Navigation Florida bill would bar ‘unauthorized aliens’ from filing civil lawsuits
A bill authored by a state representative who is running for Congress would bar “unauthorized aliens” from filing civil lawsuits in Florida, a move that immigrant-rights advocates say is unconstitutional and would harm the integrity of the justice system.
Rep. Joel Rudman (R-Navarre) filed House Bill 71 on Dec. 27, but he withdrew the measure less than a week later because of his decision to run for the congressional seat previously held by Republican Matt Gaetz. Florida law requires state lawmakers to step down in order to run for Congress.
The bill defines “unauthorized alien” as a person who is unlawfully residing in the United States based on the provisions of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. It simply states that such aliens “may not commence a civil action” after the bill’s effective date on July 1.
