CRC Committee Rejects Privacy Amendment

On February 1, the Judicial Committee of the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) defeated (2-4) an FCCB supported proposal that sought to restore the privacy clause in Florida's constitution to its original intent. Proposal 22, sponsored by Commissioner John Stemberger, specifies a person has the right of privacy from governmental intrusion "with respect to privacy of information and the disclosure thereof."

Court decisions have extended the privacy clause to abortion cases. Laws requiring parental consent before minors can have abortions and 24-hour waiting periods before abortions (which may still be appealed) have been struck down by Florida courts based on the clause. The proposal would not eliminate the right to an abortion, which is protected under federal court rulings, but it would allow reasonable regulations on abortion procedures in state law. 

The Constitutional Revision Commission (CRC) convenes once every 20 years to examine the Florida Constitution and propose changes for voter consideration. At least 22 members of the commission must support a proposal before it can reach the 2018 general election ballot.