ORLANDO, Fla. – Amendment 10 passed with more than a 60 percent to create a domestic counterterrorism office and change the annual legislative session commencement date in even-numbered years from March to January.
There is a national counterterrorism unit, but this office would be set up within local law enforcement agencies to investigate attempts or acts of terrorism. The amendment pushed for the legislative session start date to be in January instead of March, so that lawmakers have more time during election years.
In addition to those two criteria, Amendment 10 pushed to retain the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs and ensure county elections for sheriffs, property appraisers, supervisors of elections, tax collectors and clerks of court in all counties.
Those who supported the amendment included elected county officials, those who proposed the amendment and several Central Florida public officials.
There was opposition in early September when the amendment was taken to the Florida Supreme Court, which ruled to leave it on the ballot. The League of Women Voters is also against the amendment.
For more information on amendments, click here.