House Tells High Court Adjourning Early Was Legal
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TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) — In response to a lawsuit filed by state Senate Democrats, the leadership of the Florida House has told the state's highest court that it had the power to adjourn three days before the schedule end of the session.
The House filed legal papers Friday defending its actions.
Senate Democrats claim the House violated the state's constitution by adjourning early.
The constitution states neither chamber can adjourn for more than 72 hours without an agreement between the House and Senate. The session was scheduled to end Friday.
But House Speaker Steve Crisafulli maintained the House was on "solid constitutional ground," adding that 13 state senators don't have a "legal right" to compel the House to be in session.
The House adjourned after leaders said there was no reason to remain in session due to a stalemate with Senate leaders over the budget and health care.
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