Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new bill into law that prevents press organizations and the public from scrutinizing his travels and the travels of his aides. The move has received widespread criticism from First Amendment advocates who believe the new measure will make it impossible for reporters to find out whether the governor has utilized state-funded transportation services for campaign events. The bill was created along party lines and exempts the governor, his immediate family, Cabinet members, legislative leaders, dignitaries, and other top-ranking officials’ travel records maintained by law enforcement agencies. This new legislation blocks access to information about the guests of the governor’s mansion where non-governmental business is conducted. Media professionals and other press-related organizations will still be able to obtain high-level information on the travel costs incurred by officials, but not the specifics of their travel plans.
Critics of the governor’s actions believe that the move was made to shield him from scrutiny in the forthcoming 2024 race. DeSantis is expected to make an announcement regarding his presidential candidacy after the Florida legislature adjourns in May. The media has reported that former President Donald Trump has grown critical of DeSantis because he fears the governor could cannibalize his grassroots support base. Up to half of US states have recently passed permitless carry laws, which enable residents to carry weapons without background and permit checks. Critics of such seizures believe that such actions increase the likelihood of shootings and other violent gun crimes.
Florida has also witnessed several instances of gun violence in recent years, including the 2018 Parkland massacre that prompted lawmakers to pass new legislation requiring public schools to hire armed security officers to protect children. However, research has indicated that employing armed security officials usually leads to increased risks of gun violence.
Additionally, Governor DeSantis is involved in a legal dispute with Disney over rapid hotel development that has started to encroach on Disney’s land. Previously, DeSantis had agreed to allow Disney control over the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was adjacent to the entertainment giant’s theme park. However, the agreement collapsed after DeSantis included his political allies in the board of supervisors. Disney responded by signing agreements that rendered the commission powerless to regulate the corporation. Additionally, Disney limited the use of fanciful characters only to agree after two meetings. Garcia, a Tampa lawyer appointed by DeSantis, described the company’s need for acceptance as implacable. Garcia also alleged that the legal agreement had been unlawfully and improperly noticed. To nullify these agreements, DeSantis has suggested introducing new bills that would deter Disney from acting outside of what he considers lawful.
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