A key Senate panel on Monday approved a measure that would place a number of new restrictions on people and groups seeking to make changes to the state Constitution, the latest move in the Legislature’s years-long effort to curtail the ballot-initiative process.

After fierce — and expensive — political battles last year about abortion rights and recreational marijuana, Florida lawmakers Thursday began moving forward with a proposal that would place additional restrictions on the ballot-initiative process.

After fierce — and expensive — political battles last year about abortion rights and recreational marijuana, Florida lawmakers Thursday began moving forward with a proposal that would place additional restrictions on the ballot-initiative process.