Florida Republicans Push for Stricter Immigration and Ballot Initiative Laws Ahead of Special Session

TALLAHASSEE — On the eve of a special legislative session called by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republican lawmakers filed a series of bills Sunday aimed at tightening restrictions on undocumented immigrants and reforming the state’s ballot initiative process.

The proposed legislation seeks to end in-state tuition at colleges and universities for undocumented students, often referred to as “dreamers,” and impose new requirements on law enforcement to assist with federal immigration enforcement. Additionally, the bills propose sweeping changes to the petition process for constitutional amendments, potentially making it harder for grassroots initiatives to reach the ballot.

As of Sunday evening, Republican senators Blaise Ingoglia (Spring Hill), Jonathan Martin (Fort Myers), and Jay Collins (Tampa) had filed 11 bills. On the House side, Reps. Mike Caruso (Delray Beach) and John Temple (Wildwood) introduced corresponding versions of these proposals.

Gov. DeSantis called the special session on Jan. 13, aligning with his commitment to implementing policies consistent with former President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda. In addition to immigration and ballot measures, DeSantis has tasked lawmakers with addressing hurricane recovery aid and tackling rising costs for condominium associations and residents.

The proposed crackdown on undocumented immigrants is expected to draw significant attention, as it would overturn policies that have provided in-state tuition to thousands of students under Florida law. The planned ballot initiative reforms would also have a lasting impact, as Florida has seen an increase in citizen-led efforts to amend the state constitution in recent years.

The special session is set to begin Monday, with debates likely to spark sharp divisions between Republicans and Democrats over the proposed measures.