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A 12-day special legislative session to redraw congressional district lines ended on Friday as senators staged a walkout and an angry House refused Senate requests to extend the session. As a result, the Florida Supreme Court will likely have the duty to redraw the boundaries of all 27 congressional districts, creating unprecedented political uncertainty heading into the 2016 elections. The House had approved base maps that were drawn up by legislative staffers without influence from lawmakers or lobbyists before the session even began. The Senate, however, wanted to make some changes.
The abrupt conclusion is the second time this year the Florida legislature had adjourned without coming to a consensus. The tension echoes fights between the House and Senate at the end of the regular session over whether to extend Medicare. It was the House however who decided to end the regular session early before coming to an agreement, which forced the Legislature back for their first special session of the year.
Gov. Rick Scott could call the House and Senate back in session today and tomorrow, but that is unlikely. That would mean that the Florida Supreme Court would once again get involved in the process.
For more information contact LSCU & Affiliates Director of Governmental Affairs Jennifer Martin at 866.231.0545 ext. 1150.
