Florida Republican lawmakers have introduced a series of bills aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration and tightening the state’s ballot initiative process on the eve of the special legislative session convened by Governor Ron DeSantis.
The proposed measures would eliminate in-state tuition for undocumented students, mandate increased cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, and impose stricter rules on petition drives for constitutional amendments.
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The special session, set to begin Monday morning, was called by DeSantis to expedite measures that align with President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, as well as address other key issues, including hurricane relief and condominium cost concerns.
However, the session has faced resistance from legislative leaders, including Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez, who have expressed reservations about the timing and necessity of the emergency session ahead of the regular legislative session scheduled for March 4.
Despite the pushback, Republican lawmakers, led by Senators Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill), Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers), and Jay Collins (R-Tampa), filed a total of 11 bills by Sunday afternoon. Companion bills were also introduced in the House by Representatives Mike Caruso (R-Delray Beach) and John Temple (R-Wildwood).
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Key Legislative Proposals
- Repeal of In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students
- Bills filed by Sen. Jonathan Martin and Rep. John Temple (SB 20-A and HB 19A) would revoke a 2014 law that grants in-state tuition rates to undocumented students who meet specific criteria.
- Senate President Albritton has proposed a phased approach to prevent abrupt disruptions for current beneficiaries.
- Mandatory Immigration Law Enforcement Cooperation
- Legislation introduced by Sen. Ingoglia and Rep. Caruso (SB 4-A and HB 9A) mandates that local law enforcement agencies provide full cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
- The proposed law would require counties to transfer inmates with immigration detainers directly to federal authorities.
- Law Enforcement Agreements with ICE
- Bills (SB 14-A and HB 11A) would compel all police agencies with more than 25 officers to enter agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing local officers to perform certain federal immigration enforcement duties.
- Additionally, the governor would gain authority to suspend agency heads for noncompliance.
- Ballot Initiative Restrictions
- Sponsored by Sen. Collins and Rep. Caruso (SB 18-A and HB 21A), the proposed legislation would significantly alter Florida’s ballot initiative process by prohibiting the use of paid petition gatherers.
- Instead, voters would need to request petitions via mail and return them directly to election supervisors.
- This measure follows DeSantis’ successful opposition to ballot initiatives in 2024 related to abortion rights and recreational marijuana.
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While the bills were formally filed on Sunday, it remains unclear whether lawmakers will advance them during the special session. The Senate and House are set to convene Monday morning at 10:30 a.m., but as of Sunday afternoon, no committee meetings had been scheduled to review the proposed measures.
DeSantis has ramped up public pressure on legislators, arguing that immediate action is needed to align state policies with the federal government’s immigration enforcement goals.
However, Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups have sharply criticized the proposed changes, arguing they could harm immigrant families and restrict citizens’ ability to participate in direct democracy through ballot initiatives.
The special session is expected to be contentious, with heated debates likely over immigration enforcement and voting rights. Should the proposed measures pass, they could have far-reaching implications for undocumented students, local law enforcement agencies, and Floridians seeking to amend the state’s Constitution.
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