HB 1197 - Violations of Apportionment Standards

• Legislators who offer or participate in creating apportionment plans that violate Florida Constitution articles 20 and 21 (congressional and legislative district standards) may face penalties.

• Aggrieved parties may file sworn complaints either with the legislator's house or in circuit court in Leon County, with complaints required to specify alleged actions and attach supporting documentation.

• Legislative committees finding violations can recommend fines up to $5,000 and, for bad faith or malice findings, censure, reprimand, or expulsion subject to house majority approval; circuit judges can assess up to $5,000 fines with higher amounts for bad faith or malice findings.

• Violations of constitutional standards constitute aggravating circumstances in determining bad faith or malice; complaints must be filed within 1 year of the plan's submission to the Legislature.

• Intentional bad faith or malicious violations constitute a third-degree felony punishable under existing Florida law, though the law does not apply to legislators who merely voted for but did not sponsor or create the offending plan.