FL House Strips Disney District, OKs DeSantis' Congressional Maps

TALLAHASSEE, FL — The Florida House of Representatives put the final stamp of approval on congressional redistricting maps drawn by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday amid protests from Black lawmakers.

In another controversial move, GOP lawmakers approved a bill that would dissolve Walt Disney World’s private tax district, the Associated Press reported. The move comes after the company opposed a law to restrict discussion of sexual identity in some school grades, a measure that critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

The House passed Senate Bill 4C, which would dissolve Disney's Reedy Creek Improvement District along with several others in the state, a day after the Senate passed the measure 23-16. Senate Bill 4C and the congressional maps now go to DeSantis for final approval.

Senate Bill 4C could have huge tax implications for Disney, whose series of theme parks have transformed Orlando into one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, the AP report said.

The new congressional map increases Florida’s GOP representation and dismantles two districts now held by Black members of Congress. The measure was approved along party lines, according to the Associated Press.

The House went into recess during the session after Democrats began a sit-in and prayer-in to oppose the maps. Reps. Angie Nixon and Tray McCurdy revealed “Stop The Black Attack” T-shirts beneath their suit jackets and shouted the same phrase. They sat on the state seal in front of the House speaker's rostrum and were soon joined by other supporters, according the Associated Press.

Republicans left the floor after Democats began the sit-in. In a video taken by NBC News, Rep. Dotie Joseph of Miami can be seen talking to a group of fellow Democrats during the sit-in.

Lawmakers were in special session to approve a new congressional maps after DeSantis vetoed the maps sent to him. Republican leaders used a map drawn by DeSantis instead of attempting another of their own.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.