The 2024 General Election is just weeks away and the Sun is back to break down another piece of the voting puzzle: the amendments. Several hot-button issues have found their way onto this year’s ballots. From the legalization of marijuana to restrictions surrounding abortions, there is no shortage of intrigue surrounding this election.
Constitutional Amendment #1 (HJR 31; Partisan Election of Members of District School Boards) revolves around the wording of Article IX, Section 4 and Article XII of the State Constitution. This proposal would no longer allow members of district school boards to be elected in nonpartisan elections. This ultimately means that school board candidates must list their party affiliation on the ballot alongside their name like any other prospect.
If adopted, this law will not go into effect until the general election in November 2026. Partisan primary elections may take place before this date, though, “for purposes of nominating political party candidates to that office for placement on the 2026 general election ballot,” Article XII stated.
Constitutional Amendment #2 (CS/HJR; 1157; Right to Fish and Hunt) deals with Article I, Section 28 of the State Constitution. This bill, which was added to the ballot in June of last year, proposes that the state “preserve forever” the rights of citizens to fish and hunt (traditional or otherwise) and take their spoils with them.
Not only does this law insist this as a right, but as a “preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife.” This proposal does not limit the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under Section 9 of Article IV.
Constitutional Amendment #3 (Adult Personal Use of Marijuana) involves a change to Article X, Section 29 of the State Constitution. One of the most high-profile issues on the ballot, this would allow adults at or above the age of 21 to “possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal consumption.”
This also specifically denotes that Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and “other state-licensed entities” are the parties that are allowed to grow and distribute these products. This also does not change or “immunize violations of federal law.” An individual also may not possess over 3.0 ounces of marijuana or more than five grams in the form of concentrate for personal use. This law would go into effect six months after voter approval.
The other high-profile issue on the ballot, Constitutional Amendment #4 (Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion), would add a new section to Article I of the State Constitution. “No law shall prohibit, penalize, delay, or restrict abortion before viability or when necessary to protect the patient’s health, as determined by the patient’s healthcare provider,” the prospective law states.
This would not change the law surrounding the notification of a parent or guardian before a minor has a potential abortion. The legislature would maintain the constitutional authority to require this step regardless. After its addition to the ballot in January 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the amendment was constitutional in April. The law notes that the financial impact of this cannot be determined due to a litany of uncertainties.
Constitutional Amendment #5 (CS/HJR 7017; Annual Adjustments to the Value of Certain Homestead Exemptions) would make changes to Article VII, Section 6 and Article XII of the State Constitution. If you have a homestead exemption, the amount of the exemption will be adjusted yearly by the inflation rate as opposed to the current maximum of $50,000. If passed, this amendment would take effect on January 1, 2025.
Constitutional Amendment #6 (SJR 1114; Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement) proposes an adjustment to Article VI, Section 7 of the State Constitution. It would simply repeal the provision (Section 7) that currently exists in the code that “requires public financing for campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits,” the law stated.
Local Tax Initiatives
Also on the ballot, Hernando County citizens will be asked to vote on a 1% sales surtax increase (“whole cent”) extending from Jan. 2025 through the year 2054 for county government roadway projects, public safety, law enforcement and criminal justice. For reference, in 2022, the half-cent sales tax brought in $17.6 million dollars in revenue, so the full cent would be expected to bring in more than $35.2 million dollars a year.
Then there is the continuation of the .5% sales surtax (“one-half-cent”) for public schools for another ten years. Finally, there is the continuation of the one mill on property taxes for public school teacher salaries, school safety and student mental health services. For fiscal year 2025, the one mill is predicted to bring in $17,224,022.
For more information, prospective voters can visit Hernandovotes.gov. Stick with the Hernando Sun for more election news and information regarding the 2024 General and other future elections.
