A petition has been filed with the Florida Supreme Court challenging Gov. Rick Scott’s right to freeze state rule-making procedures, which is an action he took shortly after taking office in January.
When he implemented a review process, Scott said it was designed to change how Florida does business by eliminating burdensome regulation, reducing state spending, cutting taxes, and holding government accountable.
Hundreds of rules, all approved previously by lawmakers or state officials, are being reviewed and delayed.
Rosalie Whiley, a blind woman from Miami, filed the high court petition last week because one rule Scott has delayed for review would make it easier for the visually impaired to apply for food stamps online.
Whiley claims that Scott’s action exceeds his constitutional authority.
Since the petition was filed, the Supreme Court has authorized two nonprofit organizations to file amicus briefs: the Florida Audubon Society and Disability Rights Florida, which advocates for citizens with disabilities under federal programs.
Disability Rights Florida said in its brief that Scott has suspended rules designed to assist people with autism, at-risk juveniles, and those that need vocational rehabilitation.
The Audubon Society said the Republican governor’s review process has delayed implementing rules that would protect critical environmental resources in the Everglades.
