TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ The Florida House is telling the state’s highest court that it had the power to abruptly adjourn earlier this week.
The House filed legal papers Friday defending its actions.
Senate Democrats filed a lawsuit contending the House violated the state constitution by more than three days early.
The constitution states neither chamber can adjourn for more than 72 hours without an agreement between the House and Senate. The session is scheduled to end Friday.
But House Speaker Steve Crisafulli maintained the House was on “solid constitutional ground,” adding that 13 state senators don’t have a “legal right” to compel the House to be in session.
The House adjourned after leaders said there was no reason to remain in session due to a stalemate with Senate leaders over the budget and health care.