“Exploring the Consequences of Florida’s State Takeover of Walt Disney World’s Self-Governing District”

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida lawmakers met Monday to begin a state takeover of Walt Disney World’s self-governing district and expand a migrant resettlement program, key conservative priorities for Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis ahead of his expected inauguration in white A house.

The Republican leaders of the Statehouse, in coordination with DeSantis, ordered the legislature to call a special session to reorganize the Reedy Creek Improvement District, as the Disney government is known.

Lawmakers will also consider a proposal to create a State Department focused on migrant transportation, after the governor last year flew a group of South American migrants from Texas to Massachusetts in protest of federal border policies.

The session continues a focus by DeSantis on social issues such as sexual orientation, gender and immigration as the Republican governor faces political divisions on his path to a possible presidential nomination in 2024.

The meeting is the latest development in a high-profile feud between DeSantis and Disney over the company’s criticism of a law critics have dubbed “don’t say gay” that bans teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade Classes deemed not to be age appropriate.

In going after Disney, the governor showed a willingness to punish one of the state’s biggest employers and political donors, reinforcing the combative leadership style that has led him to national political fame and appeal to conservative primary voters.

Disney legislation would leave the Reedy Creek district and its capabilities largely intact, but change its name to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District and require the governor to appoint a five-person oversight board. Board members were previously appointed by Disney-controlled companies.

Alongside Disney, DeSantis is using the special session to advance its national agenda on immigration and voter fraud.

Lawmakers are expected to create the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program in the governor’s administration to transport migrants within the country when processed by the federal government.

The legislation comes after DeSantis last year used part of a $12 million fund paid by taxpayers to fly about 50 South American migrants from Texas to the vacation island of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, which was widely condemned.

The flight also raised legal issues, as the governor’s office paid for the trip with money intended to transport migrants from Florida, not Texas or any other state. The bill, which lawmakers will consider, stipulates that future flights could move migrants from anywhere in the US

Another proposal, expected to be passed during the session, would improve the state’s attorney’s ability to bring election crimes charges, a move intended to bolster the power of the governor’s new election police force.

DeSantis pushed lawmakers last year to create a law enforcement unit focused on election crimes, addressing another concern of conservative voters post-election 2020. But in the months since, some of the unit’s charges have been dismissed by judges over jurisdictional issues.

The meeting is expected to give DeSantis a political victory in his fight against Disney, a dispute that began last year when the entertainment giant publicly opposed the “Don’t Say Gay” law. The company said it will pause political donations in the state and support organizations opposed to the law.

DeSantis and other Republicans quickly began criticizing Disney, calling it a purveyor of “awakened” ideologies unsuitable for children.

At DeSantis’ request, the GOP-dominated Statehouse approved legislation in April to eliminate Disney’s Reedy Creek government by June 2023, and began a closely watched process that would determine the government structure that would control the company’s sprawling property.

The creation of the Reedy Creek neighborhood was pivotal in Disney’s decision to build near Orlando in the 1960s, when corporate leaders notified the state that they planned to build a futuristic city – the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, also known as Epcot .

The proposed city should include a rapid transit system and urban planning innovations, so Disney needs autonomy in the district to build and decide how to use the land, they said. The futuristic city never materialized, instead Epcot turned into a second theme park, opening in 1982.

Separate government allows Disney to issue bonds and provide zoning, fire safety, utility and infrastructure services on its land. Republican critics of the District argue that it gives Disney a commercial advantage unavailable to others.

The special session will also adjust language in current legislation dealing with endorsement deals for college athletes.

Florida was one of the first states to pass legislation that allows collegiate athletes to benefit by their name, image or likeness, but does not allow individuals affiliated with universities to enter into sponsorship contracts. The proposal would remove that provision to make Florida more competitive with other states that don’t have the restriction.

Lawmakers will also consider a bill to allocate more relief funds to recovery efforts from Hurricanes Ian and Nicole.

Anthony Izaguirre, The Associated Press

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