Prospects for a special legislative session beginning Monday faded into the sunset Wednesday when Gov. Charlie Crist said he would not call for one next week.
Crist told the Miami Herald Editorial Board he still wants lawmakers to consider placing a constitutional ban on drilling on the Nov. 2 ballot, but also wants them to pass public corruption legislation.
According to the Herald, "(Crist) was willing to wait until early June to start the session, after a statewide grand jury produces a report of recommendations."
Speculation had centered on a session convening Monday, May 24, but the passage of time makes that date look increasingly unlikely.
One reason for the delay appears to be the firm response from Senate President Jeff Atwater, who last week challenged Crist to come up with a renewable-energy plan.
Senate spokeswoman Jaryn Emhof reiterated that position Tuesday, saying:
"The Senate has asked Gov. Crist to submit energy legislation that would have a minimal impact on Floridas rate-paying citizens and be mindful of the states budget situation.
"No language has been provided, thus it is premature to discuss special session dates or timelines."
The governor's office has yet to draft or divulge any specific plans.
As for drilling, House spokeswoman Jill Chamberlin said House Speaker Larry Cretul's "criteria for a special session has been and continues to be: urgency for action; a plan-agreement between legislative leaders and the governor as to goals, and a compelling argument for amending the state Constitution."
Crist, who is in full campaign mode running as an independent for U.S. Senate, has also been busy signing and vetoing scores of bills passed by the regular 2010 session.
Dominic Calabro, head of Florida TaxWatch, expressed skepticism about the value of a special session devoted simply to a drilling ban.
"There is no legitimate purpose to prohibiting something that's already prohibited by law," he said.
But Calabro added that there is legitimate concern over the potential effects of the Gulf oil spill hitting Florida's beaches.
He suggested that lawmakers could develop "specific, constructive and actionable" relief for Florida's hard-hit fishing and tourism industries.
Regarding renewable energy, Calabro said he was "surprised that the governor hasn't put forward a plan."
As speculation over dates continues, Crist, depending on political and scheduling factors, could call a special session at any time and on any subject. Constitutionally, such sessions can be as broad or as narrow as the governor and lawmakers want to make them.
Though either the governor or the legislative leaders can call special sessions, it appears doubtful that Atwater and Cretul are so inclined. So the ball remains in Crist's court.
"In the meantime," Emhof said, "the Florida Senate is focused on tracking and responding to the more pressing issues surrounding the oil spill.
--
Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 559-4719.
