TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling lawmakers to Tallahassee for a special session.
He said it would help the Trump administration enforce immigration policy. However, some members of the governor's party don't support the move.
In addition to immigration, the session will address condo regulations and hurricane relief.
"We've got to get ahead of it," DeSantis said. "We've got to make sure that we're there as a will partner with the Trump administration."
President-elect Donald Trump takes office just one week ahead of the special session. Senate and House leadership call the governor's move "premature."
In response to DeSantis' move, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez released the following statement:
As you know, this Legislature will address illegal immigration, condominiums, petition initiatives and hurricane recovery this Session, which starts in 50 days. Calling a special session at this time is premature.
In particular, when it comes to immigration we are strong supporters of President Trump and stand ready to follow his lead. At this time, we are not aware of any specific guidance provided to the states about actions state legislatures can take to support forthcoming federal action. It is
completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make, especially when uninformed or ill-timed state action could potentially impair or impede the success of President Trump’s forthcoming efforts to end illegal immigration, close our borders,
and protect the sovereignty of our nation.
We look forward to President Trump’s inauguration next week and have every confidence he will take swift action to end the flow of illegal immigrants across our borders. President Trump campaigned heavily on this issue. The American people clearly support his leadership. As do we. When we receive specific guidance that may necessitate our state’s legislative action to
complement President Trump’s efforts, we stand ready to act at the appropriate time.
While the Governor discussed fragments of ideas for a special session he plans to start in just fourteen days, he did not release any actual bill language or even meaningful details for legislators and our constituents to consider.
With regard to the additional issues outlined by the Governor this morning, the fact is there are ample funds accessible and available to pay for the State’s ongoing disaster response efforts and additional funds do not have to wait until July 1. Condominium safety and ballot initiatives proposing constitutional amendments are complex subjects and should be considered during the
regular session, not a truncated special session.
Florida’s Constitution compels our attendance at a special session unilaterally called by the Governor. However, the power to convene a special session also resides with the presiding officers. As the people’s elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider.
There is already legislation filed in Florida that would repeal in-state tuition for immigrant students. Rep. Fentrice Driskell pointed out that previously proposed immigration legislation has disrupted Florida's labor force.
"We've already seen the consequences of harsh immigration legislation," Driskell said. "So, I would hope that we would learn from that lesson, that the Republicans would learn from that less and perhaps avoid any unintended consequences and rethink whatever it is that Governor DeSantis is proposing.
"Just seems like an opportunity for him to get some headlines."
