Opinion ID: 1570583
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Florida Hometown Democracy's Action for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

Text: In response to these efforts to alter the initiative-circulation process, Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc. (FHD), [6] and Lesley G. Blackner, a registered elector of Palm Beach County and FHD's president and chairperson, filed a circuit-court action on August 22, 2007, against Secretary Browning, in his official capacity, and the Florida Department of State, Division of Elections seeking a declaration that chapter 2007-30, section 25, Laws of Florida, and its implementing administrative rules represent an unconstitutional alteration of the initiative process in violation of article XI, sections 3 and 5 of the Florida Constitution. FHD and Blackner further sought injunctive relief to prevent the enforcement of these provisions. During the circuit-court proceedings, Save Our Constitution, Inc., a political action committee formed to carry out a signature-revocation campaign against FHD's initiative proposal, intervened pursuant to Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.230. [7] Following the filing of cross-motions for summary judgment, the circuit court entered final summary judgment in favor of Secretary Browning and the Division of Elections on November 27, 2007. See generally Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.510. The circuit court entered this summary judgment based upon three conclusions of law: (1) the Legislature was supposedly owed great deference in this context; (2) the revocation provisions did not change or add to the requirements provided in article XI, section 3 of the Florida Constitution; and (3) the provisions did not strengthen the power of the Legislature vis-à-vis the people. On this same date, FHD and Blackner filed a timely notice of appeal.