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Florida Constitution Revision Commission

CRC Chairman Beruff: Majority of CRC Proposals Represent Public Ideas

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More than 50 percent of proposals filed by Commissioners
represent public proposal submissions received by the CRC

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) today announced that more than 50 percent of the 103 proposed constitutional revisions filed by CRC Commissioners represent public ideas. In addition to directly sponsoring public proposals without making language changes, CRC Commissioners represented hundreds of public proposals and ideas submitted by the public.
CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “Over the past seven months, CRC Commissioners have traveled the state listening to Floridians and reviewed thousands of public proposals and comments. As a result, more than 50 percent of proposals filed by Commissioners represent public ideas. Much like the previous CRC in 1997-1998 advanced ‘general concepts’ based on public input, we identified general themes and ideas that were submitted by Floridians and then crafted proposals in the appropriate legal language. Altogether, more than 740 public proposal submissions are represented by Commissioner proposals. If you also consider the Commissioner proposals inspired by ideas presented by Floridians at CRC public hearings, this representation is even higher. Proposals are now being referred to CRC Committees for further review and consideration. We encourage Floridians to stay engaged in the CRC process as we move forward.”
Of the 103 proposals filed by Commissioners, 56 address topics similar to approximately 746 public proposal submissions. A spreadsheet demonstrating the matches between public proposals received by the CRC and proposals filed by Commissioners is available at flcrc.gov/Reference. (Spreadsheets containing all 2,013 public proposal submissions are also available at flcrc.gov/Reference.)
In addition to public proposal submissions, Commissioner proposals also represent ideas shared by Floridians through other means including testimony at CRC public hearings. A spreadsheet organizing the topics discussed at CRC public hearings is available at flcrc.gov/Reference.
How to Review Proposals and Public Input

The Florida Bar Launches Public Education Program to Engage Floridians in Constitution Revision

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Program Urges Florida Voters to “Revise with Caution”

With a recent survey showing that 9 of 10 Floridians are unaware of what the Constitution Revision Commission does, The Florida Bar today launched Protect Florida Democracy: Our Constitution, Our Rights, Our Courts, a statewide public education program to fill the void in Floridians’ awareness of constitution revision and engage Floridians in this critical process.
“Florida’s constitution determines how much power we the citizens give to our state government and what form that takes,” said Michael J. Higer, President of The Florida Bar. “It is therefore important that we all tune in, stay informed and educated as to any process to amend Florida’s Constitution. It is critical we stay engaged to make sure that we exercise great caution as to any proposed amendment.”
A recent independent survey by Breakthrough Research found that 8 in 10 Floridians had never even heard of the Constitution Revision Commission. Of the few who had heard of the CRC, 1 in 3 wrongly identified its role, which spurred the Bar to create the Protect Florida Democracy public education program. The survey collected responses from a representative sample of about 800 Florida voters.
While 44 percent of voters surveyed identified the Florida Constitution as “the people’s contract with their government,” the survey revealed confusion about the roles of the branches of government, with 71 percent failing to identify the executive branch as the branch that carries out and enforces laws (57 percent said judicial, 10 percent said legislative, and 4 percent said they didn’t know).
“As citizens consider the merits of proposed constitutional amendments, they should think about any unintended consequences. Maintaining the equality of our three branches of government including the judiciary is fundamental and sacrosanct. This is a bedrock principle that safeguards us all,” Higer said. “The Bar’s Protect Florida Democracy initiative is an important educational effort to help every citizen understand that the constitution should not be amended without careful thought.”
The survey does indicate that Floridians understand the importance of the separation of powers. A total of 93 percent said they consider the separation of powers very important and 96 percent expressed concern about any attempt to give one branch of government more power than another.
Kicking off the educational effort at Florida’s Historic Capitol were two historical figures — Alexander Hamilton and Frederick Douglass — to lend their perspectives, in character, about the importance of both the federal and state constitutions.
The Bar intends to engage Floridians in Protect Florida Democracy through an informational website, weekly newsletter, statewide speakers bureau and engaging social media campaign. The initiative will leverage historical figures who helped shape and protect the democratic process throughout history, featuring original line drawings of and quotations from such select “protectors of democracy” as Hamilton, Susan B. Anthony, Thurgood Marshall, Sonia Sotomayor and Neil Gorsuch — noteworthy Americans who have worked to uphold foundational principles of a democratic system of government.
“The work of the Constitution Revision Commission has the potential to impact the lives of every Floridian, now and for many years to come. The Florida Bar is pleased to launch this program to inform and educate Florida’s citizens and give them a voice in what happens,” Higer said. “We urge every Floridian to get involved and participate in shaping our state government by following and participating in this once-every-20-year constitution revision process.”
Besides educating the public, the Bar also has created a special committee to provide technical legal assistance to the CRC upon request.
The CRC meets every 20 years to review and revise the Florida Constitution. It is the only method by which amendments affecting the full scope of Florida’s Constitution may be put on the General Election ballot without review by the legislative, judicial or executive branches.
The commission convened in May and traveled the state on a listening tour to hear residents’ thoughts and ideas about proposals to revise the Florida Constitution. All proposed amendments by the CRC are due to be filed by May 10, 2018. Protect Florida Democracy will remain active throughout the duration of this period, providing information and updates to Florida residents.
Protect Florida Democracy is a nonpartisan public education program by The Florida Bar, with the goal of improving knowledge about the Constitution Revision Commission among Floridians and encouraging participation and engagement in the process. Learn more at www.protectfldemocracy.org.

CRC Commissioners Continue Sponsorship of Public Proposals and Ideas Regarding the Florida Constitution

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The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) today held its second and final full Commission meeting in which Commissioners could directly sponsor public proposals through the CRC process. Direct sponsorship of public proposals is one of several ways public input is considered through the CRC process. CRC Commissioners have also created their own proposals inspired by ideas submitted by Floridians.
CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “The CRC has received historic public input. More than 2,000 proposed revisions and thousands of comments were submitted by Floridians. As we review this public input, it clear that Floridians share many similar ideas and interests. In addition to Commissioners who chose to directly sponsor a public proposal, several Commissioners have created their own proposals inspired by public input. Floridians are encouraged to continue reaching out to Commissioners with ideas before October 31, which is the deadline for Commissioners to file proposals to be taken up during the CRC process.”
A summary of public proposals directly sponsored by Commissioners, and proposals created by Commissioners that were inspired by public input, is provided below. Nineteen proposals have been filed by CRC Commissioners to date and are available for review on flcrc.gov/Proposals/Commissioner:
Public Proposals Directly Sponsored by CRC Commissioners (6 Total)

Commissioner-Filed Proposals Inspired by Public Input (8 To-date)

Additional Commissioner-Filed Proposals

How to Review Proposals and Public Input

CRC Full Commission Meeting October 17 in Tallahassee

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) will hold a meeting of the full Commission tomorrow, Tuesday, October 17 beginning at 2:00 PM in Tallahassee. The meeting will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org.
During the meeting, CRC Commissioners will have the opportunity to directly sponsor public proposals. According to the Rules of the Commission, a public proposal must receive at least 10 Commissioner votes in order for it to become a Commissioner-filed proposal. Votes on public proposals are procedural votes and do not represent a vote on the substance or merit of any individual proposal. If a public proposal receives the required 10 votes, it will be filed by the sponsoring Commissioner and referred to the appropriate CRC committee for further consideration.
Direct sponsorship of a public proposal is one of several ways public input is incorporated in the CRC process. Commissioners may also create their own proposals inspired by comments heard during CRC public hearings or multiple public proposals regarding the same subject area. To learn more about how public input moves through the CRC process, download the CRC’s “How a CRC Proposal Becomes Law” infographic.
WHAT:           Meeting of the full Constitution Revision Commission
WHEN:           Tuesday, October 17 from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
WHERE:         Florida Senate Chamber, Tallahassee, Florida
AGENDA:       Meeting Notice (page 4): http://bit.ly/2gzvDQ8

CRC Meeting Schedule Week of October 16-20

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) noticed the following meeting schedule for the week of October 16-20, 2017. CRC meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees.
The Interim Calendar is available on the CRC Calendars Page at flcrc.gov/Meetings/Calendars/2017.
Monday, October 16
No meetings scheduled.
Tuesday, October 17
Rules and Administration Committee

  • Time: 11:00 AM – Noon
  • Location: 401 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2g8FLhX

Meeting of the Full Commission

  • Time: 2:00-5:00 PM
  • Location: Florida Senate Chamber, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice (page 4): http://bit.ly/2gzvDQ8 

Wednesday, October 18
General Provisions Committee

  • Time: 1:00-4:00 PM
  • Location: 401 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2hFe8h3 

Thursday, October 19 
No meetings scheduled.
Friday, October 20
No meetings scheduled.

CRC Commissioners Sponsor Public Proposals and Ideas Regarding the Florida Constitution

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October 6 officially adopted as the public proposal filing deadline

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) today held the first of two full Commission meetings in which Commissioners may directly sponsor public proposals through the CRC process. During the meeting, Commissioners officially adopted October 6 as the deadline for Floridians to submit public proposals. Several CRC Commissioners have also created their own proposals that were inspired by ideas submitted by Floridians.
CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “We are very grateful to the thousands of Floridians who have participated in the CRC process either by attending our public hearings or submitting their own proposed changes to the Florida Constitution. As we review the more than 1,400 public proposals and thousands of comments and emails we have received, it is apparent that Floridians share many similar interests and ideas. In addition to directly sponsoring public proposals, many Commissioners are creating their own proposals inspired by public input and combine similar ideas into one proposal to ensure Floridians’ voices are heard. We encourage all interested Floridians who have not yet submitted their proposed changes to the Florida Constitution to send them in by the October 6 deadline.”
The next opportunity for CRC Commissioners to directly sponsor public proposals will be on October 17 during a meeting of the full Commission. A summary of public proposals directly sponsored by Commissioners, and proposals created by Commissioners that were inspired by public input, to date is provided below:
Public Proposals Directly Sponsored by CRC Commissioners

Commissioner-Filed Proposals Inspired by Public Input

How to Review Proposals and Public Input

CRC Meeting Schedule Week of October 2-6

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) noticed the following meeting schedule for the week of October 2-6, 2017. CRC meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees.
The Interim Calendar is available on the CRC Calendars Page at flcrc.gov/Meetings/Calendars/2017.

Monday, October 2

Rules and Administration Committee

  • Time: 8:30-9:30 AM
  • Location: 401 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2fRJPUn

Meeting of the Full Commission

  • Time: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
  • Location: Florida Senate Chamber, Tallahassee, Florida 

Style and Drafting Committee

  • Time: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
  • Location: 110 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2wWpx6L

Tuesday, October 3

Declaration of Rights Committee

  • Time: 9:00 AM – Noon
  • Location: 110 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2fzVSZg

Judicial Committee

  • Time: 1:00-5:00 PM
  • Location: 301 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2y9ELFv

Wednesday, October 4

Ethics and Elections Committee

  • Time: 9:00-11:00 AM
  • Location: 110 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2y9PEqN 

Legislative Committee

  • Time: 10:00 AM – Noon
  • Location: 301 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2xMHEee 

Executive Committee

  • Time: 2:00-5:00 PM
  • Location: 401 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2k5pPBZ

Thursday, October 5

Education Committee

  • Time: 9:00 AM – Noon
  • Location: 110 Senate Office Building, Tallahassee, Florida
  • Meeting Notice: http://bit.ly/2k5bqFR 

Friday, October 6

No meetings scheduled.

CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff Cancels Committee Week of September 18-19

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Public proposal filing deadline to be reevaluated

Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Chairman Carlos Beruff today announced that the CRC has canceled its first committee week previously scheduled for September 18-19.
CRC Chairman Carlos Beruff, said, “As Floridians recover and rebuild following Hurricane Irma, the CRC has canceled its first committee week scheduled for September 18-19, which included a meeting of the full Commission. The CRC will also reevaluate its public proposal filing deadline to help ensure that Floridians interested in the CRC process can remain focused on their families during this time. Until a new deadline is recommended by the CRC Rules and Administration Committee, and approved by the full Commission, we will continue to accept all proposed constitutional amendments filed by Floridians. CRC business scheduled for the canceled committee week will be taken up during future meetings.”
The CRC Rules and Administration Committee previously recommended Friday, September 22 as the filing deadline for public proposals to be considered by the CRC. Given the impact of Hurricane Irma on Florida, the committee plans to reevaluate and recommend a new deadline at a future date that will be subject to approval by a vote of the full Commission. CRC committee meetings are open to the public and publicly noticed in advance on flcrc.gov.

CRC Cancels Rules and Administration Committee Meeting

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MEDIA ADVISORY

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Rules and Administration Committee today announced the cancellation of its meeting previously scheduled for Friday, September 8. The cancellation was announced due to current reports that Hurricane Irma may impact Florida.
Upcoming committee meetings will be announced and noticed on flcrc.gov at a future date. All CRC committee meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed by The Florida Channel on www.TheFloridaChannel.org. Members of the public wishing to address CRC committees will be provided an opportunity to speak at the direction of the respective committee chair. Visit flcrc.gov/Committees for additional information on CRC committees.

ICYMI: TCPalm: Commissioner Thurlow-Lippisch: How to Submit Your Idea for a Constitutional Amendment

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Guest Column: “How to Submit Your Idea for a Constitutional Amendment”
TC Palm
By Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Commissioner, Constitution Revision Commission
August  28, 2017
The Florida Constitution belongs to the people of Florida and is the foundational document of our state government. In that same spirit, I am issuing an open invitation to all interested Floridians to get involved in the Constitution Revision Commission.
Don’t be afraid! The commission is for you, the public.
Although the words “Constitution Revision Commission” might sound intimidating, the process is not. Getting involved is easy, and you have many options to share your comments, ideas and proposals with the commission.
As commissioners, our job is to examine the Florida constitution and propose changes for voter consideration on Florida’s 2018 general election ballot. During this process, we consider proposed constitutional changes submitted by Floridians.
The commission is considering Sept. 22 as the deadline to submit public proposals. Many have already been submitted. We encourage all interested Floridians to submit their proposals as soon as possible!
Read the entire guest column by CRC Commissioner Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch here.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION (CRC)
Once every twenty years, Florida’s Constitution provides for the creation of a thirty-seven member revision commission for the purpose of reviewing Florida’s Constitution and proposing changes for voter consideration. The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) meets for approximately one year, traveling the State of Florida, identifying issues, performing research and possibly recommending changes to the Constitution. Any amendments proposed by the CRC would be placed on the 2018 General Election ballot. For additional information, visit flcrc.gov. Follow the CRC on Twitter (@FloridaCRC) and Instagram (@FloridaCRC). Like the CRC on Facebook (@FloridaCRC).