Florida lawmakers will meet Monday to complete a state takeover of Walt Disney World’s self-governing district and expand a migrant resettlement program, key conservative priorities of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ahead of his expected White House run.
Statehouse Republican leaders, in coordination with DeSantis, have ordered the legislature to convene a special session to reorganize the Reedy Creek Improvement District, known as Disney Gov.
Lawmakers will also consider a proposal to create a state department focused on migrant resettlement, a move that comes after the governor flew a group of South American migrants from Texas to Massachusetts in protest of federal border policy.
The session continues DeSantis’ focus on social issues including sexual orientation, gender and immigration as the Republican governor takes advantage of the national political fizzle on his path to a possible 2024 presidential run.
The meeting is the latest development in a high-profile feud between DeSantis and Disney over the company’s criticism of a law dubbed by critics as “Don’t Say Gay” that prohibits sexual orientation and sexual orientation in kindergarten through third grade. Instructs on gender identity and lessons not considered age appropriate.
Following Disney, the governor displayed a willingness to punish one of the state’s largest employers and political donors, cementing the combative leadership style that propelled him to national political stardom and appealed to conservative primary voters.
Lawmakers are expected to create a program to transport immigrants who are in the country illegally to another state if they have already been processed by the federal government and if the migrants are volunteers.
DeSantis had already used part of $12 million in funds, paid for by taxpayers, to fly about 50 South American migrants from Texas to the Massachusetts resort island of Martha’s Vineyard, drawing widespread condemnation.
Another resolution to be taken up during the session would clarify whether statewide prosecutors have the authority to prosecute election fraud in federal and state races.
DeSantis, with statehouse backing, created an election police unit last year to investigate fraud and other crimes to satisfy what has become a key issue for conservative voters after the 2020 election. Some allegations arising from investigations by the electoral police force have been dropped due to jurisdictional issues.
The feud between DeSantis and Disney began last year, when the entertainment giant publicly opposed a “Don’t Say Gay” education law, saying it would block political donations to the state and organizations working to oppose the law. will support
DeSantis and other Republicans moved quickly to criticize the company, calling it a purveyor of “whacky” ideologies that are inappropriate for children.
At DeSantis’ request, the GOP-dominated statehouse in April approved legislation to eliminate Disney’s Reedy Creek government by June 2023, beginning a closely watched process that could see the company lose control of its vast assets. Will determine the composition of the government.
The creation of the Reedy Creek district was instrumental in Disney’s decision to build near Orlando in the 1960s. Having a separate government allows the company to provide zoning, fire protection, utilities and infrastructure services on its land.
The special session will also adjust language in existing laws addressing advertising deals for college athletes.
Florida was one of the first states to pass a law allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image or likeness, but it does not allow those affiliated with universities to help secure endorsement deals. The proposal would remove that provision to make Florida more competitive with other states that do not have the ban.
Lawmakers will also consider a bill providing more relief money for the recovery efforts for Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.