Blog stage 7: Florida House passes bill that makes it harder for ex-felons to vote

The Florida House on Friday passed a bill that would require ex-felons in the state, who were granted the right to vote, to pay all financial obligations before they can head to the polls. Almost like a poll tax.The House, controlled by Republican, passed the Voting Rights Restoration Act last week, and the state Senate passed a bill that includes similar measures Thursday night. The House passed the Senate bill by a party line vote of 67-42 Friday, the last day of the legislative session. In November, Florida voters approved Amendment 4, allowing convicted felons who complete all terms of their sentence, including parole or probation, the right to vote, except those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense. The bill, however, would restore voting rights only for individuals who have completed all terms of their sentence, which includes fully paying restitution and fines or fees ordered by the court, not including fees racked up after sentencing. Financial obligations are met when they're paid in full, the "termination" of the obligation by a victim or court, or completion of all community service hours, if the court converts the financial obligation to community service. While Republicans have argued that the fees are part of an ex-felon's sentence and are  obligatory, Democrats and critics of the bill argue that the measure disenfranchises felons from voting and ignores the wills of Florida's people. Although the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida wouldn't comment on potential litigation, the organization said it will explore all options in order to ensure that the will of the people is carried out.