Florida Senate Pass Bill To Deprivate Disney Special District After Company Opposes “Don’t Say Gay” Law

The Florida State Senate supported Walt Disney Co.’s seizure of a 55-year-old special fence, allowing Walt Disney World to largely regain ownership of its theme park.

State Governor Ron Desantis called on lawmakers to take the plunge after Disney announced its opposition to the state’s recently passed parental rights bill, which opponents called “don’t say gay.”

Republicans in the House should also approve the measure. It will enter into force on June 1, 2023.

The company has not yet commented.

On Tuesday, DeSantis asked state lawmakers to consider a proposal that would abolish some special electoral districts established by the state before 1968. This includes the Reedy Creek Improvement District, created in 1967 to cover Walt Disney World. This status gave Disney self-governing authority over its vast assets, including things like land use and infrastructure.

The Senate vote was 23-16.

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has praised DeSantis’ attacks on the company, calling it a “step of an authoritarian regime.”

“What does ‘business friendly’ mean?” We protect free speech in California. We help our business grow, prosper and invent the future. “Punishing companies for speaking out against hatred is a step of an authoritarian regime”.

The Parental Rights Act prevents primary and secondary education teachers from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with students and gives parents the right to sue. Opponents say the law is written too broadly and is a politically motivated attack on the LGBTQ community.

It is unclear what effect the district abolition will have on Disney’s ability to finance and issue bonds for various projects, as well as which country will have jurisdiction over the property and who will take on debt obligations.

As for quashing the Senate debate, one of its co-sponsors, Republican Senator Jennifer Bradley, said the legislation gives lawmakers more say in what is happening in the region. “The affected areas have had no legislative oversight for 50 years,” she said. Five other special districts in the state will be affected, but Reed Creek is the most important. Districts may request reinstatement after dissolution.

Democracy Senator Vic Torres called the repeal a “gut reaction and political ploy” that has a potential impact on employment and tourism. He said that instead of about $ 1 billion in debt from Reedy Creek bonds, he would be transferred to the neighboring towns of Orange and Oceola.

“This does not refer to the legislative revision. This is the punishment. “It’s a political theater, and we’re better than that,” Democratic Senator Laurent Osli said.