“The corporate kingdom has come to an end,” DeSantis Communications Director Taryn Fenske told Florida’s Voice. “Under the proposed legislation, Disney will no longer control its own government, will live under the same laws as everyone else, will be responsible for their outstanding debts, and will pay their fair share of taxes.”

According to officials in DeSantis’ office, the state-run board was proposed because it was questionable whether local governments would prevent Disney’s debts from being absorbed by taxpayers if the special district were dismantled. The state-controlled board would be responsible for ensuring that the company’s debts were not shifted to taxpayers.

“Imposing a state-controlled board will also ensure that Orange County cannot use this issue as a pretext to raise taxes on Orange County residents,” Fenske said.