Amid widespread speculation about lawmakers possibly returning to Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Tuesday he has “no plans” to call a special session but would back stricter immigration measures from the Republican-controlled Legislature.
“I have no plans to call a special session. You know, I’ve been asked, ‘Would you do more immigration?’ Of course I’ll do more immigration. Would you do this? Of course I will,” DeSantis said during an appearance in Cape Canaveral.
The governor has signaled that he would support an immigration law similar to a Texas measure that allows local law enforcement officers to arrest people suspected of being in the country illegally and judges to order migrants’ deportation essentially.
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DeSantis indicated Tuesday he was unsure “whether that’s a special session or not, but I am for some of the things that people have been talking about.”
DeSantis or legislative leaders could call a special session.
“But we don’t have a plan necessarily to do a special session. You know, if there are things that we need to do that I’m sure that the Legislature will want to do it. But as of now we’re, we’re moving forward with the budget,” the governor said.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Street Takeover, School Safety Bills
Along with the immigration issue, speculation has included that a special session could address proposed constitutional amendments that will be on the November ballot. State Republican leaders oppose a proposed amendment that would enshrine abortion rights in the Constitution and a proposal that would allow recreational marijuana use in Florida.
On the marijuana amendment, for instance, lawmakers could craft legislation imposing what are known as time, place and manner restrictions for cannabis use.
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