SUBJECT:
Title
WALK-ON: Presented on September 15, 2026, as Agenda Item 8.4. - Request Authorization to Engage Outside Counsel for Representation in Federal Suit Challenging State Statutes and Local Ordinances Regulating Registered Sex Offenders
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Matthew G. Minter, County Attorney |
County Attorney |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
Marion County was served with the suit, Florida Action Committee vs. Mark Glass, et al. on August 26, 2026, with a number of other county governments and the State of Florida, concerning the constitutionality of regulations related to registered sex offenders. In particular, with respect to Marion County's ordinances, they are challenging the restrictions on RESIDENCY of such individuals, and also asserting that our ordinance may be unenforceable due to vagueness.
The County Attorney’s Office has been in touch with a number of attorneys for a number of other county defendants, several of which have elected to engage the services of the Orlando firm Roper, Townsend, and Sutphen. The County Attorney has personally discussed the case with one of their partners, Cindy A. Townsend. Ms. Townsend has provided an engagement letter, which is attached. The firm's hourly rates are shown under the heading Billing on the second page. Their rates are reasonable. The County Attorney is familiar with this firm and is aware that they have provided representation in specific cases to a number of counties over the years.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
None
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to authorize County Attorney to engage Roper, Townsend and Sutphen for defense of the suit.
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Motion by Commissioner Stone, second by Vice Chair McClain, to approve agenda item 8.4. The motion carried 5 / 0.