Disney bill arrives as Florida lawmakers gavel in for 7th special session in 1.5 years

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — State lawmakers have introduced their plan to strip Disney of its particular powers below the Reedy Creek Enchancment District. Officers filed the invoice Monday afternoon, shortly after the Legislature gaveled in for this week’s particular session in Tallahassee.

The coverage reigns in Reedy Creek’s energy, which presently permits Disney to handle about 40 sq. miles of land round its Orlando theme parks like a county authorities.

The proposal would not get rid of the district, that means Disney retains its greater than $700 million in debt with out taxpayers taking over the monetary burden. There can be new administration, nevertheless. A five-person state board would oversee issues with appointments by the governor, pending Senate approval. Reedy Creek acquires a brand new identify, too — the “Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.”

In a press release, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ workplace highlighted additional adjustments. They embrace chopping Disney’s means to assemble an airport or nuclear energy plant contained in the district, land acquisition via eminent area and no-bid constructing contracts.

READ THE FULL BILL BELOW:

“These actions guarantee a state-controlled district, accountable to the folks as an alternative of a corporate-controlled kingdom,” DeSantis Press Secretary Bryan Griffin mentioned.

Critics proceed to name the plan punishment for Disney’s talking out in opposition to a brand new regulation regulating intercourse training in Florida colleges. State Sen. Jason Pizzo, D-North Miami, had a unique identify for it.

“It is socialism,” Pizzo mentioned. “It is the federal government controlling the technique of manufacturing, items and providers, and pricing and governing over companies. It is socialism.”

Republicans have dismissed the allegation. For weeks they’ve mentioned the adjustments are about transparency and accountability.

With supermajorities in each chambers, it is seemingly the GOP will get the coverage authorized and on DeSantis’s desk for signature, presumably by week’s finish. Even so — the longer term is unsure. Many assume Disney will file swimsuit, sending Florida into one other high-profile authorized problem.

In a press release, Disney executives did not recommend a lawsuit, solely saying they have been maintaining a tally of issues.

“We’re monitoring the development of the draft laws, which is complicated given the lengthy historical past of the Reedy Creek Enchancment District,” Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle mentioned. “Disney works below plenty of totally different fashions and jurisdictions all over the world, and whatever the consequence, we stay dedicated to offering the best high quality expertise for the hundreds of thousands of visitors who go to annually.”