For weeks, opponents of the immigration-enforcement measure moving through the Florida legislature have traveled to the capitol to plead with lawmakers and pray for the bill’s defeat.
Their prayers may have been answered.
The House version, which is much harsher and more similar to provisions in Arizona’s notorious Senate Bill 1070, technically died after it wasn’t heard on the floor.
The Senate version was tweaked today during a lengthy and emotional floor discussion, but members rejected amendments that would have added tougher E-Verify provisions, and today’s discussion may prove entirely symbolic. William Snyder, the sponsor of the House bill, is already saying, “Maybe next year.”
The House would need a two-thirds supermajority to bring the Senate version to the floor — meaning just a couple of dissenting Republicans could prevent it from even being heard.
“In the last few days of session, any extraordinary vote is just that — extraordinary,” said House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami.
And that assumes the Senate votes on the measure, and passes it. Haridopolos said he’s waiting to hear from House leaders before bringing the measure up for a vote.
As leaders wrestle over budget provisions, a huge Medicaid reform package and other end-of session priorities, the bill is looking increasingly less likely to make it to Gov. Rick Scott’s desk.
