State Sen. Don Gaetz is co-sponsoring new legislation (SB 118) that proposes state control of presidential libraries
- The proposed bill for Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session aims to transfer control of presidential libraries from local to state jurisdiction. Senate Bill 118, jointly introduced by Senators Jason Brodeur and Gaetz, would grant the state exclusive regulatory authority over these facilities.
WHY IT MATTERS: The legislation would prevent local governments from creating or enforcing regulations regarding presidential libraries unless authorized by federal law. This move appears designed to prevent potential local obstacles to establishing a presidential library in Palm Beach County, where President-elect Trump resides.
The bill adopts the 1986 federal definition of presidential libraries, which classifies them as “unique national institutions” within the National Archives system, comprising both research and museum facilities. This federal framework, established during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, applies to presidents first inaugurated after 1985, including George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.
- The key change in this legislation is the preemption of local authority, centralizing control at the state level for any future presidential library developments in Florida.
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