By: Julie Salomone
A Tampa attorney filed a federal lawsuit suing the state of Florida over a law that calls for felons to pay back fines and fines earlier than voting. More than 1 million Floridians with felony convictions get their proper to vote back today.
TAMPA, Fla. — A Tampa legal professional filed a federal lawsuit suing the state of Florida over a law that calls for felons to pay expenses and fines again, earlier than voting. The lawsuit is filed on behalf of Kelvin Leon Jones, a disabled ex-felon who lives in Tampa. “It treats human beings who’ve money differently from folks who do not have money,” said attorney Michael Steinberg.
Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a invoice requiring all fines and restitution to be paid before voting rights are restored. The lawsuit stated that it is unconstitutional and violates the Equal Protection Clause of the American Constitution. The lawsuit also stated that it discriminates against the idea of shade and race. “A lot of humans are speaking about discrimination based on ethnicity or race. However, they may be forgetting that numerous people are disabled and a whole lot of people are elderly,” said Steinberg.
On Tuesday, the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition stated it wished to raise $3 million via fundraising. Advocates who efficaciously pushed a poll measure restoring voting rights to felons in Florida are now starting a fundraiser to assist in paying outstanding fees and fines that would prevent former felons from voting under the brand new law.
