Item M8C ounty of M onroe
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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Mayor George Neugent, District 2
T he Fl orida Keys
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Mayor Pro Tem David Rice, District 4
Danny L. Kolhage, District I
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Heather Carruthers, District 3
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Sylvia J. Murphy, District 5
County Commission Meeting
August 16, 2017
Agenda Item Number: M.8
Agenda Item Summary #3268
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: County Attorney's Office
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Bob Shillinger (305) 292 -3470
no
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Discussion and direction regarding the Constitutional Revision
Commission of Florida.
ITEM BACKGROUND: Article 11, Section 2 of the Florida Constitution requires that the
Constitutional Revision Commission (CRC) convene every 20 years to review and proposed updates
to the state constitution. Now that the CRC has convened and has adopted procedural rules, it will
turn its attention to reviewing substantive proposals.
The CRC is composed of 37 members including the Attorney General with the remainder appointed
by the Governor, Chief Justice, Senate President and House Speaker. A link to biographies of each
member is attached.
Governor Scott Appointees
Chair, Carlos Beruff
Jose Arras
Lisa Carton
Ti mothy C:erio
Emery Gainey
Brecht Heuchan
Marva Johnson
Darien& Jordan
Fred Karli nsky
Belinda Keiser
Frank Kru!ppenhacher
Garr Lester
Tom Grady
Pam Stewart
Nicole Washington
Chief Justice Lalaarga Appointees
Hank Coxe
Arthenia Joyner
Roberto Marti : -:nez
Sen. President NegronAppointees
Anna Mare Hernandez Gamez
Don Gaetz
Patricia-•, Levesque
Sherry Plymale
Bill Schfino Jr.
Chris Smith
Bola Solari
Jacqui Thurlo; Lippisch
Carolyn Timmann
Speaker Corcoran Appoiin , ....tees
Jose Felix Diaz
Erika Cronalds
Tom Lee
Rich Nevvso ne
Chris Nocco
Jeanette Nunez
Darryl Rouson
ChriS Sprowls
John Stemlaerger
The CRC is expected to begin committee work in September of 2017. The CRC will hold publich
meetings and hearings during the upcoming months. The must file proposed amendments with the
Secretary of State by June of 2018 so the ballot language can be ready in time for the November
2018 general election.
The CRC has already begun soliciting public input and proposals. As of August 1, 2017, a total of
392 proposals have already been submitted by the public. The LeRoy Collins Institute has published
a primer on the CRC which is attached. More information on the CRC and the public proposals can
be found at www.flcrc.gov
Staff desires direction on whether the Board would like for staff to research any proposals for
possible submission the County.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: 7/19/17 BOCC meeting, Board directed the County
Attorney and the Director of Legislative Affairs to agenda a discussion item for August 16, 2017
BOCC meeting.
CONTRACT /AGREEMENT CHANGES:
no
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Direction to research possible proposals
DOCUMENTATION:
CRC Presentation by LeRoy Collins Institute
CRC member biographies
CRC Rules
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date: n/a
Expiration Date:
Total Dollar Value of Contract:
Total Cost to County:
Current Year Portion:
Budgeted:
Source of Funds:
CPI:
Indirect Costs:
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts:
Revenue Producing: If yes, amount:
Grant:
County Match:
Insurance Required:
Additional Details:
n/a
REVIEWED BY:
Bob Shillinger
Completed
08/01/2017 3:33 PM
Bob Shillinger
Completed
08/01/2017 4:02 PM
Budget and Finance
Skipped
08/01/2017 3:33 PM
Maria Slavik
Skipped
08/01/2017 3:33 PM
Kathy Peters
Completed
08/01/2017 4:59 PM
Board of County Commissioners
Pending
08/16/2017 9:00 AM
fb r R .. � �� „mod �,. � � 0
F1 'ri'da's Constitutioll
EDUCATE. EINGAGE, EMPOWER
Too Important to Miss:
The 2017 -2018 Florida
Constitution Revision Commission
Carol S. Weissert Ph.D.
Dire ctoG, LeRoy C ollins insti
Florida S tate Univers
LEROY C LLIN
7 � Packe# Pg. 1274' i
• Florida has five ways to amend constitution
* Constitution Revision Commission (CRC)
— Every 20 years
—Puts items directly on ballot
— 37 members
— Will meet Summer 2017
—Only third time in state's history
I.
1968 Constitution
• "...in the tenth year following that in which
this constitution is adopted, and each
twentieth year thereafter, there shall be
established a constitution revision
commission..."
I.
above all other matters, the new provisions
in the 1968 Constitution authorizing means
for further constitutional changes are the
most important things in the new
constitution:'
— Chesterfield Smith
Florida CRC
• Only constitutional commission that meets on
a set schedule and putsitems directly on the
ballot for ratification
SECTION 2. Revision commission. —
(a) Within thirty days before the convening of the 2017
regular session of the legislature, and each twentieth year
thereafter, there shall be established a constitution revision
commission composed of the following thirty -seven
members:
(1) the attorney general of the state;
(2) fifteen members selected by the governor;
(3) nine members selected by the speaker of the house of
V
representatives and nine members selected by the president
of the senate; and
(4) three members selected by the chief justice of the
supreme court of Florida with the advice of the justices.
(b) The governor shall designate one member of the
commission as its chair. Vacancies in the membership of the
commission shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointments.
(c) Each constitution revision commission shall convene at
the call of its chair, adopt its rules of procedure, examine the
constitution of the state, hold public hearings, and, not later
L
than one hundred eighty days prior to the next general
election, file with the custodian of state records its proposal,
if any, of a revision of this constitution or any part of it.
History. —Am. H.J.R. 1616, 1988; adopted 1988; Am. S.J.R.
210, 1996; adopted 1996; Ams. proposed by Constitution
Revision Commission, Revision Nos. 8 and 13, 1998, filed
with the Secretary of State May 5, 1998; adopted 1998.
CRC Commission Members
• 37 Members
• Attorney General
• 15 appointed by Governor (appoints chair)
• 9 appointed by House Speaker
• 9 appointed by Senate President
. 1
• 3 appointed by Chief Justice, Supreme Court
Partisanship
• 1977- All Democratic appointers
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• 1997 - Legislature Republican /Governor
Democrat
• 2017 —All Republican appointers
• The commission shall..
—Adopt its rules of procedure
— Examine the constitution of the state
— Hold public hearings
— Make recommendations for revisions to go to
ballot in next general election
• Article XI, Section 2 (c) Florida Constitution
Rules of Procedure
• Decide on voting rules
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• Does not have to follow APA
• Does not have to follow Open Government
• Is subject to Lobby Registration
• Is subject to ethics commission rules regarding
gifts but can engage in social lobbying
• Limit of 75 words
Examine Constitution of State
• «hics nirti irn" imnnrtnnt
• "We need to look to the constitution's basic
principles. We must give up personal
preferences in exchange for the ability to offer
the people of Florida needed changes in our
state's basic structure of government?
—Judge Barkdull (1977)
Hold Public Hearings
• 1977 -10 public hearings - -232 issues from
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public hearings were on their priority list
• 1997 -12 public hearings - -186 issues from
public hearings went to committees
Two sets of public hearings
• Listening tour
• After their initial recommendations (3 public
. 1
hearings for each commission)
Two Previous CRCs
1977 -1978
— Chaired by Sandy D'Alemberte
— Eight proposals
—None adopted on ballot but
some were
. 1
implemented later
1977 -78 Proposals
• 87 proposals in the 8 amendments
• Right to privacy (c)
• Pretrial release (s)
• Accessible polls (s)
• Public records (c)
• Public meetings (c)
• Term limits cabinet (c)
• Right to Privacy (c)
.1
1978 Ballot Measures and Vote
• Omnibus proposal (56 changes) 29%
• Declaration of rights (mini -ERA) 43%
• Legislative Single- Member Districts and Reappointment
Commission 47%
• Executive /cabinet restructuring 25%
• Executive Public Service Commission and Public
Counsel 36%
• Judiciary: Merit selection of trial court judges 49%
• Finance and taxation 36%
• Education 36%
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• «Tho 1 a7Q rpr ci irroorlorl nIthr%i iak nr%t oc it
• 40% of substantive recommendations are now
law in Florida
• 20% of the procedural recommendations
• Brought issue to fore (softened up)
1997 -98 Commission
. 1
— Chaired by Dexter Douglas
—Nine proposals placed on ballot
— Eight were successful
— Major marketing efforts to inform citizens
1998 Ballot Measures and Vote
• Conservation and creation of fish and wildlife conservation
commission (72 %) V
• Public education (71 %)
• Judicial selection and funding of state courts (57 %)
• Restructuring state cabinet (56 %)
• Basic rights (gender equality) 66%
• Local and Municipal tax exemption /citizen access to local
officials (49.8 %)
• Ballot access, public campaign financing and election
process revisions (64 %)
• Firearms Purchases (72 %)
• Miscellaneous matters and technical revisions (55 %)
Other History
0
0
1980, legislature proposed abolishing revision
commission process; voters did not agree
1988, Tax Reform and Budget Commission was
. 1
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CRC begins
organizational
session
June 2017;
I CRC holds
July 2017 meetings and
CRC begins
Public public hearings
hearings
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Partnership for Revising Roach 's Constitution
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+ Share
Partnership for Revising Florida's Constitution
Wre than and other pofificM process in Feanda- it 6 vital for tre citizens
to be infon engaged and skeptical when our state"s constitution Packet Pg. 1295
I ,
Partners
Bob Graham Center -UF
Community Foundation for NE FL
FL Bar
FL Bar Foundation
FL Chamber Foundation
FL Justice Association
FL Law Related Education Assoc
FL League of Cities
FL Philanthropic Network
FL Press Association
FL TaxWatch
Leadership Florida
League of Voters I
NAACP -FL State Conferenc
OF Center for Govt Resp
Virgil Hawkins FL Chapter c
Nat' I Bar Assoc
Partnership Project Goals
Educate and inform public of the importance of
2017 -2018 CRC:
— Prior to naming of the commission to insure top-
notch choices
—After commission is named to provide analysis of
possible amendments
— Encourage citizens to participate and VOTE
LLROY COLLINS
D N S T I T U ' =
Other Efforts
• Citizens' Guide to Constitution Revision
Commission (with FL Bar)
— 120,000 copies
• Animation —I'm Not a Bill
M 0
7M I! 9FAMS
. 1
• Webpage, Facebook, Twitter
Possible Commission Topics (1)
• Legislative Term limits
• Primary system
• Statutory initiative process
• Judicial nom i nations
• Environmental Protection
Possible Commission Topics (2)
• Election of secretary of state /education
• Judicial term limits
• Revising Fair Districts Florida
Who can submit ideas?
• Individuals
• Organizations and groups
• Students /teachers
• PRETTY MUCH ANYONE!
.1
Citizens can...
• Follow deliberations of Commission
• Attend hearings
• Communicate with Commission members
. 1
• Use the media to discuss ideas
Final Phase
0
0
0
0
Amendments approved by the Commission go
directly to the ballot
Need 60 percent vote
Important to inform citizens about their
choices
November 2018
cs
"Every generation of citizens has a right to
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"choose for itself the form of government it
believes most promotive of its own happiness:"
— Thomas Jefferson
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"We are dealing with a constitutional democracy
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in which sovereignty resides in the people. It is
their constitution ... They have a right to change,
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abrogate or modify it in any manner they see
fit... '
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—Glenn Terrell, former FL Supreme Court Justice
Too Important to Miss
• This is the citizens' opportunity to make a
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— Members of the Commission
— Possible Amendments
— Informed voting
LEROY COLLINS
_ ._Q_ U ._Q_
Dr. Carol Weissert, cweissertC«�fsu.edu
850 - 644 -1441
P artnership for
. _4.
CRC Appointments — Governor
Carlos Beruff; Chairman
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The son of Cuban immigrants, Carlos Beruff is a native Floridian whose
business sense and hard work have allowed him to build an incredibly
successful career in both his private business and the public sector. At age
' 22, Mr. Beruff started his first business and over time, Medallion Home
" became one of the most respected companies in Manatee and Sarasota
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Counties. During his more than 35 -year career as a business owner, Mr.
Beruff has built more than 2,000 homes and developed, owned and managed
dozens of other properties, employing thousands of people in the process.
In addition to his work in the private sector, Mr. Beruff has volunteered his business
experience, giving back to his community to bring real solutions to the problems facing
Floridians. Mr. Beruff has previously served on the Board of Trustees of the State
College of Florida (SCF) and the Southwest Florida Water Management District, helping
these organizations to cut government bureaucracy and wasteful spending — saving
millions in taxpayer dollars. Mr. Beruff also served as the Chairman for Governor Scott's
Commission on Healthcare and Hospital Funding. Currently, Mr. Beruff is a
commissioner on the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Board, a position he was
appointed to in 2008 and reappointed to by Governor Rick Scott.
Mr. Beruff is a member of the National Home Builders Association and the Home
Builders Association Manatee - Sarasota. He has served on the Board of Directors for
Junior Achievement Sarasota/Manatee and the Boys and Girls Club of Manatee.
Dr. Jose "Pepe" Armas — Miami
Dr. Jose "Pepe" Armas is a distinguished physician and healthcare
executive whose focus on patient - centered care has defined his career.
Dr. Armas currently serves as the Chairman of MCCI Group, which he
founded in 1998, a leading physician healthcare group in the
Southeastern United States. In 2011, Governor Rick Scott appointed Dr.
Armas to the Florida International University Board of Trustees, a
position the Governor reappointed him to in 2016.
Dr. Armas is a member of the National Advisory Board of Health Research Resources,
Inc., the Humana Utilization Committee, the Board of Statewide Florida Independent
Physicians Association, the American Medical Association, Southern Medical
Association, and the American College of Physician Executives. He also serves on the
Dean's Advisory Board and is a member of the Interview Committee of Florida
International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and on the Advisory
Board for the School of Nursing and Healthcare of Georgetown University.
Dr. Arenas graduated medical school with Honors from Catholic University in Santiago,
Dominican Republic. He also completed post - graduate training at Mt. Sinai Medical
Center in Miami Beach and St. Bamabas Hospital affiliated with Cornell University in
New York.
Lisa Carlton — Sarasota
Lisa Carlton is an eighth generation Floridian and the co -owner and
manager of the Mabry Carlton Ranch, Inc. in Sarasota County. She spent
much of her life in public service to the people of Florida including most
recently as a Florida State Senator. After graduating from law school,
Senator Carlton practiced law in Sarasota County for several years
before entering the realm of public service. In 1994 Senator Carlton was
elected to represent the 70 District of the Florida House of
Representatives. After two terms in the Florida House, then Representative Carlton
became Senator Carlton when she was elected to represent the 23' District of the Florida
Senate in 1998. In 2002, Senator Carlton was elected in the 24 District of the Florida
Senate where she served until 2008.
Growing up on the Mabry Carlton Ranch, Senator Carlton saw firsthand the challenges of
operating a family business as she watched her parents manage a 17,000 acre cattle and
citrus ranch — the same ranch she helps manage today.
Currently, Senator Carlton is a member of the Board of Directors for the Gulf Coast
Community Foundation and is a founding a member of the Florida Historic Capitol
Foundation. Senator Carlton received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stetson University
and a Juris Doctor from Mercer University School of Law.
Timothy Cerio — Tallahassee
Timothy Cerio is an accomplished attorney practicing at his own law
firm in Tallahassee. Along with being a former shareholder with the
GrayRobinson law firm, Mr. Cerio has previously served as General
Counsel to Governor Rick Scott from 2015 to 2016 and Chief of Staff
and General Counsel at the Florida Department of Health from 2005 to
2007. In 2013, Mr. Cerio was appointed by Governor Scott to the
Judicial Nominating Commission for the First District Court of Appeal.
Mr. Cerio received his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Florida where
he was a member of Florida Blue Key. Mr. Cerio has remained active with his alma
mater serving as president of the University of Florida Alumni Association and OF
College of Law Alumni Council.
Emery Gainey — Tallahassee
Emery Gainey has devoted his career to law enforcement in Florida.
Mr. Gainey is a member of the Attorney General's senior executive
management team and currently serves as the Director of Law
Enforcement, Victim Services & Criminal Justice Programs and is
the liaison between federal, state and local law enforcement
administrators and the Attorney General. Mr. Gainey plays a key
role in the development, implementation and execution of the Attorney General's
criminal justice related initiatives.
On May 20, 2016, Governor Rick Scott appointed Mr. Gainey to serve as Sheriff of
Marion County, where he served until January 3, 2017, before returning to the Attorney
General's Office.
Prior to joining the Attorney General's Office in 2007, Mr. Gainey served with the
Alachua County Sheriff's Office for 25 years, holding several key positions during his
tenure including Chief Deputy, Division Commander of the Uniform Patrol and
Homeland Security Commander.
Mr. Gainey is a member of the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Police Chiefs
Association, FBI National Academy Associates, Florida Chapter, and serves on
numerous community boards and professional organizations.
Mr. Gainey is a graduate of the University of Florida and the FBI National Academy.
Brecht Heuchan — Tallahassee
Brecht Heuchan is the Founder and CEO of ContributionLink, LLC, a
leading political intelligence, data analytics and fundraising company
which serves many of America's most sophisticated corporations,
trade associations and campaigns.
Mr. Heuchan also owns The Labrador Company, a Florida based
political and government affairs firm that since its start in 2001, has
represented a wide array of clients from small non - profits to some of the largest and most
respected industry leaders in the world.
Throughout his career, Mr. Heuchan has gained extensive legislative, governmental and
policy experience and used that knowledge in service to Governor Rick Scott and nearly
a dozen Florida Senate Presidents and Speakers of the Florida House in a variety of staff
and consulting capacities. In 1997, Mr. Heuchan was tasked by Speaker Daniel Webster
to coordinate the Speaker's Constitution Revision Commission appointees. He also
monitored the work of the 97 -98 CRC on the Speaker's behalf, giving him a deep
understanding and familiarity of the CRC process.
Mr. Heuchan received a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University.
Marva Johnson — Winter Garden
Marva Johnson is an accomplished member of Florida's business
community and leader in Florida education. Mrs. Johnson, the
Regional Vice President of State Government Affairs for Charter
Communications currently serves as the chair of the Florida State
Board of Education. Previously, Mrs. Johnson served as a member of
the Florida Virtual School Board and Advisory Board for Rollins
College's Crummer Center for Leadership Development.
Mrs. Johnson received her Bachelor of Science in business administration from
Georgetown University before receiving a Master of Business Administration from
Emory University's Goizuetta Business School and a Juris Doctor from the Georgia State
University College of Law.
In 2014, Mrs. Johnson received the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council's
Champion for Digital Equality Award in recognition of her leadership and advocacy in
helping bridge the digital divide in education for low- income families.
Darlene Jordan — Palm Beach
Darlene Jordan is the Executive Director of the Gerald R. Jordan
Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports education, health and
youth services, and the arts. In April 2016, Governor Scott appointed
Mrs. Jordan to the Board of Governors of the State University System.
Mrs. Jordan is a member of Fordham's Board of Directors and Co -Chair
of Fordham's successful $500 million Campaign which supports new
facilities, more student scholarships, more endowed faculty chairs and more funding for
academic endeavors throughout Fordham's colleges and schools. She currently serves on
Fordham's Executive Committee and is Chair of the Development and University
Relations Committee and Co -Chair of the Financial Aid Campaign. Mrs. Jordan is also
Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. She serves as a Member of the Harvard
Business School Board of Dean's Advisors and is a trustee of the Preservation
Foundation of Palm Beach, Oxbridge Academy and Rosarian Academy.
Mrs. Jordan is a former Assistant Attorney General for the Massachusetts Office of the
Attorney General, where she served in the Insurance Fraud Division from 1996 to 1999.
Previously, she was an Assistant District Attorney in the Norfolk District Attorney's
office, from 1991 through 1996.
Mrs. Jordan received her Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University and her Juris Doctor
from Suffolk University School of Law. She has been a member of the Massachusetts
Bar since 1992 and the U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts since 1993.
Fred Karlinsky — Weston
A nationally recognized authority on national insurance regulatory and
compliance issues, Fred Karlinsky is Co -Chair of Greenberg Traurig's
Insurance Regulatory and Transactions Practice Group.
Mr. Karlinsky is experienced in transactional law, executive and
legislative governmental affairs, administrative law and corporate
representation. Recognized as one of the top insurance lawyers by
Chambers and Partners, Mr. Karlinsky represents insurers, reinsurers, producers and
other insurance interests throughout the U.S. and internationally in a wide variety of
business, operational, regulatory, transactional and governmental matters.
In addition to his role with Greenberg Traurig, Mr. Karlinsky has been an Adjunct
Professor of Law at Florida State University College of Law since 2008, where he
teaches a course on Insurance Law and Risk Management. He is also a Florida Supreme
Court Certified Mediator. Mr. Karlinsky was appointed by Governor Rick Scott to
the 17th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission in 2011 and served as the vice
chairman and chairman. He currently serves as Governor Scott's appointee on the Florida
Supreme Court Nominating Commission.
This year, Mr. Karlinsky served as the co -chair to the l 7th Annual Florida Celebration of
Reading event. Funds raised from the annual Florida Celebration of Reading help support
programs of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Mr. Karlinsky received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Miami and a Juris
Doctor from the Florida State University College of Law.
Belinda Keiser — Parkland
Belinda Keiser has devoted her career to advancing Florida's economic
and workforce development, global competitiveness, education and
healthcare. In addition to serving on various governmental boards, Mrs.
Keiser has been the vice chancellor of Keiser University for more than
20 years and is an advocate for students' accessibility to higher
education and workforce talent development.
Mrs. Keiser has served as an an Ex- Officio member of the Florida
Council of 100, member of the Board of Florida's Chamber of Commerce and on the
Florida Government Efficiency Task Force. Previously, she served on the Workforce
Florida Inc. Board of Directors from 2005 to 2010, including serving as its past chair.
Currently, Mrs. Keiser is serving as a reappointed member of the 17th Circuit Judicial
Nominating Commission of Broward County and as an appointee of Governor Rick Scott
to the Enterprise Florida Board of Directors.
In 2016, Mrs. Keiser was presented with the Congressional Record in Recognition of
Women's History Month by Congressman Mario Diaz -Balart and Speaker Paul Ryan for
her work in the areas of education, public service and philanthropy.
Mrs. Keiser received a bachelor's degree from Florida State University, a certificate in
paralegal studies from Keiser University and a Master of Business Administration from
Nova Southeastern University.
Frank Kruppenhacher — Orlando
Frank Kruppenbacher is an accomplished attorney who has spent
much of the past 10 years serving his community and the state through
positions on various boards and commissions. Over the past three
decades, Mr. Kruppenbacher has gained invaluable experience in the
public sector serving on the Florida Commission on Ethics, Florida
Commission on Sales Tax Reform, Greater Orlando Chamber of
Commerce, Orange County Ethics & Campaign Finance Reform Taskforce, Orange
County Oversight Committee, Orange County Charter Commission, Central Florida
Zoological Board, Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Orange County
Sheriff Department Oversight Board.
Mr. Kruppenbacher currently serves as the Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation
Authority. He was reappointed to the Aviation Authority by Governor Rick Scott in
2014.
Mr. Kruppenbacher attended Mount Saint Mary's University in Maryland where he
received his Bachelor of Arts. He subsequently received his Juris Doctor from New York
Law School and attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education Program where he
received a certificate in public engagement.
Dr. Gary Lester — The Villages
Dr. Gary Lester is the Vice President of The Villages for Community
Relations and has spent 34 years as an ordained minister in the
Presbyterian Church. In his service to the Church, Dr. Lester pastored
congregations in Texas, Arkansas and Ohio before moving to Florida in
1991.
Dr. Lester has served on numerous boards and advisory groups including the United
States Military Academy Nominations Board and the Judicial Nominating Commission —
Middle District of Florida.
Dr. Lester received a Bachelor of Arts from Louisiana Tech University and attended
seminary at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Texas.
Jimmy Patronis — Panama City
A lifelong Floridian, Jimmy Patronis has dedicated his career to public
service and his family business in Panama City. Mr. Patronis is
currently a commissioner on the Florida Public Service Commission
(PSC), a position he was appointed to by Governor Rick Scott for a
four -year term beginning January 2015. Prior to his appointment,
Commissioner Patronis represented District 6 (Bay County) in the
Florida House of Representatives.
Commissioner Patronis was appointed by Governors Jeb Bush and Lawton Chiles to the
Florida Elections Commission and is also a past Chairman and Board Member of the Bay
County- Panama City International Airport and Industrial District. A member of the
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), Commissioner
Patronis serves on NARUC's Committee on Consumer Affairs and Committee on Energy
Resources and the Environment. He also serves on the Advisory Council for New Mexico
State University's Center for Public Utilities.
Commissioner Patronis received his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from
Florida State University. He is a member of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Bay
County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Programs.
Pam Stewart — Tallahassee
Florida Department of Education (DOE) Commissioner Pam Stewart
has dedicated her life to ensuring Florida's students have access to a
high quality education that enables them to reach their full potential
and achieve their academic and career goals.
Commissioner Stewart has served 37 years in education, beginning her
career as a school teacher. She spent the first 20 years of her career as a guidance
counselor, testing and research specialist, assistant principal and principal at both the
elementary and high school levels.
In 2004, she joined the Florida Department of Education's Division of Public Schools as
Deputy Chancellor for Educator Quality, where her experience in the school environment
informed her leadership and resulted in Florida being recognized as a national leader in
recruitment, development and performance pay for teachers. Commissioner Stewart
served as Deputy Superintendent for Academic Services in St. Johns County, during
which time the district was the highest performing district in the state. In 2011, she
returned to DOE, and in 2013, the State Board of Education appointed her as
Commissioner of Education.
Commissioner Stewart holds a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education /early childhood
from the University of South Florida and a Master of Education in counselor education
from the University of Central Florida. She earned her certification in educational
leadership at Stetson University.
Nicole Washington —Miami Beach
Nicole Washington is a leader in higher education with more than 10
years of experience teaching, performing educational research and
advocating for educational policy. As the State Policy Consultant for
the Lumina Foundation she has worked to expand access and success
for students in higher education and collaborated with organizations
such as the Institute on Higher Education Policy, Education
Commission on the States and Jobs for the Future. In Florida, Ms.
Washington has served as the Associate Director of Governmental Relations for the State
University System Board of Governors, as well as the Budget Director for Education in
the Governor's Office of Policy and Budget (OPB).
Ms. Washington is a board member of Florida A &M University, the LeRoy Collins
Institute and the Veterans Trust Board. She is also currently a member of Class VII of
Connect Florida.
Ms. Washington graduated from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Art degree and
then attended Mercy College in New York earning a Master of Science in elementary
education. Ms. Washington is also a graduate of Teachers College, Columbia University
where she earned a Master of Art in comparative education.
Alternate Memhers
Governor Scott has identified the following individuals to serve as alternates should one
of the appointees not be able to fulfill their duties for the duration of the CRC:
Tom Kuntz, Chairman of the Board of Governors for the State University System
of Florida
Don Eslinger, former Sheriff of Seminole County
Judge John Stargel, Circuit Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit
CRC Appointments — Senate President
Don Gaetz- Niceville
Known for a relentless commitment to reform, and the ability to collaborate across party
lines, in 2012 he was unanimously elected by his colleagues to serve a two -year term as 0
President of the Florida Senate. President Gaetz used his time leading the Senate to
champion expanding economic opportunities through education, increasing government
accountability through major ethics reforms, and making Florida the most military and
veteran - friendly state in the nation.
Anna Marie Hernandez Gamez - Miami
Ms. Hernandez Gamez focuses her Miami -based law practice on
complex real estate and commercial litigation. The daughter of Cuban
immigrants, Ms. Hernandez Gamez is the past president of the Cuban
American Bar Association (CABA). Her work at CABA has focused
on its core missions of increasing diversity in the judiciary and legal
community, fostering respect for the law and providing equal access to
and adequate representation of all minorities before the courts.
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Hernandez Gamez has been an active supporter of
several charitable organizations in the Miami area and served as a Take Stock in Children
mentor. Ms. Hernandez Gamez earned her undergraduate degree in History and Political
Science from Florida International University and a juris doctor with honors from
University of Miami School of Law.
Patricia Levesque - Tallahassee
As chief executive officer of the Foundation for Excellence in Education
(ExcelinEd) and executive director of the Foundation for Florida's Future,
Ms. Levesque has worked with federal and state leaders, teachers,
parents, and students to advance education systems that maximize every
student's potential for learning.
Prior to her education non - profit work, Ms. Levesque served as deputy chief of staff to
Governor Jeb Bush. In that capacity she oversaw state agencies responsible for education,
general government services, business and professional regulation, elder affairs, veterans
affairs, workforce, lottery, and juvenile justice. She also served as staff in the Florida
Legislature for six years, working in the Office of the Speaker and as staff director over
education policy. Ms. Levesque was a member of the Taxation and Budget Reform
Commission in 2007 -08.
Sherry Plymale — Fort Pierce
Ms. Plymale has served as chair of the State Board of Community
Colleges, as chief of staff to Commissioner Frank Brogan in the
Florida of the Department of Education, as a trustee of Florida
Atlantic University and St. Leo University, and as a board member of
the Martin County School Readiness Coalition. She has also served as
the chair of the Florida Atlantic University Board of Trustees.
Ms. Plymale has dedicated much of her time to work with the YMCA, the Children's
Home Society of Florida, and the Healthy Kids Corporation. She is also a member of the
Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Ms. Plymale earned
an undergraduate degree from St. Leo University.
William "Bill"
Schifino, Jr: - Tampa
Mr. Schifino currently serves as president of The Florida Bar for the
_
2016 -2017 term, and previously served as president of the Hillsborough
County Bar Association. In addition Mr. Schifino recently concluded
eight years of service as a member of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit
Judicial Nominating Commission, serving as its chair. Both Governors
Jeb Bush and Charlie Crist appointed him to this critical position.
Mr. Schifino has also dedicated significant time to the Florida Guardian ad Litem
Association, Big Brothers /Big Sisters of Greater Tampa, Boys & Girls Club of Tampa
Bay, Inc., and the Tampa Bay Little League, Inc. He earned his undergraduate degree
from Tulane University and his law degree from the University of Florida College of
Law, where he serves on the Board of Trustees of the OF Law Center Association. Mr.
Schifino is board certified in the area of business litigation.
Chris Smith — Ft. Lauderdale
Former Senator Smith has been an active member of the Ft. Lauderdale
community throughout his legal career. He served as president of the Fort
Lauderdale Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of
Colored People (NAACP) Youth Council and was later appointed to the
City of Fort Lauderdale's Planning and Zoning Board, where he served as
the youngest member.
Senator Smith went on to serve nearly two decades in the Florida Legislature while
maintaining a private law practice in South Florida. He served as the Democratic Leader
in both the House and the Senate during the same time periods that President Negron
served as the Appropriations Chair in the House and Senate. Senator Smith earned his
undergraduate degree from Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU) in Charlotte, North
Carolina, and his law degree from Florida State University College of Law.
Bob Solari — Indian River
After a successful private sector career in citrus, real estate, and financial
planning, Commissioner Solari turned to serve his community of more than
1, .t
35 years. As a former City of Vero Beach Council member and now Indian
River County Commissioner, he has been a strong advocate for Indian River
County taxpayers and a zealous defender of individual rights.
Commissioner Solari is a graduate of the University of Denver and Fordham
University School of Law. He also earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration
from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Jacqui Thurlow - Lippisch — Sewall's Point
A former teacher with years of classroom experience instructing middle
and high school students, Ms. Thurlow - Lippisch most recently served as a
city commissioner and as mayor for the town of Sewall's Point. Her time
on the Commission included appointments to various state and local
boards that focused on environmental issues facing her area.
Ms. Thurlow - Lippisch has dedicated considerable time to informing the
residents of Florida about environmental damage to the St. Lucie River and Indian River
Lagoon. Her service on several local boards and her support of organizations like River
Kidz has helped promote efforts to find solutions to the damaging discharges from Lake
Okeechobee. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and earned her Master's
Degree in Education from the University of West Florida.
Carolyn Timmann —Martin County
In addition to her duties with the court, Clerk Timmann serves on the Board of Directors
of Helping People Succeed and is a member of the Salvation Army Women's
Auxiliary. She also assists other organizations such as the Elliott Museum and the
Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence. She attended the University of Georgia,
Indian River State College, and Florida State University, earning both Associate and
Bachelor Degrees.
CRC Appointments — Chief Justice
Hank Coxe - Jacksonville
Arthenia Joyner - Tampa
Joyner, a Tampa attorney, represented her community in the Legislature
for 16 years, first in the Florida House and then in the Florida Senate. She
was a student participant in the first civil rights demonstration in Tampa,
part of the effort to desegregate department store lunch counters. A few
years later, as a student at Florida A &M University, she was part of the
demonstrations seeking to desegregate the city's movie theaters and
churches.
Roberto Martinez — Coral Gables
Martinez, a Coral Gables attorney, has served in the U.S. Attorney's
Office in South Florida, first as an assistant U.S. attorney and then,
later, as the U.S. Attorney. He has a record of active service in
education, both in his home county of Miami -Dade and also on a state
level, serving as a member of the state Board of Education for several
years. He served as a member of the Florida Taxation and Budget
Commission in 2007 -08 and chaired the commission's Government Services
subcommittee.
CRC Appointments — Speaker of the House
Representative Jose Felix Diaz - Miami
Representative Jose Felix Diaz is an attorney, husband, and father of two
children. He currently represents House District 116 in Miami -Dade
County. He earned a bachelor's degree in English and Political Science
from the University of Miami in 2002. While at the University of
Miami, he had the distinction of serving as Student Government
President. In 2005, he earned a Juris Doctorate degree from Columbia
University where he studied State Constitutions. While at Columbia
University, he was active as Student Senate Parliamentarian, sat on the American Bar
Association Governance Commission, and was Senior Editor of the American Review of
International Arbitration.
Jose has been Chair of the Energy & Utilities Subcommittee (2012 -2014) and the
Regulatory Affairs Committee (2014- 2016). He currently serves as the Chairman of the
Commerce Committee, overseeing a wide variety of issues including insurance, gaming,
tourism, professional regulation, and energy. He has also had the distinction of serving
as the Chairman of the Miami -Dade Legislative Delegation (2015- present) and as Vice -
Chairman of the Miami River Commission. In addition to holding prominent positions
within the Legislature, Jose has had the privilege of being appointed to serve on several
boards and councils, most notably as the Florida Representative to the Southern States
Energy Board (2013 - present) and as Chairman of the Public Service Commission
Nominating Council (2013 & 2015).
Speaker pro tempore Jeanette Nunez - Kendall
Speaker pro tempore Jeanette Nunez is a small business owner from
Miami -Dade County where she currently represents House District
119. She is married and has three children. She has served in the
Florida House of Representatives since 2010. Jeanette earned her
bachelor's degree in 1994 and a master's degree in 1998 from Florida
International University. She has also earned a Six Sigma certification
from the University of Miami in 2007.
Speaker Nunez was recognized as a Hispanic Woman of Distinction in 2007. She
currently sits on the Board at Kristi House, a children's advocacy center responsible for
sexual abuse cases in Miami -Dade County, and is affiliated with the Women's Healthcare
Executive Network. In 2016, she was appointed to the National Assessment Governing
Board by the United States Department of Education.
Speaker pro tempore Nunez began her career in government as a Legislative Aide to
then- Senator Diaz de la Portilla (1995- 2004). She has served as the Deputy Whip of the
House (2011- 2012), Chair of the Higher Education & Workforce Subcommittee, and
Chair of the Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. She was named
Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives in 2016.
Representative Chris Sprowls — Palm Harbor
Representative Chris Sprowls is an attorney currently representing his
wife and their two children.
Chris was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2014
and has consistently fought to improve health care and education in
Florida. He currently serves as the Chair of the House Judiciary
Committee.
Chris has a long history of community and public service. As a high school senior, he
was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, a form of cancer. Due to his experience with
cancer at an early age, he has been very active assisting others who have been diagnosed
with cancer. He has served as a coordinator for the American Cancer Society's Relay for
Life and served as the Advocacy Chair for the 2014 Dunedin Relay for Life. Chris has
also volunteered with the North Pinellas YMCA and serves on the YMCA of the
Suncoast Healthy Living Committee.
Chris earned a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida in 2006 and a Juris
Doctorate degree from Stetson University College of Law in 2009. Upon his graduation,
Chris became an Assistant State Attorney for the Sixth Judicial Circuit, serving Pasco and
Pinellas counties. During his time with the State Attorney's Office, Chris prosecuted a
number of criminals — including murderers, kidnappers, and child abusers —to help keep
his community safe for families.
Senator Tom Lee - Brandon
Senator Tom Lee currently serves Senate District 20, consisting of parts
of Hillsborough, Pasco, and Polk counties. For over 30 years,
he has been a licensed real estate agent and an owner of Sabal Homes of
Florida where he currently holds the positions of Vice President and
Director. He received an associate degree from Hillsborough
Community College in 1982 and a bachelor's degree in Business from
the University of Tampa in 1984.
Senator Lee was first elected to the Florida Senate in 1996 and, during his 15 years in the
Senate, he has held a variety of leadership positions. In 2004 he was chosen by his
colleagues to lead their chamber as President of the Senate (2004- 2006). Senator Lee has
also served the Senate as Chair of the Rules Committee from (2000- 2004), Chair of the
Appropriations Committee (2014 -2016) and chaired a Senate Select Committee to
implement constitutional amendments passed by the voters in 2002. Prior to his election
to the Senate, he served as a member of the Hillsborough County City /County Planning
Commission and the Hillsborough County Zoning Board of Adjustment. During his term
as Senate President, Senator Lee was a strong advocate for ethics reform and fiscal
responsibility.
In 2005, he championed the passage of Florida's gift ban, designed to promote more
ethical conduct by elected officials and those who lobby state government. He also
authored a constitutional amendment adopted by the voters in 2006, requiring the
legislature to produce a long range financial outlook to guide the legislative budgeting
process. That same amendment created the Florida Government Efficiency Task Force
to develop recommendations for reducing cost and improving the operations of state
government. During his tenure in the Florida Senate, he has received over 50 awards for
his leadership and dedication to public service from community and business groups.
Dedicated to giving back to his community, Senator Lee has also been active in a number
of professional and philanthropic organizations. He formerly served as a Presidential
Elector, Chair of the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Hillsborough
County Republican Executive Committee and as a member of the Advisory Board of
Brandon Regional Hospital. Senator Lee is currently a member of the Brandon Advisory
Board of the Bank of Tampa and serves on the Board of Directors of the Straz Center for
the Performing Arts, A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay History Center.
Senator Darryl Ronson –St. Petersburg
Senator Darryl Rouson first moved to Florida in 1959. In 1977, he
earned a bachelor's degree at Xavier of New Orleans and a Juris Doctor
degree from the University of Florida Law School in 1980. While in
law school, he was also the President of the Black Law Students
Association. He currently resides in St. Petersburg with his wife and
their five children while practicing law with the Dolman Law Group.
Senator Rouson has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in business and the
community. In 1981, he became the first African American prosecutor in Pinellas
County where he was also awarded the Florida Prosecutor Association Award. In 2003,
he was appointed the first chairman of the newly formed Substance Abuse and
Addictions Task Force for The National Bar Association. He also has had the distinction
of serving as President of the St. Petersburg NAACP from 2000 -2005, Chairman of the
St. Petersburg Black Chamber, and as a member on the Taxation and Budget Reform
Commission in 2007.
Senator Rouson began his successful public career in 2008 when he was elected to the
Florida House of Representatives. He successfully won a seat in the Florida Senate in
2016 — serving parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. He has a reputation for being
an excellent orator and debater, and as an elected official capable of reaching across the
aisle to work with his counterparts.
Sheriff Chris Nocco – New Port Richey
More recently, Sheriff Nocco earned a Certificate in Business Excellence at Vanderbilt
University in 2016.
Chris has extensive law enforcement experience, having served with the Philadelphia
Public School Police, the Fairfax County Virginia Police Department, and as a deputy
with the Broward Sheriff's Office. He was a first responder on 9/11 and during the
Washington Sniper Incident.
Sheriff Nocco was a Staff Director to Representative Marco Rubio in the Policy and
Procedures Office responsible for domestic security, criminal justice, economic
development, and transportation issues. He also served as Deputy Chief of Staff of the
Florida House of Representatives and as Chief of Staff at the Florida Highway Patrol.
He is actively involved in his community where he serves a number of roles and positions
dedicated to making Pasco County a better place for all families.
Erika Donalds - Naples
Erika Donalds is a 4`" generation Floridian and an accomplished
finance executive. She is Chief Financial Officer /Chief Compliance
Officer and Partner at Dalton, Greiner, Hartman, Maher & Co., LLC,
an investment management firm. She is a Certified Public Accountant
and a Certified Global Management Accountant, and has valuable
experience managing financial reporting, strategic planning,
budgeting, audit, tax, and regulatory compliance.
Mrs. Donalds has a history of public service, most notably for being an active participant
seeking to improve Florida's education system. She was elected to the Collier County
School Board in 2014 and currently serves as Vice Chair. Since then, she co- founded the
Florida Coalition of School Board Members and served as President. Prior to being
elected, Mrs. Donalds founded a parent advocacy group., Parents' Rights of Choice for
Kids (R.O.C.K.), a non - profit representing parent and student interests at the state and
local levels. Mrs. Donalds graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in
Accounting from Florida State University, and went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude
with a Master's of Accountancy from Florida Atlantic University. She lives in Naples
with her husband and three sons.
Rich Newsome- Orlando
Rich Newsome is the senior partner of the Newsome Melton law firm
and represents individuals and families in complex civil litigation.
Rich attended Florida State University where he received his bachelor's
degree in Political Science and Economics, and then received his Juris
Doctor from the University of Florida College of Law in 1989. While at
both FSU and the University of Florida, Rich worked for the Florida
House Minority Office.
After law school, Rich worked as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney's Office in
the Northern and Middle Districts of Florida. During his time with the U.S. Attorney's
Office, Rich prosecuted a variety of cases ranging from white collar fraud to narcotic
conspiracies. Rich left the U.S. Attorney's Office in 1993 and went to work for a large
product liability defense firm in Orlando, where he represented manufacturers.
In 2001, Rich was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Fifth District Court of Appeals
Judicial Nominating Commission and served as the JNC's Chairman during his term. He
is a Past - President of the Orlando Federal Bar Association, Past - President of the Florida
Justice Association, Past - Member of the Board of Governors of the American
Association for Justice, and Past - President of the Central Florida Trial Lawyers
Association.
Rich currently serves as a Member of the Board of Directors for the Florida Guardian Ad
Litem Foundation and is a past member of the St. James Cathedral Parish Council.
Additionally, Rich owns a staffing company, 4 Corner Resources, with his brother Pete
Newsome. 4 Corner, with offices in Orlando and Tampa, specializes in recruiting and
placing employees in the IT and technical sector. In 2017, 4 Corner was recognized as
"Best of Staffing" by Inavero for both client and candidate satisfaction, and as one of
Central Florida's "Best Places to Work" by the Orlando Business Journal. The company
was also recently recognized by Inc. Magazine as being one of the "Fastest Growing
Companies in America."
Rich's family has deep roots in Florida, going back nine generations to St. Augustine.
Rich and his wife Marcy live in Orlando and have three children.
John Stemberger - Orlando
John Stemberger is an AV Rated Orlando civil trial lawyer who has
litigated and argued high - profile First Amendment and constitutional
issues. In 2001, he was appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush to the Judicial
Nominating Commission for the Ninth Judicial Circuit where he served
eight years.
Stemberger has a long history of serving children and youth
organizations, including volunteering as a Guardian Ad Litem for 13 years with the
Orange County Bar's Legal Aid Society; serving as Chairman of the Board for WIN
Family Services, a large foster care and child welfare agency in the inner city of
Baltimore, Maryland; and in 2013, helping found Trail Life USA, a Christian scouting
movement for boys which has grown to almost 700 troops in 48 states.
Stemberger has been a conservative policy advocate for over 30 years, and since 2005,
has served as President of Florida Family Policy Council (FFPC).
Attorney General, Pam Bondi — Automatic Appointment
A native of Tampa, Pam Bondi became Florida's 37th Attorney
General after being elected on November 2, 2010. Attorney General
Bondi was sworn in to office January 4, 2011.
Attorney General Bondi is focused on protecting Floridians and
upholding Florida's laws and the Constitution. Some of her top
priorities are: defending Florida's constitutional rights against the
federal health care law; strengthening penalties to stop pill mills;
aggressively investigating mortgage fraud and Medicaid fraud; and ensuring Florida is
compensated for Deepwater Horizon oil spill losses. Transparency and openness in
government have been important throughout her career, and Attorney General Bondi
continues to support Florida's Sunshine laws.
Attorney General Bondi is dedicated to serving her community, including her
membership on the Board of The Spring, Tampa's domestic violence shelter. In her role
as Attorney General, she serves on the Special Olympics Florida Board of Directors and
is proud to promote their mission of assisting people with disabilities with being
productive and respected members of our communities.
CRC Staff
Jeff Woodburn, Executive Director - Tallahassee
Before becoming Executive Director of the CRC, Jeff Woodburn was the
Policy Director for Governor Rick Scott. He previously served as Deputy
Secretary for Department of Business and Professional Regulation
(DBPR), Deputy Policy Director for Rick Scott in the Office of Policy and
Budget, and is a former attorney for the Florida House.
William Spicola, General Counsel
Meredith Beatrice, Director of External Affairs
RULES OF THE CONSTITUTION REVISION COMMISSION
2017 -2018
RULE ONE
CHAIR, OFFICERS, MEMBERS, AND EMPLOYEES
PART ONE — COMMISSION CHAIR
1.1 Appointment of the Chair.—
The Chair of the Constitution Revision Commission is appointed by the Governor pursuant to Article XI,
section 2 of the Constitution of the State of Florida.
1.2 Employment of Executive Director.—
The Commission Chair shall employ on behalf of the Commission an Executive Director who shall employ
with the approval of the Chair such personnel of the Commission as may be necessary to perform the
functions of the Commission. The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Commission Chair.
1.3 Appointment of Committees. —
The Commission Chair, in consultation with members of the Commission, shall appoint all standing and
select committees, and the members of each, and unless otherwise provided shall designate a chair and
vice -chair of each committee.
1.4 Calling the Commission to order.—
The Commission Chair shall take the chair each day at the hour established by the Commission at the last
session or by the Committee on Rules and Administration. On appearance of a quorum, the Commission
Chair shall immediately call the members to order and proceed with the daily order of business.
1.5 Commission Chair's control of order.—
The Commission Chair shall decide all questions of order, subject to appeal by any member to the
Commission. The Commission Chair may require the member raising the point of order to cite the Rule or
other authority in support of the question. Upon appeal, no member (except the member making the
appeal) shall speak more than once, except by permission of the Commission Chair. The member making
the appeal shall have the right to speak five minutes in closing, and the Commission Chair shall have the
right to speak five minutes from the floor to close the debate. The appeal shall be decided by a majority
vote.
1.6 The Commission Chair's control of chamber, corridors, and rooms.—
The Commission Chair shall preserve order and decorum and shall have general control of the Chamber,
galleries, halls, and rooms surrounding the Chamber as well as distribution of literature and other
materials in those areas.
1.7 The Commission Chair's vote.—
The Commission Chair shall not be required to vote in ordinary proceedings, except on final passage of
any proposed revision or part thereof of the Constitution, unless the Commission Chair's vote is needed
to break a tie. In all roll call votes, the Commission Chair's name shall be called last.
1.8 Vacating the chair.—
The Commission Chair may name any member to perform the duties of the Chair, but such substitution
shall not extend beyond one Commission meeting.
PART TWO— COMMISSION OFFICERS: SECRETARY OF THE COMMISSION AND SERGEANT -
AT -ARMS
1.9 Appointment of a Secretary of the Commission. —
The Secretary of the Commission shall be designated by the Commission Chair.
1.10 Secretary's duties generally; maintains Journal. —
The Secretary of the Commission shall keep a correct daily Journal of the proceedings of the Commission,
.
and this Journal shall be numbered serially from the first day of the Commission meeting in full session.
The Secretary shall retain custody of all records or papers belonging to the Commission and shall not
permit any records or papers belonging to the Commission to be removed from the custody of the
Secretary other than in the regular course of business and with proper receipt.
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1.11 Secretary's duties; prepares calendar of public hearing and meeting notices of the
Commission.— c'
The Secretary shall publish a calendar as provided by the Committee on Rules and Administration in
accordance with these Rules. In the event the Commission goes into recess, the Secretary shall publish
an interim calendar, which sets forth notices of public hearings, and all other matters of public
information as shall be necessary to properly advise the members and the public of the official meetings
of the Commission. Such notice, including an agenda of items to be considered, shall be published no less
than five (5) days prior to Commission meetings.
1.12 Secretary's duties; reads papers and calls roll.—
The Secretary shall read to the Commission all papers ordered to be read, note responses of members
when the roll is called to determine the presence of a quorum; call the roll and tabulate the answers of
members when a question is taken by yeas and nays, and assist, under the direction of the Commission
Chair, in taking the count when any vote of the Commission is taken by a show of hands or otherwise.
1.13 Secretary's duties; prepares printed forms.—
The Secretary shall prepare the copy for all printed forms used by the Commission.
1.14 Secretary's duties; indexes proposals.—
The Secretary shall maintain a numerical index of proposals filed by members and a cumulative index by
introducers.
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1.15 Appointment of a Sergeant-at-Arms.—
The Sergeant -at -Arms shall be designated by the Commission Chair.
1.16 Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms.—
The Sergeant -at -Arms shall attend the Commission during its meetings, maintain order under the
direction of the Commission Chair, and execute the commands of the Commission.
PART THREE — COMMISSION MEMBERS
1.17 Attendance and voting.—
Unless a Commission member has submitted the written notice provided in Rule 1.18, every Commission
member shall be within the Commission's chamber during its sessions and shall vote on each question
during its sessions and shall vote on each question except as follows. If the vote is on a question which
would inure to a Commissioner's special private gain or loss; which he or she knows would inure to the
special private gain or loss of any principal by whom the Commissioner is retained or to the parent
organization or subsidiary of a corporate principal by which the Commissioner is retained; or which the
Commissioner knows would inure to the special gain or loss of a relative or business associate of the
Commissioner, the Commissioner must file with the Secretary, prior to or at the time of the vote, a
statement disclosing a conflict of interest which discloses the nature of his or her interest, and refrain
from voting, If a Commissioner later discovers that a conflict existed, within 15 days, the Commissioner
shall file with the Secretary, a statement disclosing the conflict and the nature of his or her interest. For
purposes of the vote result, the subsequent filing of a disclosure of a conflict of interest will be treated in
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the same manner as a change of vote in Rule 5.2.
1.18 Absences.—
If a member is unable to attend any Commission proceeding, the Commissioner shall submit written
notice of the absence to the Commission Chair. The notice shall be noted in the Journal.
1.19 Incurring obligations.—
No member of the Commission shall incur any obligation payable from Commission funds without the
prior written approval of the Commission Chair.
PART FOUR — EMPLOYEES OF THE COMMISSION
1.20 Executive Director.—
The Commission Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Commission Chair.
1.21 Commission personnel.—
The Executive Director with the approval of the Commission Chair may employ such personnel of the
Commission as may be necessary to perform the functions of the Commission. The personnel serve at the
pleasure of the Chair, and the Executive Director has the authority to dismiss any employee with the
approval of the Commission Chair.
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1.22 Personnel; duties and hours.—
Commission personnel shall perform the duties assigned them by the Commission Chair or the Executive
Director and shall remain on duty as required.
PART Fl VE —PUBLI C MEETI NGS AND PUBLI C RECORDS
1.23 Open meetings and records.—
All proceedings and records of the Commission shall be open to the public.
RULE TWO
COMMITTEES, OFFICERS, MEMBERS, VOTING, MOTIONS, DECORUM, AND DEBATE
PART ONE — COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES
2.1 Standing substantive committees; creation.—
There is hereby created the following substantive standing committees:
Declaration of Rights (Article I)
2. Executive (Article IV)
3. Judicial (Article V)
4. Legislative (Article III)
5. Local Government (Article VIII)
6. Finance and Taxation (Article VII)
7. Ethics and Elections (Article VI, part of Article II)
8. Bonding and Investments (Article VII)
9. Education (Article IX)
10. General Provisions (Articles II, X, XI, and XII)
Each standing committee shall be composed of no less than five (5) members.
2.2 Substantive standing committees; powers and responsibilities.—
The standing substantive committees shall review all proposals referred to them by the Chair in relation
to the Constitution of the State of Florida, as revised in 1968 and subsequently amended, and report the
results of their deliberations to the full Commission.
2.3 Standing procedural committees.—
There is hereby created the following procedural committees:
1. The Style and Drafting Committee. The Style and Drafting Committee shall have the
responsibility for clarifying, codifying, and arranging the proposals adopted by the Commission
into an orderly revision of or amendment(s) to an existing Section or Article of the present
Constitution. It shall also prepare the Commission's final report.
4
2. The Rules and Administration Committee. The Rules and Administration Committee shall be
responsible for setting the daily calendar and any additions thereto. It shall also see that the
proceedings of the Commission, in full session, are in accordance with the Rules of the
Commission and consider such matters as may be referred to it by the Chair. It shall also provide
a schedule of the days and hours for the meetings of the committees to prevent scheduling
conflict among members. The committee will also be responsible for working with the Chair and
the Executive Director on administrative matters relating to the Commission's operation. The
committee shall be composed of nine (9) voting members, appointed as follows:
a. Four (4) Commissioners who were appointed to the Commission by the Governor;
b. Two (2) Commissioners who were appointed to the Commission by the President of
the Senate;
c. Two (2) Commissioners who were appointed to the Commission by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives; and
d. One (1) Commissioner who was appointed to the Commission by the Chief Justice of
the Supreme Court.
Members shall be appointed in accordance with Rule 1.3.
2.4 Committees, meetings.—
Each committee, substantive or procedural, shall meet publicly at such times as are called by the
respective committee chair or as determined by the Committee on Rules and Administration, subject to
the approval of the Commission Chair. The Chair may excuse any member from attendance from
committee meetings. The Chair shall group standing committees to provide each with an opportunity to
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meet without conflicting with the meetings of other committees.
2.5 Committees, quorum. —
A majority of the members of a committee shall constitute a quorum.
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PART TWO— COMMITTEES; OFFICERS
2.6 Committees; appointment of chair and vice- chair.—
The Commission Chair shall appoint a chair and vice -chair of each committee who shall serve at the
pleasure of the Commission Chair.
2.7 Committees; calling committees to order. —
The chair or, in the chair's absence, the vice - chair, shall call the committee to order. On the appearance
of a quorum, the committee shall proceed with the order of business. Any member of the committee may
question the absence of a quorum.
2.8 Committees; chair's control. —
The chair or vice -chair shall preserve the order and decorum and shall have general control of the
committee room. If there is a disturbance or disorderly conduct in the committee room, the chair or the
vice -chair may require participants in the disturbance to clear the room.
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2.9 Chair and vice - chair; vote.—
The chair and vice -chair shall vote on all matters before the committee. The name of the chair shall be
called last.
PART THREE — COMMITTEES; VOTING
2.10 Committees; taking the vote. —
The chair shall declare all votes and shall cause the same to be entered on the records of the committee,
but if any member questions a vote, then by a show of hands by three (3) members the chair shall call
the roll. When the committee shall be equally divided, the question shall be lost.
2.11 Committees; proxy voting.—
Each committee member shall attend all meetings and shall vote on each question except as follows. If
the vote is on a question which would inure to a Commissioner's special private gain or loss; which he or
she knows would inure to the special private gain or loss of any principal by whom the Commissioner is
retained or to the parent organization or subsidiary of a corporate principal by which the Commissioner is
retained; or which the Commissioner knows would inure to the special gain or loss of a relative or
business associate of the Commissioner, the Commissioner must file with the Secretary, prior to or at the
time of the vote, a statement disclosing a conflict of interest which discloses the nature of his or her
interest, and refrain from voting. If a Commissioner later discovers that a conflict existed, within 15 days,
the Commissioner shall file with the Secretary, a statement disclosing the conflict and the nature of his or
her interest. For purposes of the vote result, the subsequent filing of a disclosure of a conflict of interest
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will be treated in the same manner as a change of vote in Rule 5.2. No member of a committee shall vote
by proxy.
A Commission member may appear by telephonic or video communications technology in any committee
meeting if the member has provided a documented medical excuse to the committee chair in advance of
the meeting. A Commission member appearing by telephonic or video communications technology shall
be considered present as if the member was within the committee meeting room.
PART FOUR — COMMITTEES; CONSIDERATION AND REPORT
2.12 Reports on Proposals.—
A committee may report a proposal either unfavorably, favorably, favorably as amended. A motion to lay
on the table shall be construed as a motion to report the proposal unfavorably.
The vote of the members present of a committee on final consideration of any proposal shall be
recorded.
2.13 Proposal reported unfavorably by a committee.—
A proposal reported unfavorably by a committee shall be laid on the table.
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2.14 Amendments in committee.—
Each committee has the power to adopt amendments to a proposal. After any amendment to a proposal
has been adopted and all questions relative to it have been disposed of, the proposal and amendment(s)
shall be engrossed before consideration by a subsequent committee or the Commission.
2.15 Committee consideration; time - frame. —
Prior to the convening of the full Commission in session, committees may consider proposals at the
pleasure of the chair of the respective committees. When the Commission is meeting in regular session,
each committee to which a proposal is referred shall have no longer than three (3) Commission meeting
days from the day it received a proposal within which to file its written report, provided however, that on
the motion of the committee chair, the time may be extended by the Commission for a period not to
exceed five (5) Commission days per motion.
2.16 Committees; signing reports.—
All committee reports shall be signed by the chair, or the vice -chair in the absence of the chair, and filed
with the Secretary. Committees shall keep an accurate record of the committee's activity including but
not limited to motions, amendments, and votes. _
2.17 Committees; transmit proposals to Secretary.—
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Proposals after having been reported by all referenced committees shall be transmitted to the Secretary
and available for consideration to be placed on the calendar. The Rules and Administration Committee
shall establish a calendar for consideration of proposals and other matters in such order or manner as it
deems proper. The special order may be amended by a majority vote of the Commission. re
RULE THREE
PROPOSALS
3.1 Objectives.—
The Constitution Revision Commission is vested with the duty to examine the Constitution of the State of
Florida, as revised in 1968, and subsequently amended, hold public hearings, and file with the Secretary
of State its proposal, if any. This Rule and each portion thereof addresses itself to the basic document
under consideration, proposals for revision and procedures therefor.
3.2 Base document.—
The Constitution of the State of Florida, as revised in 1968 and subsequently amended, shall be the base
document for all proposals. The Constitution shall be printed in legislative bill form.
3.3 Commission consideration of public issues.—
Constitutional issues raised by the public shall be identified in numerical order according to the order in
which they were submitted. Upon motion of a Commissioner and upon receiving an affirmative vote of at
least ten (10) Commission members, issues submitted by the public shall be filed with the Secretary for
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consideration by the Commission. The moving Commissioner of a public proposal shall be deemed the
sponsor of such proposal.
3.4 Commissioners' proposals.—
Those issues submitted by Commissioners shall be reviewed by the Commission and the issue shall be
filed with the Secretary of the Commission for consideration by the Commission.
3.5 Form of proposals.—
Proposed revisions to the 1968 Constitution filed with the Secretary shall be incorporated onto written
forms prescribed by the Secretary. The forms shall follow the form for bills used by the Florida
Legislature. A proposal for revision shall address itself to the pertinent article, section, page, and line
number of the 1968 Constitution, as amended, which it seeks to revise.
Existing language proposed to be deleted shall be lined through with hyphens. Proposed new language
shall be underlined. A proposal for revision of the Constitution shall be designated a proposal, and shall
be referred to as such.
3.6 Proposals for introduction.—
All proposals submitted and receiving requisite consideration by Commission members shall be filed with
the Secretary who shall serially number them and submit them to the Commission for any action as
determined by the Commission. The Commission Chair shall refer proposals to the appropriate
committees.
RULE FOUR
FULL COMMISSION; ORDER OF BUSINESS AND CALENDAR
4.1 Session of the Commission.—
The Commission shall meet pursuant to a schedule adopted by the Committee on Rules and
Administration and approved by the Commission Chair. The schedule shall set forth the hours to convene
and adjourn.
4.2 Quorum. —
A majority of the Commission shall constitute a quorum.
4.3 Daily order of business. —
The daily order of business shall be as follows:
1. Roll call
2. Prayer
3. Pledge of allegiance to the flag
4. Receiving communications
5. Introduction of proposals
6. Reports of committees
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7. Matters on reconsideration
8. Special order as determined by the Rules and Administration Committee
9. Unfinished business
10. Correction and approval of Journal
The Secretary of the Commission shall prepare and distribute, on each day of session, a calendar
corresponding to the Daily Order of Business; and within each order of business, matters shall be
considered in the order that they appear on the daily calendar.
4.4 Motion to amend daily order of business.—
Any motion to amend the daily order of business shall be deemed as a motion to waive the rules.
4.5 Reference of a bill to committee; removal of committee reference.—
After the Commission Chair has referred a proposal, any Commissioner may move to remove a proposal
from committee. This motion may be adopted by a majority vote. Any proposal removed from committee
shall be placed on the special order calendar at the next full Commission meeting.
RULE FIVE
FULL COMMISSION VOTING
5.1 Taking the yeas and nays.—
The Commission Chair shall declare the outcome of all votes, but if three (3) Commissioners immediately
question a vote by a show of hands, the Chair shall take the vote. When the vote is completely recorded,
the Commission Chair shall announce the result to the Commission, and the Secretary shall enter the
result in the Journal.
5.2 Change of vote.—
After the voting, but prior to the announcement of the result of a roll call, a member may vote, or change
his or her vote, and such vote shall be recorded in the Journal. After the vote has been announced, a
member with unanimous consent of those present may change his or her vote on the measure and such
vote shall be recorded in the Journal, except that no such change of vote shall be valid where such vote
would alter the final outcome.
5.3 Casting vote for another.—
No member shall cast a vote for another member, nor shall any person not a member cast a vote for a
member.
5.4 Adoption of proposals.—
1. A proposal that has been placed on the calendar pursuant to Rule 2.17, and in accordance with the
special order established by the Rules and Administration Committee, shall require a majority vote of the
Commission for further consideration of the proposal and for commitment of the proposal to the Style
and Drafting Committee.
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2. The Style and Drafting Committee shall review all proposals receiving approval of a majority of the
Commission and shall prepare recommended ballot language. The Style and Drafting Committee may
recommend amendments to proposals and may recommend the grouping of any related proposals.
3. A proposal on consideration after having been disposed of by the Style and Drafting Committee, may
be amended or grouped by a vote of at least 22 members of the Commission.
4. Final adoption of a proposal shall require a vote of at least 22 members of the Commission.
RULE SIX
MOTIONS AND PRECEDENCE
6.1 Motions; how made, withdrawn.—
Every motion other than a motion to amend a proposal under consideration, shall be made orally. At the
request of the Commission Chair any motion shall be reduced to writing. After a motion has been stated
or read by the Commission Chair, it shall be deemed to be in possession of the Commission and, without
a second, shall be disposed of by a vote of the Commission. The mover of the motion may withdraw a
motion, except a motion to reconsider, as hereinafter provided, at any time before the same has been
amended or before the vote shall have commenced.
6.2 Motions; precedence. —
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When a question is under debate, the Commission Chair shall receive no motion except:
1. To adjourn instanter
2. To adjourn at a time certain
3. Questions of privilege
4. To take a recess
5. To reconsider
6. To limit debate
7. To postpone to a day certain
8. To commit to a standing committee
9. To commit to a select committee
10. To amend
Those motions shall have a precedence in the descending order given above. The Commission Chair shall
propound all questions in the order in which they are moved unless the subsequent motion be previous in
nature; except that in fixing time, the longest time shall be put first. In all cases where the Commission
shall be divided, the question shall be lost.
6.3 Motions which can be made but once.—
Motions to adjourn or recess shall be decided without debate by a majority vote of those present and
voting. Only one substitute for a motion to adjourn shall be entertained. The substitute motion shall fix a
different time for adjournment, and the same shall be put without debate, except that one (1) minute
shall be allowed for the movers of the substitute within which to explain their reasons. The substitute
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motion having been lost, the question shall be put on the original motion, which, if lost, shall preclude
any further motion to adjourn until other business shall have intervened.
6.4 Division of question.—
Any member may call for a division of a question when the sense will admit it. A motion to strike and
insert shall be deemed indivisible; a motion to strike out, being lost, shall neither preclude amendment
nor a motion to strike out and insert.
6.5 Reconsideration; generally.—
When a main question has been made and carried or lost, a Commissioner voting with the prevailing side
may move for reconsideration of the question on the same or the next day on which the Commission
meets. If the question has been decided by voice vote, any Commissioner may so move. Such motion
may be made pending a motion to adjourn or if it is time to adjourn. Consideration of a motion to
reconsider shall be a special and continuing order of business for the full Commission when it next meets
as the full Commission succeeding that on which the motion was made and, unless considered on said
business day, shall be considered abandoned. If the Commission shall refuse to reconsider or, on
reconsideration, shall confirm its first decision, no further motion to reconsider shall be in order except on
unanimous consent of those present. When a majority of Commissioners present vote in the affirmative
on any question but the proposition be lost because it is one in which the concurrence of more than a
majority is necessary for adoption or passage, any Commissioner may move for reconsideration. On the
last day on which the Commission meets, a motion to reconsider shall be taken up instanter.
6.6 Reconsideration; when debate allowed. —
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Debate shall be allowed on a motion to reconsider only when the question which it is proposed to
reconsider is debatable. Where debate upon a motion to reconsider is in order, no member shall speak
thereon more than once nor for a longer period than five (5) minutes.
6.7 Reconsideration; collateral matters.—
The adoption of a motion to reconsider a vote upon any secondary matter shall not remove the main
subject under consideration from the consideration of the Commission. A motion to reconsider a collateral
matter must be disposed of at once during the course of consideration of the main subject to which it is
related and such motion shall be out of order after the Commission has passed to other business.
RULE SEVEN
AMENDMENTS
7.1 General form; notice; manner of consideration.—
All amendments shall be filed with the Secretary of the Commission on forms prescribed by the Secretary,
but shall be considered only after the sponsor gains recognition from the Chair to move for adoption. All
amendments properly filed shall be heard and the sponsor given the opportunity to be heard unless said
amendment is withdrawn by the sponsor.
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7.2 Sequence of amendments to amendments.—
An amendment to a pending amendment may be received, but until it is disposed of, no other motion to
amend will be in order, except a substitute amendment or an amendment to the substitute. Such
amendments are to be disposed of in the following order:
Amendments to the amendment are acted on before the substitute is taken up. Only one
amendment to the amendment shall be in order at a time.
Amendments to the substitute are next voted on.
3. The substitute then is voted on.
The adoption of a substitute amendment in lieu of an original amendment shall be treated and
considered as an amendment to the proposal itself.
7.3 Amendment by section.—
The adoption of an amendment to a section shall not preclude further amendment of that section or
article. If an article is being considered section by section or item by item, only amendments to the
section or item under consideration shall be in order. The Commission Chair shall, in recognizing
members for the purpose of moving for adoption of amendments, try to consider all amendments to
.
Section 1 first, then all amendments to Section 2 and so on. After all sections have been considered
separately in lieu of the entire article, the whole article shall be open for amendment.
7.4 Amendment; germanity of amendment. —
No proposition on a subject different from that under consideration shall be admitted under color of
amendment.
RULE EIGHT
DECORUM AND DEBATE
8.1 Decorum and debate.—
When any member desires to speak or deliver any matter to the Commission, the member shall rise at
his or her seat and address the Chair as Mr. or Madam Chair, and, on being recognized, may address the
Commission from his or her desk, and shall confine any remarks to the question under debate, avoiding
personality. A member shall not address or refer to another member by his or her first name. A member
shall use the appellation of Commissioner, or such appellation and the surname of the Commissioner
addressed.
8.2 Commission Chair's power of recognition.—
When two (2) or more members rise at once, the Commission Chair shall name the member who is first
to be recognized.
8.3 Interruption of members in debate.—
No member shall be interrupted by another member without the consent of the member who has the
floor, except rising to a question of order.
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8.4 Time for debate.—
No member shall speak more than ten (10) minutes in debate on any question. The introducer of a
proposal under consideration shall be entitled to five (5) minutes to close, notwithstanding that the
introducer may have used ten (10) minutes in opening.
8.5 Limitation on debate.—
When a proposal is under debate by the Commission, a member may move to limit debate, and such
motion shall be decided without debate, except the introducer of a proposal shall have five (5) minutes to
discuss said motion. If, by two - thirds (2/3) vote of those present, the question is decided in the
affirmative, debate shall be limited accordingly.
8.6 Priority of business. —
All questions relating to priority of business shall be decided without debate.
8.7 Questions of privilege. —
Questions of privilege shall be: (1) those affecting the Commission collectively, its safety, dignity, and the
integrity of its proceedings; and (2) the rights, reputation, and conduct of members individually in their
representative capacity only. These shall have precedence over all other questions except motions to
adjourn. Upon recognition of the Chair, no member shall be permitted to speak longer than ten (10)
minutes on a question of privilege.
RULE NINE
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Interpretation of rules.—
Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure shall govern the Commission and any committees established
pursuant to these Rules in all cases in which they are applicable and in which they are not in conflict with
the Rules of this Commission, except that seconds to motions shall not be necessary. It shall be the duty
of the Commission Chair, or the presiding officer, to interpret all rules, subject to appeal by any member.
9.2 Waiver and suspension of rules.—
These rules shall not be waived or suspended except by a two - thirds (2/3) vote of all the members of the
Commission. The motion, when made, shall be decided without debate. No motion to waive a rule
requiring unanimous consent of the Commission shall be adopted except by unanimous consent of those
present.
9.3 Changes in rules.—
All proposed amendments to these Rules shall be presented to the Rules and Administration Committee
for recommendation to the Commission. Such recommendation may be amended by a two - thirds (2/3)
vote of the Commission and shall be adopted by a two - thirds (2/3) vote of the Commission.
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9.4 Majority action. —
Unless otherwise indicated by these rules, all action by the Commission shall be by majority vote of those
members present.
9.5 Supreme Court library temporary repository for Commission records.—
The Supreme Court library shall be provided with copies of the records for the purpose of creating an
electronic record of the Commission process. All records of the Commission will be permanently stored
with the Secretary of State, Division of Library Information Services, Bureau of Archives and Records
Management.
9.6 Alternates.—
Alternates shall have the same privileges as Commissioners, but shall not have voting privileges.
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