Florida to Pass its "Worst Ever Proposed Exemption" to Date

Photo byPhoto by: Gage Skidmore

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is fighting to keep his public business away from the eyes of the public.

A comprehensive measure is about to seal all information about DeSantis's official travels and use of state travel resources. This measure is making its way as the Republican governor ramps up his national visits in preparation for a potential presidential run.

Critics are worried that such a measure would undermine democracy because DeSantis would get a chance to eliminate any transparency and public accountability for his spending.

Florida Senate approved the bill on Wednesday with a landslide vote of 28-12, with Republicans using their supermajority to dominate the legislation in the Sunshine State. The state's public records law exemptions must receive the approval of two-thirds of the electorate under the Florida Constitution.

The Florida House will now take up the measure where lawmakers believe they'll quickly pass the bill.

Eliminate Taxpayer Transparency

The law would not only apply to DeSantis' upcoming flights, but it would also apply in the past to all data about the governor's use of the state plane, along with top state officials like legislative leaders.

Republicans said the plan would not change campaign finance laws that compel state political leaders to report when they pay for travel with funds from political groups or campaigns.

The opposition is attacking the plan because they believe DeSantis is creating a mechanism to hide his actions from the public and avoid accountability.

"It's so clearly an attempt to protect this information from reporters wanting to know how taxpayer money is being spent," said state Sen. Tina Polsky, a Boca Raton Democrat.

Proponents of open government dubbed it one of the worst proposed exceptions to the state's celebrated Sunshine Law.

After DeSantis assumed office, state lawmakers approved spending millions to buy a jet that the governor could use to explore the enormous state, where it is difficult for commercial aviation to enter and exit Tallahassee.

If DeSantis needs to travel somewhere to have a press conference, he frequently uses the state plane. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been delaying the turnover of record requests showing where and when the state plane has been sent off.

What do you think about DeSantis hiding its spending from the public?

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