Attorney General Pam Bondi had nothing to say to the Florida Supreme Court Monday, and for people working to restore the right to vote to convicted felons, that was welcome news.
The court must decide whether a ballot initiative deals with only one subject and whether the title and summary that voters will see on the ballot fairly describes the amendment. This proposal, which could go before voters in 2018, would restore the voting rights of convicted felons after they have completed their sentences, including probation, and it would not apply to people convicted of sexual battery or murder.
Bondi’s solicitor general, Amit Agarwal, stood before Chief Justice Jorge Labarga, who had one simple question: “Is the attorney general taking a position?”
“No, your honor,” Agarwal replied. That left the hearing to Jon Mills, the former House speaker from Gainesville and UF law school dean, who defended the proposal and seemed to get a sympathetic ear from Justice Barbara Pariente, who observed: “This is really no different than what most other states have.”