by the public. The CRC then proposes changes to the Florida Constitution, which are put directly on the ballot for a public vote and must pass with 60% of the vote.
The CRC has been criticised for engaging in "bundling", or combining unrelated issues into a single ballot measure, which can confuse voters and make it difficult for them to vote according to their beliefs. However, the CRC provides an important pathway for the people of Florida to amend their constitution, and abolishing it would further diminish direct democracy and citizen voice in state governance.
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The CRC holds public hearings and considers proposed constitutional amendments submitted by the public
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 holds public hearings and considers proposed constitutional amendments submitted by the public. The CRC's role is to identify issues, perform research, and recommend changes to the Florida Constitution. 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, and any proposals that pass the CRC's final vote are placed on Florida's General Election ballot and must secure at least 60% voter approval to become law.
The CRC is composed of 37 members, with 15 appointed by the Governor of Florida, nine by the President of the Florida Senate, nine by the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, and three by the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court. The Attorney General of Florida automatically serves on the CRC, and the Governor designates the Chair. The CRC meets for approximately one year, travelling across Florida and engaging with the public to understand their concerns and proposed amendments.
The CRC plays an important role in increasing public participation in governance. It provides a platform for Floridians to propose changes to their constitution and have their voices heard. The CRC's recommendations are then presented to the voters for their approval, ensuring that any amendments to the constitution reflect the will of the people. This process empowers citizens and enables them to have a direct impact on shaping the laws that govern them.
The CRC has a significant impact on the state's policies and laws. For example, in 1998, the CRC placed nine revisions on the ballot, eight of which were passed by voters. These revisions included the creation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and a revision to ensure that no person would be deprived of any right because of gender. In 2018, the CRC proposed a revision to create a Department of Elderly Affairs, which was also adopted. These examples illustrate the CRC's ability to address a range of issues and bring about meaningful change in Florida.
While the CRC has faced some challenges, such as the issues of the 2017-2018 commission, it remains an essential mechanism for Floridians to amend their constitution. It provides a pathway for citizens to initiate changes and participate in the legislative process. The CRC's work reflects the state's commitment to ensuring that its constitution remains relevant and responsive to the needs and aspirations of its people.
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The CRC's proposals are put directly on the ballot for public vote and must secure at least 60% voter approval to become law
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (FCRC) is a 37-member commission that meets every 20 years to propose changes to the Florida Constitution. The CRC's proposals are put directly to a public vote and must secure at least 60% voter approval to become law. This process ensures that any changes to the Florida Constitution are supported by a significant majority of the state's voters.
The CRC is not part of the traditional three branches of government and sets its own rules and procedures. It holds public hearings to learn about the issues that matter most to Floridians and considers proposed constitutional amendments submitted by the public. The CRC plays a crucial role in increasing public participation in governance and providing a pathway for Floridians to amend their constitution.
The members of the CRC are appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and the Florida Supreme Court, with the attorney general also serving on the commission. The CRC meets for approximately one year, travelling across Florida, identifying issues, conducting research, and recommending changes to the constitution.
The CRC has placed a range of important issues on the ballot for voter consideration, such as the creation of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, revisions to gender equality provisions, and changes to the selection and retention of judges. While not all proposals may pass, some have been implemented later through ballot initiatives or legislative proposals.
The CRC provides a mechanism for Floridians to have a direct say in shaping their constitution and ensuring it remains relevant and applicable to their current and future needs. The commission's work reflects the state's commitment to engaging its citizens in the governance process and empowering them to drive change.
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Frequently asked questions
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) was created to provide a means for the public to amend the Florida Constitution. It was established in 1968 and meets every 20 years to propose changes to the state constitution.
The CRC is a 37-member commission that convenes every 20 years. It holds public hearings, receives proposals from the public, and proposes changes to the Florida Constitution. These proposals are then put to a public vote and must secure at least 60% voter approval to become law.
The Florida Constitution Revision Commission meets every 20 years. The next meeting is scheduled for 2037.
