Florida proof-of-citizenship voting law faces immediate legal challenge
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register and vote in Florida, as voting rights groups swiftly filed a federal lawsuit.
Watch CBS News
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register and vote in Florida, as voting rights groups swiftly filed a federal lawsuit.
The bill (HB 399) has been criticized by Miami Beach officials because it allows the development to move forward without being cleared by the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board.
At a meeting in Pensacola, the State University System Board of Governors nixed "Introduction to Sociology" from general education offerings and made the class an elective for the 2026-2027 year.
DeSantis envisions those who fled the island nation under its communist government returning to help build up business and the government.
The bill (HB 697) includes $31 million to restore cuts to the program through June 30, the end of the fiscal year.
Analysts and politicians point to the combination of strong candidates, low turnout special elections, rising gas prices compounding existing affordability issues and the ongoing conflict in Iran, which helped offset the registration and financial advantages of Republicans.
Critics of the bill argue that the attacks on the teacher unions are part of a broader education strategy that has slowly been unfolding for the past 30 years.
The measure, which the governor is expected to sign, is set to go into effect in January 2027, after the midterm elections.
Local officials and residents are voicing strong opposition to the legislation, which they fear will severely impact community life. The bill prohibits counties and municipalities from using funds or taking official action related to DEI.
As part of the move, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles would have to note whether someone is a citizen on any new, replacement, or renewal driver's license or state ID card.
The move comes after the hotel development group had previously deferred its water park request following a large turnout of residents at a Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board meeting in February.
Domestic violence reform is at the forefront of the 2026 legislature session in Florida.
The measure directs each university's board of trustees to "not utilize the H-1B program in its personnel program to hire any new employees through January 5, 2027."
The measure was pushed by the Freedom Foundation, a right-wing think tank funded by billionaires, whose intention is to eliminate public sector unions.
Starting Sunday, the state will cut its subsidies for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), and funds will only be available for people at or below 130% of the federal poverty level, a drop from 400%.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Vicki Lopez said essential services would remain the top priority, but added that the debate could push governments to reevaluate their responsibilities.
The bill contains wide-ranging changes to the state election code, including new proof-of-citizenship requirements when registering to vote, reductions to the kind of photo identification cards that can be used at polling locations, and requiring an individual's legal citizenship status to be posted on drivers' licenses and ID cards issued by the state.
Despite a contentious debate, the House voted along party lines to pass the bill, making October 14th the "Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance" and designating a portion of SW 107th Avenue as "Charlie Kirk Memorial Avenue."
Some GOP members of the Senate Appropriations Committee argued that the proposal would put vulnerable children at risk and bring back previously eradicated diseases.
If 60 percent of voters approve the measure, it would take effect in the 2027 tax year, but the Senate has not advanced anything similar yet.
If DeSantis passes the bill, it will attach President Trump's name to the Palm Beach International Airport and give the legislature the authority to name other Florida airports.
The State Board of Immigration Enforcement, comprised of Gov. DeSantis, Attorney General Uthmeier, CFO Ingoglia, had not denied a funding request since it was created last year.
This would change the current Florida High School Athletic Association bylaws that call those actions "impermissible benefits."
The task force will be under the Department of Legal Affairs with each person serving a two-year term and must report to the governor and legislative leaders each year.
The House passed the bill to name the Palm Beach International Airport after Trump, despite arguments about trademarks and his past behavior.
