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Committee advances candidate-disclosure bill requiring candidates to report dual citizenship despite opposition from civil-rights groups
Summary
CS for HB 535 adds a mandatory public disclosure asking candidates whether they hold citizenship in another country; supporters framed it as transparency for voters, while opponents and civil-rights groups warned disclosure could fuel xenophobia and harassment. The committee reported the bill favorably, 18-5.
Representative (sponsor) presented House Bill 535 as a narrow transparency measure asking candidates to disclose any citizenships in addition to U.S. citizenship; sponsors emphasized the change would not disqualify anyone from running.
Opponents—Amina Zvakic (Florida for All), the ACLU and Common Cause Florida—testified in opposition. One witness, a dual citizen who identified herself and described surviving genocide, warned how labeling and "othering" can begin: "There are narratives about denaturalizing citizens...These aren't even dog whistles anymore...We are basically at step 1 with this bill," she testified, urging members to vote it down.
Committee debate split along concerns about voter information versus risks of stoking xenophobic attacks; Representative Cheney and others characterized the measure as a modest transparency addition, while Representative Eskamani, noting personal experience with online attacks, said the bill risks feeding a "beast" of rhetoric. The committee ultimately reported the bill favorably, 18 ayes and 5 nays.
Next steps: HB 535 is reported favorably and will move forward with the disclosure language intact; the committee record shows both substantial public opposition and majority support.
