Florida could be on the verge of restoring civil rights to most felons

[babylonsister]

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-felons-rights,0,2472520.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines

Fla. May Give Ex-Cons More Rights
By BILL KACZOR
Associated Press Writer

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida could be on the verge of restoring civil rights to most felons who have finished their sentences, with Gov. Charlie Crist predicting Tuesday a compromise this week that would exclude murderers and sex offenders.

Other violent felons may still be barred from voting, serving on juries, holding public office and obtaining professional licenses, however, since Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson said he has qualms about automatically returning those rights to such criminals.

Florida is one of three states -- the others are Kentucky and Virginia -- that still deprive felons of civil rights for life. Most other states automatically restore felons' rights when they complete their sentences, probation or parole.

In Florida, the governor, with the approval of at least two Cabinet members sitting as the state's Executive Clemency Board, can restore those rights.

Some criminals convicted of lesser felonies can get their rights restored immediately, but others still must wait at least five years after completing their sentences before applying for a hearing.

Crist and the state's three Cabinet members are to vote Thursday on the Republican governor's proposal to narrow the Jim Crow-era law's list types of felonies that carry a revocation of rights for life.

more...

[Captain Hilts]

1. If you've "paid your debt to society," you've paid your debt to society. Allie, allie in come free

[wakeme2008]

2. I like our Rino Governor :) nt

[kerry-is-my-prez]

7. No kidding. He's into climate change, paper trail voting & the Repubs are following like puppydogs.

They're so used to dealing with dictator Jeb. They used to fight against all that stuff tooth and nail.

Robert Wexler and he are sort of teaming up - which is a good sign.

If he keeps it up - I may have to vote for a Republican.... egads!

[electron_blue]

3. Anyone know how many people were kicked off the voting rolls accidentally bcs they were thought

to be felons in Fla??? I remember hearing a lot about this 4-6 years ago, but not much lately.

[bluestateguy]

4. I'll believe it when I see it

I'm wondering if this change will go into effect in time for the 2008 election.

Still, I like what I'm hearing. This may be a "Nixon goes to China" moment for the Republican governor. A Democratic governor would be bludgeoned for being "pro-criminal" if he/she propopsed this.

[ellenfl]

5. there was a ltte in the palm beach post

this morning from our new governor making the case for restoring these rights. he's turning into a democrat on a daily basis! you have no idea how relieved i am that charlie crist is a human being and not a bushbot.

LTTE

ellen fl

[Dr.Phool]

8. I'm glad Charlies working out pretty good.

I had to hold my nose when I voted for "New Democrat" Jim Davis.

[Ariana Celeste]

6. I'm happy to hear it.

Punishment should end when you finish your sentence.

[dogday]

9. It is about time

Democracy for all!!!