Florida Group Sues to Block New Medicaid Petition Restrictions

Florida Decides Healthcare, an organization seeking to expand Medicaid through a constitutional amendment, has filed a federal lawsuit to block a newly enacted Florida law that imposes stricter requirements on the citizen-led ballot initiative process. The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, introduces eligibility restrictions for petition circulators, hefty fines for violations, and tighter deadlines for submitting petitions. Proponents of the law, including state Republican leaders, argue that these measures are necessary to prevent fraud and abuse in the petition process, citing previous reports of fraudulent activity. However, the lawsuit contends that the law is overly broad, unconstitutionally burdens civic participation, and is intended to suppress grassroots initiatives that may conflict with the legislature's preferences. Critics argue that the law disproportionately burdens grassroots campaigns and undermines direct democracy by making it harder for citizen-led amendments to reach the ballot. The legal challenge seeks to halt the law before it takes effect, framing the legislation as a repressive move to limit voter engagement and control which issues can be put before voters.