Disney May Lose Self Rule Powers After Florida Senate Passes Bill

Synopsis: This special status was granted to Disney by the state law in the year 1967 after which the company was allowed to collect the taxes and provide all the emergency services on its own. 

On Wednesday, Florida Senate passed a bill stating that it would soon dissolve the special taxing district, which used to allow the Walt Disney Co. to govern the theme park area on its own. Even the complete rule was backed by the Lawmakers present in the Republican-controlled chamber as they voted in the ratio of 23-16.

A 55-year-old rule has which allowed Walt Disney to rule the property as its own has been removed and would take effect on June 1, 2023. Although the company has not said anything regarding the same the State’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, has already asked the lawmakers to take such severe steps after Disney opposed the recent parental rights bill passed by the state and has been dubbed “don’t say gay”.

This special status was granted to Disney by the state law in the year 1967 after which the company was allowed to collect the taxes and provide all the emergency services on its own. Under this self-governing land of Disney, there are about 25000 acres of area in Orlando and along with that the district also allowed the company to various new structures that too without the permission of the local planning commission.

However, on the other hand, California Governor Gavin Newsom called it “the move of an authoritarian regime,” and also said, 

THIS is what ‘business friendly’ means? We protect free speech in California. We help our businesses grow, thrive, and invent the future. Punishing businesses for speaking out against hatred is the move of an authoritarian regime.

Talking about the effort to remove the Reedy Creek Improvement District or Disney’s district has come after DeSantis started targeting the corporation in order to prevent the sexual orientation in kindergarten through the third grade and classroom discussion of gender identity which he recently signed over its leaders’ criticism of the legislation. 

Also, DeSantis hinted a few days ago that he doesn’t want Disney protections anymore and said, 

he doesn’t “support special privileges in law just because a company is powerful.” 

Additionally, for removing the exemption of Disney in 2021 law which is regarding the big tech censorship the Senate has voted separately for that which is 24-15 on Wednesday so as to pass the complete measure.