Confusion reigned while lawmakers discussed the implementation of Amendment 4, the restoration of voting rights for certain felons who have completed their sentence. The tone and direction of the exchange in a Senate committee room Tuesday was just what proponents feared if lawmakers got their hands on the voter-approved initiative. Some Supervisor of Elections Offices began to register eligible felons on Jan. 8 although Gov. Ron DeSantis has urged them to wait until the Legislature clarifies implementation of the initiative during the upcoming session.
As part of that push, Senate Criminal Justice Committee Chairman Sen. Keith Perry, R-Gainesville, assembled an expert panel of officials from state agencies that handle the paperwork for released inmates, law enforcement and voters.
Communications between state agencies and county voter offices are limited. Amendment 4 restored the voting rights of up to 1.5 million felons but excludes those convicted of murder or a sexual felony.
Full Article: Amendment 4 questions stump Florida legislators.