In the latest issue of Florida Trend, Gunster attorney Ken Bell comments on the proposed Florida constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot this upcoming November. There are eight new amendments, and each amendment combines different measures. One such amendment combines the unrelated measures of the prohibition of offshore drilling and the prohibition of indoor vaping. Bell suggests that this may be the result of the makeup of the commission members. In years past, people with constitutional law experience would typically be appointed. This commission is made up of members who are politically active. Bell discusses that the choice to combine some very popular and very controversial topics may sweeten the pot for some of the voters. The commission members say this practice is done to avoid a long ballot that would be unappealing to voters. Some examples of the proposed amendments are school board terms and limits, property rights, removal of obsolete provisions, and ending dog racing.
Bell is based out of the firm’s Tallahassee office and his practice is focused on civil appeals and trial support. He currently co-chairs Gunster’s firmwide appellate practice. In addition to serving as appellate counsel, he is also called upon to serve as an arbitrator and civil mediator. Bell is a former Florida Supreme Court Justice, having served from 2002-2008.
Read the full article: Florida’s constitutional amendments are a mixed bag
