The Florida Legislature approved an amendment that restores the voting rights of most of the state's nonviolent felons... but with rules that critics say severely restricts the legislation. This, in response to the voter approved Amendment 4, which passed with more than 60 percent last November. The legislation requires the state's 1.5 million felons to pay all court fees, fines, and restitution before their voting rights are restored. Does this match the intent of Amendment 4 or is it, as opponents call it, a politically motivated fine akin to a Jim Crow-era poll tax? We will also talk about how this bill and amendment will be implemented and procedures for those wanting their voting rights restored.
GUESTS:
- State Sen. Jeff Brandes (R), District 24, St. Petersburg
- State Sen. Darryl Rouson (D), District 19, St. Petersburg
- Desmond Meade, Executive Director, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
- Reggie Garcia, clemency lawyer