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Amendments, Election of 11-4-58:
1957 SJR 532 (Article V, Section 9C*) {Adopted}
1957 SJR 9-X (Article VII Revision) {Removed}
1957 SJR 11-X (Article IX Revision) {Removed}
1957 HJR 8-X (Preamble Revision) {Removed}
1957 HJR 9-X (Article I Revision) {Removed}
1957 HJR 10-X (Article II Revision) {Removed}
1957 CS/HJR 11-X (Article IV Revision) {Removed}
1957 HJR 12-X (Article VI Revision) {Removed}
1957 CS/HJR 14-X (Article VIII Revision) {Removed}
1957 CS/HJR 16-X (Article X Revision) {Removed}
1957 HJR 17-X (Article XI Revision) {Removed}
1957 HJR 18-X (Article XIV Revision) {Removed}
1957 CS/HJR 29-X (Article III Revision) {Removed}
1957 CS/HJR 30-X (Article XII Revision) {Removed}
1957 CS/HJR 31-X (Article XIII Revision) {Removed}
1957 HJR 32-X (Article XVII, Section 1) {Defeated}
1957 HJR 106-X (Providing for submission of Revisions
to Electors)
*For a number of years, some of the section numbers assigned
by the Legislature were erroneous; then for several more years, the Legislature
omitted the section number from some proposed amendments with the instruction:
"to be assigned by the Secretary of State upon ratification."
Related Materials:
Supreme Court Opinion (104 So.2d 501)
{Removing 14 Proposed Revisions from Ballot}
Supreme Court Opinion (104 So.2d 841)
{Retaining HJR 32-X on Ballot}
"The Proposed New Florida Constitution: An Analysis,"
by Manning J. Dauer
Civic Information Series No. 30, Public Administration
Clearing Service,
University of Florida. 1958.
__________
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 532
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to Article V of the Constitution
of Florida by adding an additional section thereto, to be given a number
by the Secretary of State, abolishing the office of county solicitor in
Hillsborough County, and transferring the duties thereof to the State
Attorney of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida, and other matters
relating thereto.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
An amendment to Article V of the Constitution of the State of Florida
by adding an additional section thereto, to be given a number by the Secretary
of State of the State of Florida, shall be submitted to the electors of
the State of Florida for ratification or rejection at the next general
election to be held in 1958, as follows:
Section __. On and after the first Tuesday after the first Monday in
January, 1961, the State Attorney of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit in
and for Hillsborough County, Florida, shall be the prosecuting attorney
of the Criminal Court of Record, and the office of County Solicitor, the
position of Assistant County Solicitor, the position of Special Investigator
for the County Solicitor in Hillsborough County, shall stand abolished
and terminated; and thereafter the State Attorney and his Assistant Attorneys,
under his direction, shall perform all the duties and functions of office
heretofore performed by the County Solicitor. Pending informations filed
in the Criminal Court of Record shall not be invalidated hereby, and the
State Attorney, or his Assistant State Attorneys, may file amended informations
in any such cases if and when necessary. The Legislature may provide for
Assistant State Attorneys and Special Investigators for the State Attorney
of Hillsborough County, and all Assistant State Attorneys shall be appointed
by the State Attorney and sworn in by the Court, and such Assistant State
Attorneys shall work under the direction of the State Attorney and shall
have full authority to do and perform any official duties and acts that
the State Attorney may do and perform.
Upon this amendment being adopted all funds appropriated by law approved
by the Budget Commission and budgeted by the Board of County Commissioners
of Hillsborough County, Florida, and for the purpose of employing Assistant
County Solicitors and other office personnel shall thereafter be used
for the operation of the State Attorney's office of the Thirteenth Judicial
Circuit in and for Hillsborough County, and for the employing of Assistant
State Attorneys and other personnel, of that office, and the State Attorney
is hereby authorized to employ such personnel, including Assistant State
Attorneys and investigators in the same number and to be paid the same
salary as the number of Assistant County Solicitors and investigators
employed by the County Solicitor of Hillsborough County, Florida.
Filed in Office Secretary of State June 20, 1957.
__________
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article VII of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article VII of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE VII
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Section 1. Counties; Municipalities; Special Districts; Powers and Functions.
All powers of local government shall be exercised by counties, municipalities,
and special districts, and shall be limited to those delegated herein
or by the legislature. They shall also perform such state functions as
the legislature may provide.
Section 2. Counties as Political Subdivisions; County Seats. The state
shall be divided into political subdivisions called counties. The counties
and their respective county seats as now established are recognized, and
no county seat may be changed except by vote of the electors; provided,
in the formation of new counties the county seat may be temporarily established
by law.
Section 3. Establishment of New Counties. The legislature shall have
power to establish new counties and to change county lines. Every newly
established county shall be held liable for its proportion of the then
existing liabilities of the county or counties from which it shall be
formed, rated upon the bases of the assessed value of the property, both
real and personal, subject to taxation within the territory taken from
any county or counties; and every county acquiring additional territory
from another county shall be held liable for its proportion of the liabilities
of such other county existing at the time of such acquisition, to be rated
upon the basis of the assessed value of all property subject to taxation
within such acquired territory.
Section 4. Location of County Offices; Public Records. The principal
offices and permanent records of all county officers shall be at the county
seat; provided, branch offices for the conduct of county business and
facilities for court proceedings including jury trials in civil cases
may be established by law elsewhere in the county. No instrument shall
be deemed recorded until filed at the county seat according to law.
Section 5. (a) Commissioner Districts; Decennial Revision; County Commission.
Each county shall be divided into five commissioner districts numbered
consecutively, and its governing body shall be a Board of County Commissioners,
consisting of five members, one from each commissioner district. Upon
certification of each decennial federal census the board of county commissioners
shall forthwith revise the boundaries of the commissioner districts so
that according thereto they will be approximately equal in population,
giving consideration to geographic area.
(b) County Officers; Selection; Term of Office. The following officers
shall be elected by and from among the electors of each county for a term
of four years: one member of the board of county commissioners from each
commissioner district, one member of the County School Board from each
commissioner district unless otherwise provided by law, County Judge or
Judges as provided herein, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sheriff, Tax Assessor,
Tax Collector, County School Superintendent, and Supervisor of Registration;
provided, by local law subject to the approval of the electors of the
county (1) the county school superintendent shall be appointed by and
serve at the pleasure of the county school board, and (2) each member
of the board of county commissioners, and also of the county school board
unless otherwise provided by law, shall be elected by and from among the
electors of the district within which he resides and qualifies for office,
and in either event, not less than four years after so providing, the
county may by the same method revoke such change. Each member of the board
of county commissioners and of the county school board shall reside in
the district from which elected. In counties having justice districts
a Constable shall be elected for a term of four years by and from among
the electors of each district. Successors to those members of the board
of county commissioners representing odd-numbered districts and of the
county school board representing even-numbered districts shall be elected
in 1960, and successors to those representing respectively even-numbered
districts and odd-numbered districts shall be elected in 1962; provided,
succession to county school board membership may be changed by law.
Section 6. County Ordinances; Legislative Grant of Authority to Enact.
The legislature, by local law only, may authorize a board of county commissioners
to enact county ordinances; provided, the legislature may by general law
limit the subjects on which county ordinances may be enacted, and thereafter
no deviation from such general law shall be made except by amendment thereof
by general law. Each such local law shall specify precisely the subjects
to which the ordinances shall be confined. No ordinance shall conflict
with any general, special, or local law except as provided in the local
law authorizing the ordinance, and the legislature may amend or repeal
any ordinance.
Section 7. Welfare. Counties shall provide in the manner prescribed by
law for residents having claim upon the aid and sympathy of society by
reason of age, infirmity, or misfortune.
Section 8. Alcoholic Beverages; County Option. Upon petition of one-fourth
of the electors of a county the board of county commissioners shall provide
for a special election to determine whether sale of all intoxicating beverages
shall be prohibited therein or to determine the method of such sale where
permitted; and in like manner an election shall be held in a county prohibiting
sale to determine whether such prohibition shall be removed. The election
shall be held within sixty days from presentation of the petition unless
a regular primary or general election falls within such period, in which
event it shall be held within sixty days thereafter. Not more than one
such election shall be held in any two-year period.
Section 9. Criminal Cases; Costs and Fines. In all criminal cases prosecuted
in the name of the state against an insolvent or discharged defendant,
the county in which the case was prosecuted shall under regulations prescribed
by law pay the legal costs. All fines and forfeitures collected in each
county under the state penal laws shall be applied to payment of costs
and expenses of prosecuting crimes therein.
Section 10. Municipalities; Establishment; Abolition; Government; Protection
of Creditors. The legislature may establish and abolish municipalities,
may provide for their government, and may prescribe and alter at any time
their jurisdiction and powers. Whenever a municipality is abolished, provision
shall be made for the protection of its creditors.
Section 11. Municipal Taxes; Assessment and Collection by County Officers.
Subject to approval by vote of the municipal electors at a special election
held separately or with any other election the legislature may by general,
special, or local law provide for assessment and collection of the taxes
of any municipality by the tax assessor and tax collector respectively
of the county in which it is situated and for payment by the municipality
of reasonable compensation to these county officers for performance of
these additional duties.
Section 12. Special Districts Lying in One County; Governing Board. Unless
otherwise provided by law, the governing board of special districts lying
wholly within a county shall be the board of county commissioners of the
county. The legislature may provide by law for the appointment of the
governing board by the Governor or by the board of county commissioners,
or for election thereof by the electors.
Section 13. Special Districts Lying in More Than One County; Government.
The legislature by special or local law may for special purposes create
special districts that include territory lying in more than one county
and may prescribe the composition, powers, and duties of their governing
bodies.
Section 14. Local Government Units; Cooperation with Other Governmental
Units. Any local governmental unit may contract and cooperate with other
local governmental units, with the state, or with the United States in
the exercise of any of its authorized proprietary functions for the planning,
development, construction, acquisition, or operation of any public improvement
or facility or for a common service.
Section 15. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a
group of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I, II, III, IV, VI, and VIII through XIV. This section is
an integral part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid
if this section is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article IX of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article IX of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE IX
HOMESTEAD
Section 1. Homestead; Exemption from Forced Sale; Freedom from Liens;
Exception; Limitations on Disposition. The following property, owned by
the head of a family residing on the realty in this state, shall be exempt
from forced sale under process of any court for all obligations incurred
by him or imposed thereon, and no judgment, decree, or execution shall
be a lien thereon, except for payment of (a) taxes and assessments thereon,
(b) obligations contracted for the purchase thereof, (c) obligations contracted
for erection or repair of improvements on the realty, or (d) obligations
contracted for house, field, or other labor performed on the realty:
(i) A homestead to the extent of one hundred sixty acres of contiguous
land and improvements thereon located outside a municipality, which area
shall not be reduced without the owner's consent by reason of subsequent
inclusion in a municipality, or one-half acre of contiguous land located
within a municipality, which exemption within a municipality shall be
limited to the residence and business house of the owner;
(ii) Personal property of the value of $1,000.
Said exemptions shall inure to the surviving spouse and heirs of the
owner.
The homestead shall not be subject to devise if the owner is survived
by children. If the owner is married, it shall not be alienated or encumbered
without the consent of the spouse. If the owner or spouse is incompetent,
the method of alienation or encumbrance shall be as provided by law.
Section 2. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a group
of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII and X through XIV. This section
is an integral part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid
if this section is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of the Preamble of the Constitution
of the State of Florida:
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of the Preamble of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
PREAMBLE
We, the people of the State of Florida, being grateful to Almighty God
for our constitutional Liberty, in order to secure its blessings and to
form a more perfect government, insuring domestic tranquility, maintaining
public order, and guaranteeing equal civil and political rights to all,
do ordain and establish this constitution.
This Preamble is one of a group of fourteen amendments proposed at the
same session of the legislature and submitted to the electors at the same
election, and it shall not become effective or a part of the constitution
unless the electors adopt simultaneously with this Preamble the amendments
constituting respectively Articles I through IV and VI through XIV. This
paragraph is an integral part of this Preamble and the entire Preamble
shall be invalid if this paragraph is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article I of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article I of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE I
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
Section 1. Political Power; Government. All political power is inherent
in the people. Government is instituted for their protection, security,
and benefit. They have the right to regulate their government and to amend
or repeal this constitution. The enumeration herein of certain rights
shall not be construed to deny or impair others retained by the people.
Section 2. Equality; Inalienable Rights; Property Rights of Foreigners.
All persons, including foreigners eligible to become citizens of the United
States, are equal before the law and have inalienable rights. Among these
are the right to enjoy life and Liberty, to pursue happiness, to be rewarded
for industry, and to acquire, possess, and protect property; but the legislature
may regulate or prohibit the ownership, inheritance, disposition or possession
of real property by persons ineligible for citizenship.
Section 3. Religious Freedom. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious
belief and worship shall never be abridged, but this freedom shall not
be construed to justify licentiousness or practices inconsistent with
peace and safety. No person shall be incompetent as a witness or ineligible
for jury duty or public office because of religious belief. No preference
shall be given by law to any religious denomination or mode of worship,
and no public funds shall be granted directly or indirectly in aid of
any religious denomination or sectarian institution.
Section 4. Freedom of Speech and Press. Every person may freely speak,
write, and publish his sentiments on any subject, being responsible for
the abuse of this right, and no law shall restrain or abridge the freedom
of speech or of the press. The truth of the matter published and good
motive in publishing it shall constitute a complete defense in any criminal
or civil proceeding for defamation.
Section 5. Assembly; Petition. The people may assemble peaceably to consult
for the common good, may instruct their representatives, and may petition
for redress of grievances.
Section 6. Right to Work; Collective Bargaining. The right of persons
to work shall not be denied or abridged on account of membership or non-membership
in any labor union or labor organization. This section shall not be construed
to deny or abridge the right of employees by and through a labor organization
or labor union to bargain collectively with their employer.
Section 7. Right to Bear Arms. Every person may keep and bear arms in
defense of his home, person, property, and the lawful authority of the
state, but the legislature may prescribe the manner of bearing them.
Section 8. Searches and Seizures. The people shall be secure in their
persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and
seizures; and no warrant to search any place or seize any person or thing
shall issue except upon oath or affirmation showing probable cause and
particularly describing the place to be searched and the person or thing
to be seized.
Section 9. Access to Courts. The courts shall be open to every person
for redress of any injury, and justice shall be administered without sale,
denial or delay.
Section 10. Condemnation; Preliminary Taking. Private property shall
not be taken without full compensation determined by a jury of twelve.
Interim possession may be obtained after commencement of suit upon securing
payment by deposit of money, an equitable part of which shall be released
upon application of the party entitled. Benefits resulting from improvements
proposed to be made by an individual or a private or public corporation
shall not be applied in reduction of compensation; provided, the legislature
may authorize governmental agencies acquiring road rights of way to offset
benefits resulting from proposed improvements against severance damages
to property not taken. The legislature may provide for drainage of private
land over or through that of another upon payment of full compensation.
Section 11. Attainder; Ex Post Facto Law; Impairment of Contract. No
bill of attainder, ex post facto law, or law impairing the obligation
of contracts shall be passed.
Section 12. Indictment; Information; Plea; Sentence. No person shall
be tried for capital crime without presentment or indictment by a grand
jury, or for other felony without such presentment or indictment or an
information under oath filed by the prosecuting officer of the court.
A person charged with any crime not capital may be arraigned and may plead
thereto in term or vacation, and the court may at any time pronounce judgment
and sentence on a plea of guilty.
Section 13. Habeas Corpus. The writ of habeas corpus shall be granted
as of right, promptly and without cost.
Section 14. Bail. Until adjudged guilty, every person is entitled to
release on reasonable bail with sufficient surety unless charged with
capital offense and the proof of guilt is evident or the presumption is
great.
Section 15. Jury Trial; Rights of Accused. The right of trial by jury
in criminal and civil proceedings as heretofore established shall be secured
to all and remain inviolate.
In all criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right to demand
the nature and cause of the accusation, to be furnished with a copy of
the charges, to have compulsory process for attendance of witnesses in
his favor, to be confronted in any trial with the witnesses against him,
to be heard in person or by counsel or both, and to have a speedy, public,
and impartial trial by jury in the county where the crime was committed,
if such county is known. If such county is not known, the indictment or
information may charge venue in two or more counties conjunctively and
proof that the crime was committed in such area shall be sufficient, but
the accused may before pleading elect the county in which to be tried.
No person shall be compelled to pay costs until convicted on final trial.
No person shall be twice put in jeopardy for the same offense, or be
compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, or be
deprived of life, Liberty, or property without due process of law.
Section 16. Excessive Fines; Cruel Punishment; Attainder; Detention of
Witnesses. Excessive fines, cruel or unusual punishment, attainder, indefinite
imprisonment, and unreasonable detention of witnesses are forbidden.
Section 17. Involuntary Servitude; Imprisonment for Debt. Involuntary
servitude is prohibited except as punishment for crime following conviction.
No person shall be imprisoned for debt without fraud.
Section 18. Penalties Imposed by Administrative Agencies. No administrative
agency shall impose a sentence of imprisonment. Any penalty imposed by
an administrative agency shall be prescribed by law and its imposition
shall be subject to judicial review as the legislature may provide.
Section 19. Treason. Treason against the state consists only of levying
war against it or of adhering to or aiding its enemies; and no person
shall be convicted thereof without confession in open court or the testimony
of two witnesses to the same overt act.
Section 20. Military Subordinate to Civil; Quartering. The military power
is in strict subordination to the civil. No member of the military shall
be quartered on private property in time of peace without the consent
of the owner, and in time of war all quartering shall be as prescribed
by law.
Section 21. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a
group of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles II, III, IV, and VI through XIV. This section is an integral
part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid if this section
is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article II of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article II of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE II
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Rules of Construction. Unless qualified in the text the following
rules of construction shall apply to this constitution:
(a) "Herein" refers to the entire constitution.
(b) The singular includes the plural.
(c) The masculine includes the feminine and the neuter.
(d) "Vote of the electors" means the vote of the majority of those voting
on the matter in an election, general or special, in which those participating
are limited to the qualified electors of the governmental unit referred
to in the text.
(e) Vote or other action of a legislative house or other governmental
body means the vote or action of a majority or other specified percentage
of those members voting on the matter; the vote or other action "of the
membership" means the vote or action of all members thereof.
(f) Titles and subtitles shall not be used in construction.
Section 2. Branches of Government. The powers of the state government
shall be divided into the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches.
No person properly belonging to one branch shall exercise any powers appertaining
to either of the other branches unless expressly provided herein.
Section 3. State Boundaries. The state boundaries are: Begin at the mouth
of the Perdido River, which for the purposes of this description is defined
as the point where latitude 30 degrees 16 minutes 53 seconds north and
longitude 87 degrees 31 minutes 06 seconds west intersect; thence to the
point where latitude 30 degrees 17 minutes 02 seconds north and longitude
87 degrees 31 minutes 06 seconds west intersect; thence to the point where
latitude 30 degrees 18 minutes 00 seconds north and longitude 87 degrees
27 minutes 08 seconds west intersect; thence to the point where the center
line of the Intracoastal Canal (as the same existed on June 12, 1953)
and longitude 87 degrees 27 minutes 00 seconds west intersect; the same
being in the middle of the Perdido River; thence up the middle of the
Perdido River to the point where it intersects the south boundary of the
State of Alabama, being also the point of intersection of the middle of
the Perdido River with latitude 31 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds north;
thence east, along the south boundary line of the State of Alabama, the
same being latitude 31 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds north, to the middle
of the Chattahoochee River; thence down the middle of said river to its
confluence with the Flint River; thence in a straight line to the head
of the St. Marys River; thence down the middle of said river to the Atlantic
Ocean, and extending therein to a point three geographic miles from the
Florida coast line, meaning the line of ordinary low water along that
portion of the coast which is in direct contact with the open sea and
the line marking the seaward limit of inland waters; thence southeastwardly
following a line three geographic miles distant from the Atlantic coast
line of the state and three leagues distant from the Gulf of Mexico coast
line of the state to and around the Tortugas Islands; thence northeastwardly,
three leagues distant from the coast line, to a point three leagues distant
from the coast line of the mainland; thence north and northwestwardly,
three leagues distant from the coast line, to a point west of the mouth
of the Perdido River, three leagues from the coast line, as measured on
a line bearing 00 degrees 01 minutes 00 seconds west from the point of
beginning; thence along said line to the point of beginning.
The legislature may extend the coastal boundaries to such limits as
the laws of the United States or international law may permit.
Section 4. Seat of Government; Location of Offices. The seat of government
shall be the City of Tallahassee, in Leon County, where the office of
the executive officers and of the supreme court shall be maintained; provided,
when necessary because of invasion or grave emergency the Governor by
proclamation may for the period necessary transfer the seat of government
to another place. Administrative agencies shall maintain their offices
at the places prescribed by law.
Section 5. State Seal and Flag. The design of the great seal and flag
of the state shall be prescribed by the legislature.
Section 6. Felony; Definition. The term "felony" as used herein and in
the laws of this state shall mean any criminal offense that is punishable
under the laws of this state, or that would be punishable if committed
in this state, by death or by imprisonment in the state penitentiary.
Section 7. Census. The latest state-wide decennial federal census shall
be the official state census and shall be cited in all laws based on population
and for reapportionment of representation. County or district censuses
may be taken for all other purposes as provided by law.
Section 8. Public Officers; Methods of Selection; Qualifications; Residence
and Other Limitations; Appointment; Vacancy; Refusal of Confirmation;
Term; Duties and Personal Attention Thereto; Oath; Bond; Payment of Compensation.
The legislature shall provide for election by the people or appointment
by the Governor of each state or county officer if the method of his selection
is not provided herein, and except as provided herein it shall prescribe
his qualifications, method of election, duties, powers, term, and compensation,
and also the membership of each board or commission. Each public officer
shall maintain his residence within the area from which selected whenever
election or appointment from a designated area is required by law. No
person holding or exercising the functions of any office under a foreign
government, the United States, or another state, shall hold any office
of honor or profit under the government of this state. No person shall
at the same time hold or perform the functions of more than one office
under the government of this state; provided, notaries public and military
officers may be elected or appointed to fill any single legislative, executive,
or judicial office.
Except as provided herein and as may be provided by law for selection
of jury commissioners, the Governor shall make all appointments to each
state or county appointive office and shall fill each vacancy in office.
Vacancy occurs upon death, failure to qualify within fifteen days from
commencement of the term of office to which elected, or, after qualification,
upon removal, impeachment, resignation, succession to another office,
failure to maintain residence within the area from which selected, or
unexplained absence for six months. If confirmation of appointment to
an office is required and the Senate disapproves the appointment, the
person proposed shall be ineligible for appointment to that office for
four years from refusal of confirmation.
Except as provided herein no term of office shall exceed four years
and the term of each elective officer shall commence at noon, standard
time at the seat of office, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday
in January following the election. An officer elected to fill a vacancy
shall serve from noon on such Tuesday for the unexpired term, and one
appointed to fill a vacancy in elective office shall serve until his elected
successor takes office. An appointive officer whose term is not fixed
by law shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Each public
officer shall continue in office until his successor qualifies.
Each public officer or agency shall perform the duties prescribed herein,
and all except the Governor shall perform all other duties prescribed
by law. Each public officer shall devote personal attention to the duties
of his office. Each legislator shall take the following oath of office
on the first day of the next session of the legislature following his
election but upon election shall be qualified to participate in all interim
legislative activities, and each other public officer before taking office
shall swear or affirm: "I do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will support,
protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States
and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under
the Constitution of the State; and that I will well and faithfully perform
the duties of [title of office] on which I am now about to enter. So help
me God."
Each public officer shall give bond as provided by law and shall not
be surety upon the official bond of another public officer. His compensation
shall be payable monthly on his own requisition.
Section 9. Property of Married Women. All property of a wife owned before
or acquired after marriage shall be her separate property and shall not
be liable for the debts of her husband without her written consent executed
according to law governing conveyance of the subject property.
Section 10. Suits Against Public Bodies; Extra Compensation; Claim Bills.
The legislature may provide by general law for suits against the state
or any public body therein.
No extra compensation shall be paid to any officer, agent, or employee
after the service is rendered, or to any contractor except in accordance
with the terms of the contract. No money shall be appropriated for or
paid on any claim not specifically identified and provided for by law
in force when the claim accrues unless the compensation or claim has been
allowed by bill passed by two-thirds of the members elected to each house
of the legislature.
Section 11. Civil Actions; Restrictions on Statutes of Limitation. The
time for bringing a civil action on any existing cause of action shall
not be reduced without providing a reasonable period for bringing it.
Section 12. Criminal Statutes; Repeal or Modification. Repeal or amendment
of a criminal statute shall not affect prosecution or punishment for any
crime committed prior thereto.
Section 13. Amendments to United States Constitution; Prerequisite to
State Action. No state convention or legislature shall take action on
any proposed amendment to the constitution of the United States unless
a majority of the members thereof shall have been elected after its submission
to the states.
Section 14. Lotteries Prohibited. All lotteries are prohibited.
Section 15. Miscegenation Prohibited. Marriage between a white person
and a person of negro descent through the fourth generation is prohibited.
Section 16. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a
group of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I, III, IV, and VI through XIV. This section is an integral
part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid if this section
is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 11-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article IV of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article IV of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE IV
EXECUTIVE
Section 1. Governor; Chief Executive; Commander-in-Chief; Grants; Commissions.
The supreme executive power shall be vested in the Governor. He shall
take care that the laws are faithfully executed, be commander-in-chief
of all state armed forces not in the active service of the United States,
transact all executive business with state civil and military officers,
and sign all grants. He shall issue each state and county officer a commission
in the name of the state, bearing its great seal attested by the secretary
of state, and shall sign it unless otherwise provided by law.
Section 2. Governor; Message to Legislature. At least once in each regular
session the Governor shall by message inform the legislature concerning
the condition of the state and recommend measures in the public interest.
Section 3. Governor; Suspensions; Filling Office During Suspensions.
By executive order stating the ground and filed with the secretary of
state, the Governor may suspend from office any state officer not subject
to impeachment, any officer of the militia not in the active service of
the United States, or any county officer, for malfeasance, misfeasance,
neglect of duty, drunkenness, incompetence, permanent inability to perform
his official duties, or commission of a felony, and may fill the office
by appointment for the period of suspension.
The suspended officer shall be deemed to have acquiesced in the suspension
and surrendered all claim to the office unless within thirty days from
the filing of the suspension order he shall file with the secretary of
state a written demand for a hearing, which shall be accorded promptly
before the Governor or a disinterested cabinet member designated by the
Governor in writing. All evidence supporting the suspension, and such
evidence as the officer may desire to offer in his defense, shall be presented
and recorded at the hearing, and a transcript thereof and all documentary
evidence shall be filed with the secretary of state. The Governor shall
thereupon file with the secretary of state a further order stating his
findings and finally confirming or revoking the suspension. If the order
does not revoke the suspension and reinstate the officer, the secretary
of state shall transmit to the Senate, on the next day it is in regular
session, certified copies of the orders and of the record of the hearing;
provided, if these copies are not submitted prior to the forty-sixth day
of the session the Senate may postpone consideration until the next session.
The Senate may take further evidence and shall sustain or disapprove the
suspension. If it sustains the suspension or fails to act or postpone
consideration before adjourning, the officer shall be removed from office
as of the date of the original order of suspension. If it disapproves
before adjourning, the officer shall be reinstated and shall receive compensation
from the state to the date of reinstatement or to the date of expiration
of his term of office, whichever is earlier. The proceedings hereunder
shall not affect his criminal or civil liability.
Section 4. Cabinet; Membership; Lieutenant Governor; Election; Term;
Qualifications. The Cabinet shall consist of the Governor, Secretary of
State, Attorney General, Comptroller, Treasurer, Superintendent of Education,
and Commissioner of Agriculture. There shall be a Lieutenant Governor,
who shall be an executive officer and shall perform the duties prescribed
herein. Each cabinet member and the Lieutenant Governor shall be elected
quadrennially at the same state-wide general election for a term of four
years and when elected shall be at least twenty-five years of age and
for the ten immediately preceding years shall have been a citizen and
resident of the state. The legislature shall provide a method and requirements
by which in primary and general elections candidates for the offices of
Governor and Lieutenant Governor may form a joint candidacy. No person
who has become Governor or Lieutenant Governor by election or succession
shall be eligible to be elected Governor or Lieutenant Governor until
three years from the termination of such service.
Section 5. Cabinet; Duties as Board of Commissioners of State Institutions.
The cabinet shall constitute the Board of Commissioners of State Institutions,
which shall supervise state institutions in the manner prescribed by law.
Section 6. Appointment of Directors; Reports. The legislature may authorize
any board composed entirely of cabinet members to appoint a director of
any department under the supervision of such board.
The Governor may require information in writing from any state executive
or administrative officer and from any county officer regarding his executive
or administrative duties. At the beginning of each regular session of
the legislature, and at such other times as the Governor may request,
each state executive officer shall report in writing his official acts
and the receipts, expenditures, and requirements of his office to the
Governor, who shall lay the reports before the legislature at the beginning
of the session.
Each state, county, district, or municipal executive officer, agency
head, or employee shall furnish information regarding his department,
office, or employment upon the request of either house of the legislature.
Section 7. (a) Pardon Board; Application for Pardon. The cabinet shall
constitute the Pardon Board. In all cases except treason the Governor
and any three others may grant full or conditional pardons, restore civil
rights, commute punishment, and remit fines and forfeitures. The legislature
shall prescribe the manner of applying for pardons.
(b) Governor; Reprieves; Remissions or Suspensions of Fines. The Governor
may suspend collection of fines and forfeitures and grant reprieves not
exceeding sixty days in all cases except treason and impeachment. In cases
of treason the reprieve may extend to the next legislative session, and
at the commencement thereof the Governor shall report the treason cases
to the legislature, which may direct execution of the sentence or grant
a pardon or further reprieve. If it adjourns without disposing of the
case the Governor shall enforce the sentence. A record of each pardon,
commutation, remission, reprieve, and suspension granted shall be filed
with the secretary of state.
(c) Parole Commission. The legislature may create a Parole Commission,
prescribe the qualifications, method of selection, and terms of its members,
and empower it to supervise persons on probation and to grant parole or
conditional releases to persons under sentence for crime.
Section 8. Advisory Opinions of Justices. The Governor may request in
writing the opinion of the justices of the supreme court as to the interpretation
of any portion of this constitution upon any question affecting his executive
powers and duties. The justices shall, subject to their rules of procedure,
permit interested persons to be heard on the questions presented. They
shall render their written opinion not earlier than ten days from the
filing and docketing of such request, unless in their judgment such delay
would cause public injury.
Section 9. Succession to Office of Governor; Service as Acting Governor.
The Lieutenant Governor shall become Governor upon failure of the Governor-elect
to qualify or upon death, resignation, or removal of the Governor. Further
succession to the office of Governor shall devolve first upon the president
of the senate, next upon the speaker of the house of representatives,
and thereafter as prescribed by law. A successor shall serve for the remainder
of the term.
Upon written direction of the Governor filed with the secretary of state,
the Lieutenant Governor shall perform those duties of the Governor specified
in the directive for the time therein limited.
Upon impeachment of the Governor and until completion of trial thereon,
or during his physical or mental incapacity, the Lieutenant Governor shall
act as Governor. Further succession as acting Governor shall devolve first
upon the president of the senate, next upon the speaker of the house of
representatives and thereafter as prescribed by law. Incapacity to serve
as Governor shall be determined only by the supreme court upon due notice
after docketing of written suggestion thereof by four cabinet members,
and restoration of capacity shall be similarly determined after docketing
of written suggestion thereof by the Governor, the legislature, or four
cabinet members; provided, by certificate filed with the secretary of
state the Governor may declare his incapacity for physical reasons to
serve as Governor or may declare that such physical incapacity has ceased.
Section 10. Secretary of State; Duties. The secretary of state shall
keep the records of official acts of the legislative and executive departments
and when requested by either house of the legislature shall lay them and
all related matters before it. He shall attest and affix the great seal
of the state to all grants and commissions and be custodian of the great
seal of the state.
Section 11. Attorney General; Duties. The attorney general shall be an
attorney at law and the legal advisor to each officer of the state executive
branch.
Section 12. Comptroller; Duties. The comptroller shall examine, preaudit,
adjust, and settle all state accounts. He shall be responsible for collecting
all taxes due the state except as provided by law.
Section 13. Treasurer; Duties. The treasurer, in the manner prescribed
by law, shall keep all funds and securities and make all disbursements,
but he shall not disburse funds without the order of the Comptroller,
countersigned by the Governor.
Section 14. Superintendent of Education; Duties. The state superintendent
of education shall supervise the public school system according to law.
Section 15. Commissioner of Agriculture; Duties. The commissioner of
agriculture shall perform the duties prescribed by law relating to agriculture,
shall maintain the Bureau of Agricultural Information, and shall be custodian
of records pertaining to public lands.
Section 16. Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission; Duties; Membership;
Director; Powers; Licenses; Penalties; State Game Fund. (a) The management,
restoration, conservation, and regulation of the mammal, bird, reptile,
and amphibian wildlife, and of the fresh water fish of the state, and
the acquisition, establishment, control, and management of hatcheries,
sanctuaries, refuges, reservations, and property owned or used for such
purposes by the state, shall be vested in a Game and Fresh Water Fish
Commission, a body corporate composed of five members. The cabinet shall
from time to time divide the state into five districts and, subject to
confirmation by the Senate, shall appoint the commissioners, one from
each district, for terms of five years staggered so that one of the terms
expires each year. The commissioners shall annually select one of their
members as chairman. They shall receive travel and per diem allowances
and may receive compensation as provided by law.
(b) The cabinet shall appoint and at pleasure remove a Director, who
shall be the executive head of the commission. He shall, subject to approval
by the cabinet, appoint, fix the salaries of, and discharge the assistants
and employees of the commission and shall exercise other powers and perform
other duties prescribed by the cabinet. Members of the commission are
ineligible for employment by it.
(c) The commission may, among its powers, establish bag limits and open
and closed seasons on a state-wide, regional, or local basis and regulate
the manner of taking, transporting, storing, and using mammals, birds,
game, fur-bearing animals, reptiles, amphibians, and fresh water fish.
(d) The Legislature shall have exclusive power to enact laws imposing
license taxes relating to this section and to fix penalties for violation
of regulations made pursuant to it and may enact laws in aid of but not
inconsistent with its provisions.
(e) The legislature shall by law provide funds for the operation of the
commission under this section.
Section 17. Conservation of Salt Water Fish, Shellfish, and Products.
The legislature shall establish an agency to conserve and supervise the
salt water fish, salt water shellfish, and salt water products of the
state and shall empower it to make regulations relating thereto, which
need not apply uniformly throughout the state and may be repealed or modified
by law. Should the game and fresh water fish commission be established
as the agency, it shall thereupon be designated Game and Fish Commission.
Section 18. Railroad and Public Utilities Commission. The legislature
shall establish a Railroad and Public Utilities Commission and prescribe
its membership, duties, and powers, including quasi-judicial powers.
Section 19. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a
group of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I, II, III, and VI through XIV. This section is an integral
part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid if this section
is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 12-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article VI of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article VI of the constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE VI
SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. Secret Vote; Direct Vote; Choice by Plurality; Regulation
of Elections. Unless otherwise provided herein, all elections by the people
shall be by secret and direct vote and shall be determined by a plurality
of the votes cast. The conduct of elections, requirements for absentee
voting, methods of voting, determination of election returns, and procedure
in election contests shall be prescribed by law. Recognition, regulation,
and nominating procedure of political parties shall be provided by law.
Section 2. Electors; Qualifications; Registration. Every citizen of the
United States who is twenty-one years of age, and who immediately preceding
registration has been a permanent resident for one year in the state and
for six months in the county in which he applies to register, shall upon
registering be a qualified elector of such county at all elections under
this constitution. The legislature shall provide for registration of all
electors, and may provide for registration of electors outside the territorial
limits of the state, and no person may vote unless registered according
to law. A naturalized citizen shall exhibit his certificate of naturalization
or a duly certified copy thereof to the registration officer when applying
for registration.
Section 3. Oath of Electors. Each elector shall take the following oath
upon registering: "I do solemnly swear [or affirm] that I will protect
and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution
of the State of Florida, that I am twenty-one years of age, that I have
been a resident of the State of Florida for one year and of the county
for six months, and that I am qualified to vote under the Constitution
and laws of the State of Florida."
Section 4. Disqualifications. No person convicted of a felony, or judicially
determined to be of unsound mind, or under judicial guardianship because
of mental disability, shall be qualified to vote or hold public office
until his civil rights are restored or his disability removed.
Section 5. General and Special Elections. A general election shall be
held in each county on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
of each even-numbered year to choose a successor to each elective state
or county officer whose term will expire before the next general election
and, except as provided herein, to fill each vacancy in elective office
for the unexpired portion of the term. The month and day of general elections
may be changed by law.
Special elections and referenda shall be held at the time and in the
manner provided by law.
Section 6. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a group
of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I through IV and VII through XIV. This section is an integral
part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid if this section
is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article VIII of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article VIII of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE VIII
TAXATION AND FINANCE
Section 1. Levy of Tax Pursuant to Law; Surrender of Taxing Power Prohibited;
Drawing Money from Treasury. No tax shall be levied except as provided
by law, and the power of taxation shall never be surrendered, suspended,
or contracted away. No money shall be drawn from the treasury except in
pursuance of appropriations made by law; provided, expenses of interim
legislative committees as provided by concurrent resolution, including
compensation of committee employees, may be drawn as legislative expense
unless otherwise provided by law.
Section 2. Credit and Taxing Power; Limitations. The credit of the state
shall not be pledged or loaned, directly or indirectly, to any individual,
company, corporation, partnership, or association. The state shall not
become a joint owner or stockholder in any company, association, or corporation.
No tax shall be levied for the benefit of any chartered company. The legislature
shall not authorize any county, municipality, special district, or agency
of any of them to become a stockholder in any company, association, or
corporation, or to obtain, or to appropriate money for, or to loan its
credit to, any corporation, association, institution, or individual.
Section 3. State Bonds Prohibited. State bonds shall not be issued for
any purpose.
Section 4. County, Municipal, or District Bonds. No county, municipality,
or district shall issue any bonds other than refunding bonds without prior
approval by a majority of the votes cast in an election in which a majority
of the freeholders who are qualified electors residing therein shall participate.
Such election may be held as a special election on that subject only,
or by the use of separate ballots in conjunction with any special or general
election.
Section 5. Uniform and Equal Rate; No State Ad Valorem Tax Except on
Intangibles. (a) The legislature shall provide for raising sufficient
revenue for each fiscal year to defray the expenses of the state, including
state appropriations for state institutions of higher learning and the
uniform system of free public schools, but no ad valorem tax shall be
levied for any state purpose on any property except intangible personal
property. The rate of taxation on all property except intangible personal
property shall be uniform and equal.
(b) The legislature may levy on intangible personal property, in lieu
of all other state, county, district, and municipal taxes, a tax at special
rates not exceeding two mills of the assessed valuation, but any such
intangible tax relating to an obligation secured by lien evidenced by
writing shall be imposed only once. The instrument shall not be entitled
to record until the tax is paid.
(c) The legislature may apportion the proceeds of intangible taxes.
Section 6. Motor Vehicle License Tax. Motor vehicles shall be subject
to a license tax on an annual basis for their operation in lieu of all
ad valorem taxes on them as personal property.
Section 7. Income Tax Prohibited; Limit on Inheritance or Estate Tax.
No tax shall be levied by the state or under its authority upon the income,
inheritances, or estates of citizens or residents of the state; provided,
the legislature may provide for the assessment, levy, and collection of
a tax upon inheritances or estates of decedents not exceeding in the aggregate
the amounts which may by any law of the United States be credited against
or deducted from any similar tax on inheritances, or taxes on estates,
assessed or levied by the United States on the same subject. The legislature
may apportion all taxes collected hereunder to any state, county, or municipal
purposes.
Section 8. Allocation of Pari-Mutuel Excise Taxes. The legislature shall
have the power to allocate and distribute to the counties, in equal amounts
and at such times as it shall determine, any portion or all of the proceeds
of state excise taxes on the operation of pari-mutuel pools.
Section 9. Board of Administration; Gasoline and Like Taxes; Distribution
and Use. (a) Until January 1, 1993, the proceeds of two cents per gallon
of the total tax levied by state law upon gasoline and other like products
of petroleum, now known as the Second Gas Tax, and upon other fuels used
to propel motor vehicles, shall as collected be placed monthly in the
State Roads Distribution Fund in the state treasury and divided into three
equal parts which shall be distributed monthly among the several counties
as follows:
One part according to area, one part according to population, and one
part according to the counties' contributions to the cost of state road
construction in the ratio of distribution as provided in Chapter 15659,
Laws of Florida, Acts of 1931, and for the purpose of the apportionment
based on the counties' contributions for the cost of state road construction,
the amount of the contributions established by the certificates made in
1931 pursuant to said Chapter 15659, shall be taken and deemed conclusive
in computing the monthly amounts distributable according to said contributions.
Such funds so distributed shall be administered by the State Board of
Administration as hereinafter provided.
(b) The Governor as chairman, the state Treasurer, and the state Comptroller
shall constitute a body corporate to be known as the State Board of Administration.
Said board shall have, in addition to such powers as may be conferred
upon it by law, the management, control, and supervision of the proceeds
of said two cents of said taxes and all monies and other assets which
on January 1, 1943, are applicable or may become applicable to the bonds
of the several counties of this state, or any special road and bridge
district, or other special taxing district thereof, issued prior to July
1, 1931, for road and bridge purposes. The word "bonds" as used herein
shall include bonds, time warrants, notes, and other forms of indebtedness
issued for road and bridge purposes by any county or special road and
bridge district or other special taxing district, outstanding on July
1, 1931, or any refunding issues thereof. Said board shall have the statutory
powers of boards of county commissioners and bond trustees and of any
other authority of special road and bridge districts, and other special
taxing districts thereof with regard to said bonds (except that the power
to levy ad valorem taxes is expressly withheld from said board) and shall
take over all papers, documents, and records concerning the same. Said
board shall have the power from time to time to issue refunding bonds
to mature prior to January 1, 1993, for any of said outstanding bonds
or interest thereon, and to secure them by a pledge of anticipated receipts
from such gasoline or other fuel taxes to be distributed to such county
as herein provided, but not at a greater rate of interest than said bonds
now bear; and to issue, sell or exchange on behalf of any county or unit
for the sole purpose of retiring said bonds issued by such county, or
special road and bridge district, or other special taxing district thereof,
gasoline or other fuel tax anticipation certificates bearing interest
at not more than three percent per annum in such denominations and maturing
at such time prior to January 1, 1993, as the board may determine. In
addition to exercising the powers now provided by statute for the investment
of sinking funds, said board may use the sinking funds created for said
bonds of any county or special road and bridge district, or other unit
hereunder, to purchase the matured or maturing bonds participating herein
of any other county or any other special road and bridge district, or
other special taxing district thereof, provided that as to said matured
bonds, the value thereof as an investment shall be the price paid therefor,
which shall not exceed the par value plus accrued interest, and that said
investment shall bear interest at the rate of three percent per annum.
(c) The said board shall annually use said funds in each county account,
first, to pay current principal and interest maturing, if any, of said
bonds and gasoline or other fuel tax anticipation certificates of such
county or special road and bridge district, or other special taxing district
thereof; second, to establish a sinking fund account to meet future requirements
of said bonds and gasoline or other fuel tax anticipation certificates
where it appears the anticipated income for any year or years will not
equal scheduled payments thereon; and third, any remaining balance out
of the proceeds of said two cents of said taxes shall monthly during the
year be remitted by said board as follows: Eighty percent to the State
Road Department for the construction or reconstruction of state roads
and bridges within the county, or for the lease or purchase of bridges
connecting state highways within the county, and twenty percent to the
board of county commissioners of such county for use on roads and bridges
therein.
(d) Said board shall have the power to make and enforce all rules and
regulations necessary to the full exercise of the powers hereby granted
and no legislation shall be required to render this section of full force
and operating effect from and after January 1, 1943. The legislature shall
continue the levies of said taxes during the life of this section, and
shall not enact any law having the effect of withdrawing the proceeds
of said two cents of said taxes from the operation of this section. The
board shall pay refunding expenses and other expenses for services rendered
specifically for, or which are properly chargeable to, the account of
any county from funds distributed to such county; but general expenses
of the board for services rendered all the counties alike shall be prorated
among them and paid out of said funds on the same basis said tax proceeds
are distributed among the several counties; provided, report of said expenses
shall be made to each regular session of the legislature, and the legislature
may limit the expenses of the board.
Section 10. Tax Exemptions. (a) Personal Effects and Household Goods
of Family Head. No tax shall be levied on $500 of the assessed valuation
of household goods and personal effects of the head of a family residing
in this state, or on $500 of the assessed valuation of property of a widow
residing in this state or of a resident who has lost a limb or been disabled
by war or other misfortune. These exemptions may be claimed concurrently.
(b) Exemption of Homestead from Taxation. Every person who has the legal
title or beneficial title in equity to real property in this state and
who resides thereon and in good faith makes the same his or her permanent
home, or the permanent home of another or others legally or naturally
dependent upon said person, shall be entitled to an exemption from all
taxation, except for assessments for special benefits, up to the assessed
valuation of $5,000 on the said home and contiguous real property, as
defined in Article IX hereof. Said title may be held by the entireties,
jointly, or in common with others, and said exemption may be apportioned
among such of the owners as shall reside thereon, as their respective
interests shall appear, but no such exemption of more than $5,000 shall
be allowed to any one person or on any one dwelling house, nor shall the
amount of the exemption allowed any person exceed the proportionate assessed
valuation based on the interest owned by such person. The legislature
may prescribe appropriate and reasonable laws regulating the manner of
establishing the right to said exemption.
(c) Religious, Charitable, and Other Institutions. Property held and
used exclusively for state, county, or municipal purposes shall be exempt
from taxation, and the legislature may exempt from taxation property held
and used exclusively for religious, charitable, educational, literary,
or scientific purposes, and property of a corporation authorized to construct
a ship or barge canal across the state.
(d) No tax exemption shall be granted unless authorized herein.
Section 11. Local Taxation. The legislature shall make adequate provision
for the assessment of property for taxation and the levying of taxes and
of assessments for special benefits by counties and municipalities and
by or for districts, for their respective purposes and for no other purpose.
The legislature shall prescribe regulations that will insure a just valuation
of all taxable real and personal property, and all assessments shall be
subject to review, equalization, or adjustment as provided by law. The
rate of taxation shall be uniform and equal.
Section 12. Illegal Tax; Prerequisite to Relief. Each taxpayer shall
pay into court the portion of his taxes admitted to be regularly assessed
and legally imposed before he can seek judicial relief from payment of
the remainder, and before such relief is granted he shall pay any additional
amount found to be due.
Section 13. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a
group of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, and IX through XIV. This section
is an integral part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid
if this section is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 16-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article X of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article X of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE X
EDUCATION
Section 1. Uniform System of Free Public Schools and Higher Institutions.
The legislature shall provide for the establishment, maintenance, and
operation of a uniform system of free public schools, and for institutions
of higher learning, and may for a period of emergency not to extend beyond
the adjournment date for the next regular session of the legislature provide
assistance for other non-sectarian schools.
Section 2. State Board of Education; Powers; Duties. The members of the
cabinet shall constitute the State Board of Education, which shall be
a body corporate and have the management and investment of all state school
funds pursuant to applicable law and such supervision of public schools
and institutions of higher learning as may be provided by law.
Section 3. County School Boards; Membership; Duties. In each county the
school board members shall constitute the county school board, which shall
operate, control, and supervise all public schools within the county,
levy the county school taxes, appoint the county school superintendent
in those counties in which appointment is authorized, and perform other
duties prescribed by law.
Section 4. State School Fund; Derivation; Use. The State School Fund
shall consist of the proceeds of all lands granted to the state by the
United States for public school purposes, twenty-five percent of the proceeds
of sale of other public lands now or hereafter owned by the state, proceeds
from escheats and forfeitures, state appropriations, and donations to
this fund or to the state without specification of purpose. The principal
of this fund shall remain inviolate, and interest derived from investment
thereof shall be applied exclusively to the support of free public schools.
Such interest and all other state means provided for the support and maintenance
of free public schools shall be apportioned and distributed among the
counties according to a principle of classification prescribed by general
law.
Section 5. County School Fund; Sources; Apportionment; Restriction on
Use. Each county school board shall levy annually for the support of the
free public schools of the county a tax of not less than three or more
than ten mills of the assessed valuation of all taxable property therein,
and upon vote of the electors that pay a tax on real or personal property
it may levy an additional tax not exceeding ten mills. The County School
Fund shall consist of the proceeds of these taxes, its share of the interest
derived from the state school fund, any state appropriations distributed
to it, and revenue derived from any other source for support and maintenance
of free public schools. The county school board shall disburse these proceeds
solely for the support and maintenance of free public schools as prescribed
by general law, but no law shall be enacted authorizing the diversion
or lending of such funds or the use of any part for support of any sectarian
school.
Section 6. School Bonds for Capital Outlay; Issuance. (a) Beginning January
1, 1953, and for thirty years thereafter, the first proceeds of the revenues
derived from the licensing of motor vehicles to the extent necessary to
comply with the provisions of this section shall, as collected, be placed
monthly in the County Capital Outlay and Debt Service School Fund in the
state treasury, and used only as provided in this section. Such revenue
shall be distributed annually among the several counties in the ratio
of the number of instruction units in each county in each year computed
as provided herein. The amount of the first revenues derived from the
licensing of motor vehicles to be so set aside in each year and distributed
as provided herein shall be an amount equal in the aggregate to the product
of four hundred dollars multiplied by the total number of instruction
units in all the counties of the state. The number of instruction units
in each county in each year for the purposes of this section shall be
the greater of (1) the number of instruction units in each county for
the school fiscal year 1951-52 computed in the manner heretofore or hereafter
provided by general law, or (2) the number of instruction units in such
county for the preceding school fiscal year computed in the manner heretofore
or hereafter provided by general law and approved by the state board of
education (hereinafter called the state board).
Such funds so distributed shall be administered by the state board as
now created and constituted by Section 2 of Article X hereof. For the
purposes of this section, the state board, as now constituted, shall continue
as a body corporate during the life of this section and shall have all
the powers provided in this section in addition to all other constitutional
and statutory powers related to the purposes of this section heretofore
or hereafter conferred upon the state board.
(b) The state board shall, in addition to its other constitutional and
statutory powers, have the management, control, and supervision of the
proceeds of the first part of the revenues derived from the licensing
of motor vehicles provided for in subsection (a) hereof. The state board
shall also have power, for the purpose of obtaining funds for the use
of any county school board in acquiring, building, constructing, altering,
improving, enlarging, furnishing, or equipping capital outlay projects
for school purposes, to issue bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation
certificates, and also to issue such bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation
certificates to pay, fund, or refund any bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation
certificates theretofore issued by said state board. All such bonds shall
bear interest at not exceeding four and one-half (4 1/2) percent per annum
and shall mature serially in annual installments commencing not more than
three years from the date of issuance thereof and ending not later than
January 1, 1983, and each annual installment shall not be less than three
percent of the total amount of the issue. All such motor vehicle tax anticipation
certificates shall bear interest at not exceeding four percent per annum
and shall mature prior to January 1, 1983. The state board shall have
power to determine all other details of said bonds or motor vehicle tax
anticipation certificates and to sell at public sale after public advertisement,
or exchange said bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates,
upon such terms and conditions as the state board shall provide.
The state board shall also have power to pledge for the payment of the
principal of and interest on such bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation
certificates, including refunding bonds or refunding motor vehicle tax
anticipation certificates, all or any part from the anticipated revenues
to be derived from the licensing of motor vehicles provided for in this
section and to enter into any covenants and other agreements with the
holders of such bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates at
the time of the issuance thereof concerning the security thereof and the
rights of the holders thereof, all of which covenants and agreements shall
constitute legally binding and irrevocable contracts with such holders
and shall be fully enforceable by such holders in any court of competent
jurisdiction.
No such bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates shall ever
be issued by the state board until after the adoption of a resolution
requesting the issuance thereof by the county school board of the county
on behalf of which such obligations are to be issued. The state board
shall limit the amount of such bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation
certificates which can be issued on behalf of any county to seventy-five
percent of the amount which it determines can be serviced by the revenue
accruing to the county under the provisions of this section. All such
bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates shall be issued in
the name of the state board but shall be issued for and on behalf of the
county school board requesting the issuance thereof, and no election or
approval of qualified electors or freeholders shall be required for the
issuance thereof.
(c) The state board shall in each year use the funds distributable pursuant
to this section to the credit of each county only in the following manner
and order of priority:
(1) To pay all amounts of principal and interest maturing in such year
on any bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates issued under
the authority hereof, including refunding bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation
certificates, issued on behalf of the county school board of such county;
subject, however, to any covenants or agreements made by the state board
concerning the rights between holders of different issues of such bonds
or motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates, as herein authorized.
(2) To establish and maintain a sinking fund or funds to meet future
requirements for debt service, or reserves therefor, on bonds or motor
vehicle tax anticipation certificates issued on behalf of the county school
board of such county, under the authority hereof, whenever the state board
shall deem it necessary or advisable, and in such amounts and under such
terms and conditions as the state board shall in its discretion determine.
(3) To distribute annually to the several county school boards for use
in payment of debt service on bonds heretofore or hereafter issued by
any such board where the proceeds of the bonds were used, or are to be
used, in the construction, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, furnishing,
or equipping of capital outlay projects in such county, and which capital
outlay projects have been approved by the county school board pursuant
to a survey or surveys conducted subsequent to July 1, 1947, in the county,
under regulations prescribed by the state board to determine the capital
outlay needs of the county.
The state board shall have power at the time of issuance of any bonds
by any county school board to covenant and agree with such board as to
the rank and priority of payments to be made for different issues of bonds
under this subsection (3), and may further agree that any amounts to be
distributed under this subsection (3) may be pledged for the debt service
on bonds issued by any county school board and for the rank and priority
of such pledge. Any such covenants or agreements of the state board may
be enforced by any holders of such bonds in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(4) To distribute annually to the several county school boards for the
payment of the cost of the construction, acquisition, improvement, enlargement,
furnishing, or equipping of capital outlay projects for school purposes
in such county as shall be requested by resolution of the county school
board of such county.
(5) When all major capital outlay needs of a county have been met as
determined by the state board, on the basis of a survey made pursuant
to regulations of the state board and approved by the state board, all
such funds remaining shall be distributed annually and used for such school
purposes in such county as the county school board shall determine, or
as may be provided by general law.
(d) Capital outlay projects of a county shall be eligible to participate
in the funds accruing under this section and derived from the proceeds
of bonds and motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates and from the
motor vehicle license taxes, only in the order of priority of needs, as
shown by a survey or surveys conducted in the county under regulations
prescribed by the state board, to determine the capital outlay needs of
the county and approved by the state board; provided, the priority of
such projects may be changed from time to time upon the request of the
county school board and with the approval of the state board; and provided
further, this subsection (d) shall not in any manner affect any covenant,
agreement, or pledge made by the state board in the issuance by the state
board of any bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates, or
in connection with the issuance of any bonds of any county school board.
(e) The state board may invest any sinking fund or funds created pursuant
to this section in direct obligations of the United States or in the bonds
or motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates, matured or to mature,
issued by the state board on behalf of any county school board.
(f) The state board shall have power to make and enforce all rules and
regulations necessary to the full exercise of the powers herein granted
and no legislation shall be required to render this section of full force
and operating effect from and after January 1, 1953; provided, the legislature
may by general law of state-wide application, but not by any law based
on population, repeal or amend rules and regulations promulgated under
this section. The legislature shall not reduce the levies of said motor
vehicle license taxes during the life of this section to any degree which
will fail to provide the full amount necessary to comply with the provisions
of this section and pay the necessary expenses of administering the laws
relating to the licensing of motor vehicles, and shall not enact any law
having the effect of withdrawing the proceeds of such motor vehicle license
taxes from the operation of this section and shall not enact any law impairing
or materially altering the rights of the holders of any bonds or motor
vehicle tax anticipation certificates issued pursuant to this section
or impairing or altering any covenant or agreement of the state board
as provided in such bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation certificates.
The state board shall have power to appoint such persons and fix their
compensation for the administration of the provisions of this section
as it shall deem necessary, and the expenses of the state board in administering
the provisions of this section shall be prorated among the various counties
and paid out of the proceeds of the bonds or motor vehicle tax anticipation
certificates or from the funds distributable to each county on the same
basis as such motor vehicle license taxes are distributable to the various
counties under the provisions of this section. Interest or profit on sinking
fund investments shall accrue to the counties in proportion to their respective
equities in the sinking fund or funds.
Section 7. County School Bonds; Issuance; Payment; Restrictions. The
legislature may authorize county school boards to issue bonds to raise
funds for the exclusive use of the free public schools of the county whenever
the issuance of such bonds is approved by a majority of the votes cast
in an election in which a majority of the electors who are freeholders
participate; provided, no election shall be necessary to issue refunding
bonds. A special tax on all taxable property in the county shall be levied
at a rate sufficient to meet and shall be applied exclusively to the payment
when due of the installments of principal and interest on such bonds.
Such bonds shall become payable within thirty years from the date of issuance
in annual installments commencing not more than three years after the
date of issuance. After the first three years from date of issuing, each
annual installment shall be not less than three percent of the total amount
of the issue. The principal of such bonds, together with the principal
of the existing indebtedness of the county incurred for public school
purposes and unpaid bonds of special tax school districts thereof shall
not exceed twenty percent of the assessed valuation of all taxable property
of the county.
Section 8. White and Colored; Separate Schools. White and colored children
shall not be taught in the same school, but impartial provision shall
be made for both.
Section 9. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a group
of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I through IV, VI through IX, and XI through XIV. This section
is an integral part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid
if this section is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 17-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article XI of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article XI of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE XI
MILITIA
Section 1. Composition of Militia. The militia shall be composed of all
able-bodied inhabitants of the state that are or have declared their intention
to become citizens of the United States; and no person shall because of
religious creed or opinion be exempted from military duty except under
conditions prescribed by law.
Section 2. Organization; Equipping; Housing; Discipline; Safekeeping
of Arms. The legislature may provide for organizing, equipping, housing,
maintaining, and disciplining the militia of the state, and for the safekeeping
of public arms.
Section 3. Officers of Militia. The Governor shall appoint all commissioned
officers of the militia, including an adjutant general. The appointment
of all general officers shall be with the consent of the Senate. Officers
shall take rank according to the dates of their commissions. The personnel
of the state militia, when uniformed, shall wear the uniform prescribed
by law.
Section 4. Call by Governor. The Governor shall have power to call out
the militia to preserve the public peace, to execute the laws of the state,
to suppress insurrection, or to repel invasion.
Section 5. Federally Recognized National Guard. Whenever a federally
recognized national guard exists in the state it shall be sui generis
and subject to the lawful orders of the Governor, who shall be commander-in-chief.
It may be supported and maintained by the state pursuant to the provisions
of federal statutes and regulations of the United States department of
defense pertaining to organizing, arming, governing, and disciplining
it. Its officers, including the adjutant general, shall be appointed,
and shall be subject to suspension, discharge, removal, or compulsory
retirement, solely on the basis of military proficiency, character, and
service determined pursuant to United States department of defense regulations
and usages sanctioned by law, and the qualifications of its personnel
shall be those prescribed in military regulations of the United States
department of defense.
Section 6. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a group
of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I through IV, VI through X, and XII through XIV. This section
is an integral part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid
if this section is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 18-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article XIV of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article XIV of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE XIV
SPECIAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Cities of Jacksonville and Key West. Subject to vote of the
county electors the legislature may establish or abolish, and without
such vote may amend the laws governing, two municipalities, to be named
the City of Jacksonville and the City of Key West, extending respectively
throughout the present territory of Duval and Monroe Counties, superseding
all governmental agencies therein, and succeeding to the ownership of
all property thereof and of municipalities therein. Subject to the provisions
hereof governing special and local laws other than provisions relating
to jurisdiction and duties of any class of officers, summoning and empaneling
of grand and petit juries, assessment and collection of taxes for county
purposes, and regulation of fees and compensation of county officers,
the legislature may prescribe the functions, powers, and jurisdiction
of each municipality, may divide it into districts, may determine what
portion of it is rural and subject to the limitations on rural homestead
realty, and may prescribe the system of taxation and liabilities of the
municipality and its districts; provided, upon establishment of each municipality
the respective properties taxable for debts then existing shall be solely
liable therefor.
Each municipality may exercise all municipal powers herein granted and
shall perform all functions and enjoy all powers and privileges of a county,
including representation in the legislature. County offices shall not
be abolished or consolidated without providing for performance of state
functions assigned thereto. The legislature shall not abolish the offices
of clerk of the circuit court and sheriff but may prescribe special methods
and times of filling them.
Section 2. Dade County Home Rule. (1) The electors of Dade
County are granted power to adopt, revise, and amend from time to time
a home rule charter of government for Dade County, under which the board
of county commissioners of Dade County shall be the governing body. This
charter:
(a) Shall fix the boundaries of each county commission district, provide
a method for changing them from time to time, and fix the number, terms
and compensation of the commissioners, and their method of election.
(b) May grant full power and authority to the board of county commissioners
of Dade County to pass ordinances relating to the affairs, property, and
government of Dade County and provide suitable penalties for the violation
thereof; to levy and collect such taxes as may be authorized by general
law and no other taxes, and to do everything necessary to carry on a central
metropolitan government in Dade County.
(c) May change the boundaries of, merge, consolidate, and abolish and
may provide a method for changing the boundaries of, merging, consolidating
and abolishing from time to time all municipal corporations, county or
district governments, special taxing districts, authorities, boards, or
other governmental units whose jurisdiction lies wholly within Dade County,
whether such governmental units are created by the constitution or the
legislature or otherwise, except the Dade County Board of County Commissioners
as it may be provided for from time to time by this home rule charter
and the county school board of Dade County.
(d) May provide a method by which any and all of the functions or powers
of any municipal corporation or other governmental unit in Dade County
may be transferred to the board of county commissioners of Dade County.
(e) May provide a method for establishing new municipal corporations,
special taxing districts, and other governmental units in Dade County
from time to time and provide for their government and prescribe their
jurisdiction and powers.
(f) May abolish and may provide a method for abolishing from time to
time all county offices provided herein or by the legislature except the
county school superintendent and may provide for the consolidation and
transfer of the functions of such offices, provided, however, that there
shall be no power to abolish or impair the jurisdiction of the circuit
court or to abolish any other court provided for by this constitution
or by general law, or the judges or clerks thereof although such charter
may create new courts and judges and clerks thereof with jurisdiction
to try all offenses against ordinances passed by the board of county commissioners
of Dade County and none of the other courts provided for by this constitution
or by general law shall have original jurisdiction to try such offenses,
although the charter may confer appellate jurisdiction on such courts,
and provided further that if said home rule charter shall abolish any
county office or offices as authorized in this section, that said charter
shall contain adequate provision for the carrying on of all functions
of said office or offices as are now or may hereafter be prescribed by
general law.
(g) Shall provide a method by which each municipal corporation in Dade
County shall have the power to make, amend or repeal its own charter.
Upon adoption of this home rule charter by the electors this method shall
be exclusive and the legislature shall have no power to amend or repeal
the charter of any municipal corporation in Dade County.
(h) May change the name of Dade County.
(i) Shall provide a method for the recall of any commissioner and a
method for initiative and referendum, including the initiation of and
referendum on ordinances and the amendment or revision of the home rule
charter, provided, however, that the power of the Governor and Senate
relating to the suspension and removal of officers provided for herein
shall not be impaired, but shall extend to all officers provided for in
said home rule charter.
(2) Provision shall be made for the protection of the creditors of any
governmental unit which is merged, consolidated, or abolished or whose
boundaries are changed or functions or powers transferred.
(3) This home rule charter shall be prepared by a Metropolitan Charter
Board created by the legislature and shall be presented to the electors
of Dade County for ratification or rejection in the manner provided by
the legislature. Until a home rule charter is adopted the legislature
may from time to time create additional charter boards to prepare charters
to be presented to the electors of Dade County for ratification or rejection
in the manner provided by the legislature. Such charter, once adopted
by the electors, may be amended only by the electors of Dade County and
this charter shall provide a method for submitting future charter revisions
and amendments to the electors of Dade County.
(4) The county commission shall continue to receive its pro rata share
of all revenues payable by the state from whatever source to the several
counties and the state shall pay to the commission all revenues which
would have been paid to any municipality in Dade County which may be abolished
by or in the method provided by this home rule charter; provided, however,
the commission shall reimburse the state Comptroller for the expense incurred
if any, in the keeping of separate records to determine the amounts of
money which would have been payable to any such municipality.
(5) Nothing in this section shall limit or restrict the power of the
legislature to enact general laws which shall relate to Dade County and
any other one or more counties or to any municipality in Dade County and
any other one or more municipalities of the state, and the home rule charter
provided for herein shall not conflict with any provision hereof or of
any applicable general laws now applying to Dade County and any other
one or more counties except as expressly authorized in this section, nor
shall any ordinance enacted pursuant to said home rule charter conflict
with this constitution or any such applicable general law except as expressly
authorized in this section, nor shall the charter of any municipality
in Dade County conflict with this constitution or any such applicable
general law except as expressly authorized in this section, provided however
that said charter and said ordinances enacted in pursuance thereof may
conflict with, modify or nullify any existing local, special or general
law applicable only to Dade County.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or restrict the
power of the legislature to enact general laws which shall relate to Dade
County and any other one or more counties or to any municipality in Dade
County and any other one or more municipalities relating to county or
municipal affairs and all such general laws shall apply to Dade County
and to all municipalities therein to the same extent as if this section
had not been adopted and such general laws shall supersede any part or
portion of the home rule charter provided for in this section in conflict
therewith and shall supersede any provision of any ordinance enacted pursuant
to said charter and in conflict therewith, and shall supersede any provision
of any charter of any municipality in Dade County in conflict therewith.
(7) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or restrict the
power and jurisdiction of the railroad and public utilities commission
or of any other state agency, bureau or commission now or hereafter provided
for herein or by general law and said state agencies, bureaus and commissions
shall have the same powers in Dade County as shall be conferred upon them
in regard to other counties.
(8) If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or provision of this
section is held invalid as violative of the provisions hereof relating
to amendments the remainder of this section shall not be affected by such
invalidity.
(9) It is declared to be the intent of the legislature and of the electors
of the state to provide by this section home rule for the people of Dade
County in local affairs and this section shall be liberally construed
to carry out such purpose, and it is further declared to be the intent
of the legislature and of the electors of the state that the provisions
hereof and of general laws which shall relate to Dade County and any other
one or more counties of the state or to any municipality in Dade County
and any other one or more municipalities of the state enacted pursuant
thereto by the legislature shall be the supreme law in Dade County, except
as expressly provided in this section and this section shall be strictly
construed to maintain such supremacy hereof and of the legislature in
the enactment of general laws pursuant thereto.
Section 3. Assessment and Collection of Taxes in Certain Counties. In
Broward, Hillsborough, Monroe, Pinellas, Saint Lucie, and Volusia Counties
the county tax assessor shall assess all property therein upon which ad
valorem taxes are levied by the county or any other taxing authority,
and the county tax collector of each of these counties except Monroe shall
collect all taxes; provided, no law relating thereto shall become effective
in Saint Lucie until approved by vote of the electors, and in Broward
the county tax assessor and county tax collector shall respectively assess
and collect the taxes of only those municipalities that by ordinance so
request. The legislature shall prescribe additional compensation corresponding
to the additional functions performed.
Section 4. Consolidation of County Offices and Transfer of Municipal
Tax Functions; Orange County. The legislature may provide for creation,
abolition, or consolidation of any Orange County offices except judicial
offices or for assessment or collection of municipal taxes and assessments
by the county tax officers and distribution of the proceeds to the municipal
authorities; provided, additional compensation for performance of additional
tax functions shall be provided, and the law shall be subject to approval
by county referendum held within ninety days of its enactment and after
publication of notice in a newspaper of general circulation once in each
of the four weeks immediately preceding the election. Laws so approved
relating respectively to municipal tax assessment or collection and to
creation or consolidation of county offices shall respectively take effect
on the first day of the year following the referendum and on the first
Tuesday after the first Monday of the year following the first United
States presidential election held after the referendum.
Section 5. Appointment of County School Superintendent in Certain Counties.
Upon authorization by local law or by vote of the county electors at a
special election called by the board of county commissioners upon request
by the county school board and held within sixty days of receipt thereof,
the county school board of Dade, Duval, Pinellas, and Sarasota Counties
shall appoint the county school superintendent, and not less than four
years after such authorization the county may by either method revoke
it.
Section 6. Escambia County Fees. All charges collected by the officers
of Escambia County shall be paid into its general fund and disbursed as
provided by law, and the compensation and expenses of its officers shall
be provided for by local law.
Section 7. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a group
of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I through IV and VI through XIII. This section is an integral
part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid if this section
is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 29-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article III of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article III of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE III
LEGISLATIVE
Section 1. Composition. The legislative power of the state shall be vested
in a Legislature of the State of Florida, consisting of a Senate and a
House of Representatives, whose sessions shall be held at the seat of
government.
Section 2. (a) Regular Sessions; Extensions. A regular legislative session
shall be convened on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in April
of each odd-numbered year for not more than sixty consecutive days; provided,
by three-fifths vote of the membership of each house it may be extended
from time to time for periods not exceeding in the aggregate thirty calendar
days, not necessarily consecutive but not extending beyond the following
August, during which no new legislation may be introduced without the
consent of two-thirds of the house in which it originates.
(b) Extra Sessions. When within sixty days from the filing of the first
certificate one-fifth of the membership of each house of the legislature
shall have filed with the secretary of state their certificates that an
extra session of the legislature is required for the common good, he shall
within seven days thereafter give notice thereof to all legislators by
registered mail and poll them on the question: "Shall such session be
held?" If three-fifths of the membership of each house shall within fifteen
days after such mailing file with him their affirmative votes thereon,
he shall call such session to convene on a date fixed by him not less
than fourteen or more than twenty-one days after such mailing. Such session
shall not exceed thirty consecutive days.
(c) Special Sessions. The governor may by proclamation stating the purpose
convene the legislature in special session not to exceed twenty consecutive
days, during which only such legislative business may be transacted as
pertains to reapportionment, if action thereon is required, or as is within
the purview of the proclamation or of a communication from the governor
or is introduced by consent of two-thirds of each house.
(d) Reapportionment Sessions. Should the legislature fail to reapportion
its representation at any regular session as herein provided, the governor
shall call the legislature into reapportionment session, to be convened
within thirty days after adjournment of the regular session, to perform
its duty in that behalf. Such session shall transact no other business
and shall complete reapportionment before adjournment; provided, after
the lapse of sixty days from the date such session is convened the governor
by proclamation or the legislature by concurrent resolution may adjourn
the session to a certain date or sine die.
(e) Organization; Expenses. The legislature may provide for its organization,
expenses, and other incidental matters, including per diem of members.
(f) Adjournment by Governor. If during any session the two houses cannot
agree upon a time for adjournment, the governor may adjourn the session
sine die or to any date within the period authorized for such session;
provided, at least two legislative days before adjourning the session
he shall while neither house is in recess give each house formal written
notice of his intention to do so, and agreement reached within that period
by both houses on a time for adjournment shall prevail.
Section 3. (a) First Legislature. The first legislature shall be composed
of the legislators elected pursuant to the constitution of 1885, whose
terms of office shall expire as therein provided, and of the additional
legislators created hereby. If this article becomes effective as the result
of a special election thereon the additional legislative offices created
hereby shall be filled at the general election in 1958. If this article
becomes effective as the result of a general election the additional legislative
offices created hereby shall be filled by a special election, as provided
by law, as early as practicable after the effective date hereof. Senators
from odd-numbered districts shall be those elected in 1956 and senators
from even-numbered districts shall be those elected in 1958; provided,
the first senators from the additional odd-numbered districts created
hereby shall be elected, at a general or special election as provided
in this subsection, for a term expiring with the terms of senators from
the other odd-numbered districts.
(b) Terms of Legislators; Vacancies. Except as provided herein for the
first senators from the additional odd-numbered districts created hereby,
each representative shall be elected for a term of two years and each
senator for a term of four years by the electors of the area within which
he qualifies, at a general election held in the year in which the term
of the incumbent expires. He shall take office upon election. Vacancies
shall be filled only by special election as provided by law.
(c) Qualifications of Legislators. Each legislator shall be at least
twenty-one years of age and an elector and resident of the district or
county from which elected.
(d) Eligibility for Other Office. Except as provided herein, no legislator
shall during the term for which elected be appointed to any appointive
state civil office created by the legislature during such term.
(e) Compensation; Allowances. Each legislator shall receive compensation,
payable monthly, not exceeding $2,400 per annum until November 1962 and
thereafter as provided by law, and shall receive travel and per diem allowances
as provided by law.
Section 4. Representation; Apportionment. (a) Senate. The state shall
be apportioned into forty-five senatorial districts designated by number
in consecutive order. Such apportionment shall provide fairness and equity
among districts, based upon population and such other pertinent factors
as may be determined by the legislature at the time of apportionment;
provided:
(1) There shall be only one senator for each district;
(2) No district shall be composed of more than three counties;
(3) Counties forming a district shall not be entirely separated by territory
of another district; and
(4) No county shall be divided in creating a district.
(b) House of Representatives. The representation in the house of representatives
shall be apportioned as follows:
(1) Five representatives for the most populous county;
(2) Four representatives for each of the next two most populous counties;
(3) Three representatives for each of the next seven most populous counties;
(4) Two representatives for each of the next twenty-three most populous
counties; and
(5) One representative for each other county.
(c) First Apportionment; Reapportionment. The first apportionment of
each legislative house shall become effective upon adoption hereof, and
at the regular session in 1965 and decennially thereafter the legislature
shall reapportion its representation in accordance herewith. Should it
fail to do so, its duty shall continue in every session, of whatever type.
(d) Representation of Newly Created County. A newly created county shall
have one representative in the house of representatives until the succeeding
reapportionment, and until that time it shall be part of such adjoining
senatorial district as the legislature shall designate.
Section 5. Organization; Officers. Each house shall be the sole judge
of the qualifications, elections, and returns of its members, and upon
convening each regular session shall choose its officers, including a
permanent presiding officer selected from its membership, who shall be
designated in the senate as President of the Senate, and in the house
as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The senate shall designate
a Secretary, to serve at its pleasure; the house of representatives shall
designate a Chief Clerk, to serve at its pleasure; and the legislature
may designate an auditor, to serve at its pleasure, to post-audit state
accounts and any others prescribed by law.
Each house of the legislature shall provide a liaison representative
to the budgeting authority. He shall be responsible to his appointive
house only, shall have access to all records and information available
to the budgeting authority, and may sit with it at any time.
Section 6. Procedure; Adjournment; Open Doors; Journal; Discipline; Compelling
Attendance. Except as provided herein, each house shall determine its
rules of procedure. Neither house may adjourn for more than three days
without the consent of the other. The senate may close its doors to the
public while sitting in executive session. Other sessions of each house
shall be public. Each house shall keep and publish a journal of its proceedings,
in which the yeas and nays of each member on any question shall be entered
upon request of five members present. Each house may punish a member for
contempt and by two-thirds vote may expel him. A majority of the members
elected to each house shall constitute a quorum, but less than a quorum
may adjourn from day to day, compel attendance of absent members, and
prescribe penalties for failure to attend.
Section 7. Attendance of Witnesses; Production of Evidence; Contempt
and Penalties. Each house may when in session compel attendance of witnesses
and production of public and private documents and other evidence upon
any matter under investigation before it or any of its committees, and
may punish by fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding
ninety days any person not a member who has been guilty of disorderly
or contemptuous conduct in its presence or has refused to obey its lawful
summons or to answer lawful questions. For making investigations between
sessions the legislature may confer such powers upon any committee of
legislators by a law limited to the committee designated, to a stated
period of operation, and to the matters specifically assigned. The manner
of exercising such powers, including the fixing of witness fees and expenses
and appropriate right of appeal, shall be prescribed by law.
Section 8. Form of Bill; One Subject; Title; Amendment; Enacting Clause.
Every law shall embrace but one subject and matter properly connected
therewith, which subject shall be briefly expressed in the title. No law
shall be revised or amended by reference to its title only. Laws to revise
or amend shall set out in full the revised act or amended section, subsection,
or paragraph of a subsection. The enacting clause of every law shall read:
"Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida."
Section 9. Passage of Bills. Any bill may originate in either house and
after passage in one may be amended in the other. In each house it shall
be read on three separate days unless two-thirds waive this rule. Its
first reading shall be by title only unless one-third order it read in
full. Its second reading shall be in full unless two-thirds order it read
by title only. Its third reading shall be in full unless it is a general
revision of the entire laws, in which instance two-thirds may order it
read by title only. In each house passage of a bill shall require a majority
vote. On final passage the vote in each house shall be taken by yeas and
nays and entered on its journal. The bill shall be signed by the presiding
officers of the respective houses and by the secretary of the senate and
the chief clerk of the house of representatives.
Section 10. Executive Approval; Veto; Item Veto of Appropriations; Repassage.
Every bill passed by the legislature shall be presented to the governor
for his approval and shall become a law if he approves and signs it, or
fails to do so or to veto it within seven days after presentation; provided,
if during such period the legislature finally adjourns or takes a recess
of more than thirty days he shall have twenty days from the date of adjournment
or recess to act on the bill. In all cases except general appropriation
bills, the veto shall extend to the entire bill. The governor may veto
specific items of a general appropriation bill except the expression of
legislative intent as to expenditures.
When a bill or any item of a general appropriation bill has been vetoed
by the governor, he shall transmit his signed objections thereto to the
house in which the bill originated. If that house is not in session he
shall file them with the secretary of state, who shall lay them before
that house at its next session, and they shall be entered on its journal.
If each house shall reenact the bill or reinstate a vetoed item of an
appropriation bill by two-thirds vote, the yeas and nays shall be entered
on the respective journals, and the bill shall become law or the item
reinstated, the veto notwithstanding.
Section 11. Effective Date of Laws. Each law shall take effect on the
sixtieth day from the date it is filed in the office of the secretary
of state unless otherwise provided therein.
The classification by general law of counties, municipalities, and special
districts according to population shall, as to those falling within a
different class by reason of change in population, become operative thirty
days after the adjournment of the regular session of the legislature next
convening after certification of the census establishing such change.
Section 12. Distribution of Laws; Judicial Decisions. The legislature
shall provide for the speedy publication and distribution of all laws.
Laws and judicial decisions shall be free for publication by any person.
Section 13. Special and Local Laws; Requisites for Enactment. No special
law or local law shall be passed unless notice of intention to seek enactment
thereof has been published in the manner provided by law, in each county
in the area to be affected thereby, not less than thirty days or more
than ninety days prior to introduction in the legislature. The fact that
publication has been made shall be recited on the journal of each house
and the evidence of publication shall be preserved with the bill in the
office of the secretary of state. Such notice shall not be necessary when
the law is conditioned to become effective only upon approval by vote
of the electors.
Section 14. Types of Special and Local Laws Prohibited. The legislature
shall not pass any special or local law pertaining to:
(1) jurisdiction, duties, fees other than those for special county purposes,
or election, including the opening and conducting thereof and the designation
of places of voting, of any officers except municipal officers;
(2) assessment or collection of taxes for state or county purposes, including
extension of time therefor, relief of tax officers from due performance
of their duties, and relief of their sureties from liability;
(3) practice in any court except municipal courts;
(4) rules of evidence in any court;
(5) punishment for crime;
(6) grand or petit juries, including compensation of jurors, except establishment
of jury commissions;
(7) change of civil or criminal venue;
(8) conditions precedent to bringing any civil or criminal proceedings,
or limitations of time therefor;
(9) refund of money legally paid or remission of fines, penalties, or
forfeitures;
(10) creation, enforcement, extension, or impairment of liens, or fixing
of interest rates on private contracts;
(11) disposal of public property, including any interest therein;
(12) vacation of roads;
(13) private incorporation or grant of privilege to a private corporation,
except as to a ship or barge canal across the state;
(14) effectuation of invalid deeds, wills, or other instruments, or change
in the law of descent;
(15) change of name of any person;
(16) divorce;
(17) legitimation or adoption of persons;
(18) relief of minors from legal disabilities;
(19) transfer of any property interest of persons under legal disabilities
or of estates of decedents;
(20) fishing or hunting;
(21) regulation of professions which have a state regulatory board.
The legislature may by general law prohibit special or local laws on
any other subject. Repeal thereof shall be by general law only.
Section 15. Impeachment; Effect; Filling Office During Trial. The governor,
lieutenant governor, justices of the supreme court, members of the cabinet,
judges of district courts of appeal, and judges of the circuit court may
be removed from office only by impeachment by the house of representatives
by two-thirds vote. Impeachments shall be tried by the senate, whose members
shall be upon oath or affirmation when sitting for that purpose, and conviction
shall require concurrence by two-thirds vote. The senate may adjourn to
a fixed date for the trial, which date shall be not more than six months
from the time articles of impeachment are preferred. The house of representatives
need not be in session during the trial. The chief justice or an associate
justice appointed by him shall preside at the trial unless the chief justice
is on trial, in which event the governor shall preside. Judgment shall
extend only to removal from office and disqualification to hold any office
of honor, trust, or profit under the state, and shall not affect the criminal
or civil liability of the convicted officer.
An impeached officer shall immediately be disqualified from performing
any duties until acquitted by the senate, and unless the governor is impeached
he may by appointment fill the office until completion of trial.
Section 16. Appropriation Bills; Withdrawal of Public Funds. Laws making
appropriations for salaries of public officers and other current expenses
of the state shall contain provisions on no other subject.
Section 17. Civil Service Systems and Boards. The legislature may create
or abolish civil service systems and boards for state, county, district,
or municipal employees, and also for such officers thereof as are not
appointed by the governor or elected, and may authorize such boards to
prescribe the qualifications, methods of selection, and tenure of such
employees and officers.
Section 18. Welfare. The legislature may provide by general law for a
uniform system of benefits to residents having claim upon the aid and
sympathy of society by reason of age, infirmity, or misfortune. No person
shall receive state benefits unless he has been a resident of the state
for five years immediately preceding application and, if application is
based solely on age, has reached the age of sixty-five; provided, when
necessary to secure state participation in federal funds the legislature
may adopt the federal requirements then in effect.
Section 19. Mechanics Liens. The legislature shall provide for giving
to mechanics and other laborers an adequate lien on the subject matter
of their labor.
Section 20. Alcoholic Beverages; Legislative Authority. In those counties
in which the sale of intoxicating beverages is not prohibited as herein
provided, the legislature shall regulate the manufacture and sale thereof
by private persons or provide for the manufacture or sale thereof by the
state or a state agency.
Section 21. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a
group of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I, II, IV, and VI through XIV. This section is an integral
part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid if this section
is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV,
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 30-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article XII of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article XII of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE XII
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendment Pursuant to Legislative Action. The legislature
may by joint resolution adopted as provided in this section propose an
amendment to this constitution. A resolution proposing an amendment shall
confine itself to the subject matters of one article but may include any
provisions in other articles relating thereto; provided, when the legislature
submits more than one proposed revised article hereof, to be voted upon
in the same general election, any such proposed article may provide that
it shall not become effective unless other specified proposed articles
are adopted by the electors at such election, and thereupon none of such
proposed articles shall become a part hereof unless all of them are adopted.
The resolution shall be processed in the manner provided herein for enactment
of laws, except that:
(1) It shall forthwith be entered in full on the journal of the house
in which introduced.
(2) The house in which it is introduced shall forthwith furnish a copy
to the attorney general, who shall consider it and within ten days transmit
to each house recommendations or suggestions as to its effect upon other
provisions of the constitution and as to its form and substance, but his
failure to act shall not affect legislative action thereon.
(3) No vote upon the adoption of the joint resolution shall be taken
until on or after the eighteenth calendar day after its introduction in
the originating house. Final adoption shall require affirmative vote of
three-fifths of the membership of each house, the yeas and nays to be
entered on the journal; and if the resolution is amended it shall be entered
on the journals as finally adopted.
(4) The resolution shall not be subject to veto.
Section 2. Submission to Electors. A proposed amendment shall be submitted
to the electors for ratification or rejection at the next general election
held more than seventy days after the adoption of the resolution unless
by vote of three-fourths of the membership of each house the legislature
shall provide for its submission at a special election at an earlier date.
The secretary of state shall cause the proposed amendment, together with
a notice of the date of the election thereon, to be published twice in
one newspaper in each county where a newspaper is published, the first
publication to be not more than ten or less than eight weeks before the
election, and the second publication to be at least one week after the
first and not less than six weeks before the election.
Section 3. Effective Date; Approval by Electors. If a majority of the
electors of the state shall vote in favor of the proposed amendment, it
shall take effect at noon on the first Tuesday after the first Monday
in January next after the election if voted upon in a general election,
and on the sixtieth day after the election if voted upon at a special
election, or in either case at such other date as the joint resolution
shall provide.
A proposed amendment that applies to fewer than all the counties of
the state shall not become a part hereof unless adopted by vote of the
electors of the county or counties designated and also by vote of the
electors of the state.
Section 4. Revision by Convention. Whenever the legislature, by vote
of two-thirds of the membership of each house with the yeas and nays entered
on the journals, determines that revision of the constitution is necessary,
it shall provide for a convention, to be convened within six months thereafter,
to adopt and submit a revision to it for its consideration. The convention
membership shall be equal to and apportioned among the counties in the
same manner as the membership of the senate and house of representatives.
Vacancies shall be filled by the governor. The legislature shall provide
for election of delegates and notice of election. A legislator or any
other public officer may be elected delegate. The convention shall determine
its own organization, discipline, and rules of procedure; provided, a
majority shall be required for all action other than compelling attendance
of absent members.
The legislature shall at its next regular session, or at a special session
called for the purpose, act upon the revision submitted, which may be
amended by vote of three-fourths of the membership of each house. If the
revision is approved by vote of three-fifths of the membership of each
house it shall be submitted to the electors for ratification or rejection
at the next general election held more than seventy days after adoption
of the resolution, unless by vote of three-fourths of the membership of
each house the legislature provides for its submission at an earlier special
election.
Alternatively, by vote of three-fourths of the membership of each house
with the yeas and nays entered on the journals, the legislature may provide
in the resolution providing for the convention that the revision proposed
by the convention shall be submitted directly to the electors for ratification
or rejection at the next general election held more than seventy days
after adoption thereof by the convention.
In either event the secretary of state shall cause the proposed revision
and a notice of the election date to be published twice in one newspaper
in each county where a newspaper is published, the first publication to
be not more than ten or less than eight weeks before the election, and
the second to be at least one week after the first and not less than six
weeks before the election.
Section 5. Effective Date; Approval by Electors. If a majority of the
electors of the state shall vote in favor of the revised constitution,
it shall take effect at noon on the first Tuesday after the first Monday
in January next after the election if voted upon in a general election,
and on the sixtieth day after the election if voted upon at a special
election, or in either case at such other date as the joint resolution
shall provide.
Section 6. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a group
of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I through IV, VI through XI, XIII, and XIV. This section
is an integral part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid
if this section is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE FOR HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 31-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Article XIII of the Constitution
of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The following proposed revision of Article XIII of the Constitution
of Florida is hereby agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors
of Florida for ratification or rejection at an election to be held as
provided at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
ARTICLE XIII
SCHEDULE
Section 1. Constitution Effective Date; Short Title. This constitution
shall take effect at noon, eastern standard time, on the sixtieth day
after its adoption, and as adopted and as thereafter amended, together
with Article V of the constitution of 1885, as amended, shall bear the
short title: Florida Constitution of 1958. When the Preamble and Articles
I through IV and VI through XIV hereof become effective all articles of
the constitution of 1885 except Article V shall be superseded thereby
and are repealed as of that date.
Section 2. Existing Laws, Legal Rights, and Liabilities; Continuance.
All laws, regulations, ordinances, and rules of court not in conflict
herewith shall continue in force until repealed or amended. Unless otherwise
provided herein, no existing judgment, decree, writ, action, cause of
action, prosecution, contract, claim, charter, franchise, or other existing
right or liability shall be affected hereby.
Section 3. First Election; Continuance of Incumbents. Except as provided
herein for special elections and for election of legislators in the first
legislature hereunder, the first elections hereunder shall be at the first
general election after this constitution takes effect. Each person holding
public office at the adoption hereof shall continue therein for the remainder
of the term for which elected; provided, at the effective date hereof
the board of public instruction in each county shall become the county
school board hereunder, the school district trustees and special tax school
district trustees shall cease to hold office, and their duties not inconsistent
herewith shall be performed by the county school board.
Section 4. Effective Date of This Article. This article is one of a group
of fourteen amendments proposed at the same session of the legislature
and submitted to the electors at the same election, and it shall not become
effective or a part of the constitution unless the electors adopt simultaneously
with this article the amendments constituting respectively the Preamble
and Articles I through IV, VI through XII, and XIV. This section is an
integral part of this article and the entire article shall be invalid
if this section is held invalid.
Section 2. The legislature finds as a fact that the interlocking details
and the framework of the constitutional provisions contained in the fourteen
joint resolutions constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution are such that
it would be impracticable to have the provisions of any of them become
operative unless all of them are presented at the same election and are
adopted thereat, and that the constitutional amendment proposed in this
joint resolution should not become effective unless the electors adopt
each of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election.
Section 3. The secretary of state is directed to prepare ballots for
voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election in
such manner that each elector may by a single vote cast his vote for approval
or rejection of all of them and also in such manner that each elector
may, in the alternative, cast his vote for approval or rejection of any
one of them.
Section 4. Upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them shall by its terms not become effective. This entire resolution
shall not become effective if any portion thereof is held invalid.
Section 5. This joint resolution shall not become operative unless and
until House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and all of said fourteen joint resolutions
containing said fourteen proposed amendments, whether originating in the
Senate or the house of representatives, are adopted by each house of the
legislature.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 32-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing revision of Section 1 of Article XVII of
the Constitution of the State of Florida.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The legislature finds as a fact:
(a) that the interlocking details and the framework of the constitutional
amendments contained in the fourteen joint resolutions constituting the
Preamble and Articles I through IV and VI through XIV of the proposed
revised constitution are such that it would be impracticable to have the
provisions of any of them become operative unless all of them are presented
at the same election and are adopted thereat;
(b) that the constitutional amendment proposed in each of said fourteen
joint resolutions should not become effective unless the electors adopt
all of said fourteen proposed amendments at the same election;
(c) that ballots for voting upon said fourteen proposed amendments at
the same election should be prepared in such manner that each elector
may by a single vote cast his vote for approval or rejection of all of
them and also in such manner that each elector may, in the alternative,
cast his vote for approval or rejection of any one of them;
(d) that upon rejection of one or more of said fourteen proposed amendments
each of them should by its terms not become effective; and
(e) that an amendment procedure designed to accomplish the foregoing
objectives should be clearly provided by amending the article of the Constitution
of the State of Florida relating to the amending process.
Section 2. The following amendment repealing and superseding Section
1 of Article XVII of the Constitution of the State of Florida is hereby
agreed to and shall be submitted to the electors of the state at an election
to be provided for at this session of the legislature, that is to say:
Section 1. Method of Amending Constitution. Either branch of the Legislature,
at any regular session, or at any special or extraordinary session thereof
called for such purpose either in the governor's original call or any
amendment thereof, may propose the revision or amendment or revisions
or amendments of any portion or portions of this Constitution. Any such
revision or revisions or amendment or amendments may relate to one subject
or any number of subjects, but no amendment shall consist of more than
one revised article of the Constitution, except as hereinafter provided.
If the proposed revision or revisions or amendment or amendments are
agreed to by three-fifths of the members elected to each house, they shall
be entered upon the respective journals with the yeas and nays and published
in one newspaper in each county where a newspaper is published for two
times, one publication to be made not earlier than ten weeks and the other
not later than six weeks, immediately preceding the election at which
the same are to be voted upon, and thereupon submitted to the electors
of the State for approval or rejection at the next general election, provided,
however, that such revision or revisions or amendment or amendments may
be submitted for approval or rejection in a special election under the
conditions described in and in the manner provided by Section 3 of Article
XVII of this Constitution. If a majority of the electors voting upon the
amendment or amendments adopt such amendment or amendments the same shall
become a part of the Constitution, provided, however, that when the Legislature
submits more than one proposed revised article of the Constitution to
be voted upon in the same election, any such proposed revised article
may provide that it shall not become effective unless other specified
proposed revised articles are approved by the electors at such election,
and in such case none of such proposed revised articles shall become a
part of the Constitution unless all of them are approved.
This amendment shall be effective as of October 1, 1957, and when the
proposed amendment constituting Article XII of the revised Constitution
becomes effective this amendment shall be superseded by it and repealed.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
__________
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 106-X
A JOINT RESOLUTION proposing that the proposed amendment to the Constitution
of the State of Florida set forth in House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and
the proposed amendments constituting the Preamble and Articles I through
IV and VI through XIV of the proposed revised Constitution be submitted
to the electors in the manner prescribed therein at the general election
in 1958.
Be it Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
Section 1. The proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of
Florida set forth in House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and the fourteen
proposed amendments constituting the Preamble and Articles I through IV
and VI through XIV of the proposed revised constitution shall be submitted
to the electors of the state at the general election in 1958 in the manner
prescribed in said House Joint Resolution No. 32-X and in the respective
fourteen joint resolutions containing said fourteen proposed amendments.
Filed in Office Secretary of State October 23, 1957.
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