However, in the bill’s last committee stop before proceeding to the Senate floor, Flores filed an amendment that drastically changed the bill.
In this amendment, Flores kept the original intent of the bill, but added language that reflected a controversial bill by Senator Tom Lee, R-Hillsborough, that requires the Florida Supreme Court to submit reports to the Florida Legislature, as well as the Governor’s Office. These reports would include information on any cases that have gone past the Florida Supreme Court’s 180-day deadline to render a decision.
Opponents of Sen. Lee’s bill, and its accompanying bill in the Florida House of Representatives have accused the bill of being punitive against the Judicial branch and overstepping Constitutional boundaries.
Senator Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, said, “To me, it’s potentially stepping over a line between the three branches of government for us to be looking at how the Supreme Court implements its own rule.”
This measure has been a high priority in the House, which has been at odds with the Supreme Court over several House measures that the Courts have overturned.
