Broward County Commission Regular Meeting

MOTION TO CANCEL County's business relationship with Wells Fargo due to the bank's apparent decision to discontinue business relationships with political candidates advocating for expanded patient access to medical marijuana. (Commissioner Bogen)

ACTION:  (T-6:25 PM)  Following discussion, the Board deferred this item to the next agenda.  (Refer to minutes for full discussion.)  (See Yellow-Sheeted Additional Material, dated September 13, 2018, submitted at the request of Finance and Administrative Services Department.)

VOTE:  9-0.

Required to permit Board discussion of possible discontinuation of the County's business relationship with Wells Fargo.

Permits the referenced discussion.

It has been reported in the media that, on August 3, 2018, Wells Fargo closed the campaign account of a Democratic candidate for the position of Commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to the candidate's advocacy in favor of expanded patient access to medical marijuana and receipt of campaign donations from cannabis industry supporters.
 
More than 70% of Florida voters supported the medical cannabis ballot measure in the November 2016 election. This item allows the Board to consider whether to discontinue doing business with a financial institution that implements policies which contradict the expressed will of the voters.