Legislation to recall Florida’s governor, as well as, state officials was filed on Wednesday by a Democratic House lawmaker.
Rep. Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg) filed legislation–House Joint Resolution 785 and House Bill 787–which would allow the public to recall from office, Florida legislators, members of the Florida Cabinet, governor and lieutenant governor. Florida currently allows for the recall of local elected officials, but there is no provision in state law to allow for the recall of state officials.
“Engaged citizens deserve the tools to hold their public servants accountable without having to wait for the next election,” said Kriseman. “Honest and dedicated elected officials will have nothing to fear from the implementation of this important proposal, and I am confident that my colleagues will support its passage.”
HJR 785 allows for a petition to recall a statewide official, requiring signatures be collected from each of the 67 counties, and equal to 15 percent of the total votes cast in the last election for the office. Recalling a lawmaker would require 20 percent of the total votes cast in the last election for the office.
If HJR 785 is approved by the GOP-led Legislature, voters will be asked in the November 2012 General Election to amend the state constitution with the recall provision. House Bill 787 would create a statutory recall provision.
Currently, 18 states nationwide permit the recall of state officials, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
