Ana Ceballos, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ana CeballosJanuary 29, 2018

Sexual favors between legislators and lobbyists could be illegal under a proposed change to the sexual harassment bill filed by its sponsor on Monday. Sen. Lauren Book, a Plantation Democrat, wants to incorporate any type of sexual conduct — whether engaging in it or directing others to do it — into the state’s gift ban. […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 29, 2018

Less than a year after the Florida Legislature formally apologized for the physical and sexual abuse of hundreds of boys at the Arthur G. Dozier School of Boys, lawmakers are embarking on “the next step in their quest for justice.” That would mean pushing a proposal that would require the state to give those who […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 29, 2018

A Senate panel on Monday pushed forward a bill that would make it harder for future lawmakers to raise taxes, but also put the upper chamber at odds with the House and Gov. Rick Scott. The proposal by Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel is less stringent than the version passed by the House last week. Under […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 29, 2018

The Andrew Gillum campaign on Monday criticized House Speaker Richard Corcoran‘s campaign for running a “race-baiting” TV ad that aims at “vilifying immigrants.” “It’s a vile ad that seeks to divide us against one another, and the Speaker ought to be ashamed of himself,” said Geoff Burgan, the communications director for Gillum’s gubernatorial campaign. The […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 27, 2018

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Friday it’s now conducting an “active” criminal investigation into former Sen. Jack Latvala‘s sexual misconduct. “Regarding Senator Latvala, FDLE’s Office of Executive Investigations is now conducting an active investigation,” the state agency’s spokeswoman Jessica Cary said. Cary said she could not provide additional details on the investigation. The […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 26, 2018

A Senate panel on Thursday pushed forward a redraft of a bill that would allow people to bring guns to churches with attached schools as long as there are no school-sponsored activities going on. Before changes to the bill were approved, two Republicans in the Judiciary Committee expressed concern that the Republican sponsor of the […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 25, 2018

In a move praised by Gov. Rick Scott, the Florida House on Thursday passed a measure that would make it harder for legislators to raise taxes and fees in the future. The proposal was pushed through on an 80-29 vote. Under the bill, any future tax or fee hike would have to be approved by […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 25, 2018

The Florida House on Thursday unanimously passed a bill banning the state from doing business with companies that benefit President Nicolas Maduro‘s “ruthless gang” in Venezuela. “We continue to stand strongly with the Venezuelan people and their battle to restore democracy in the face of this brutal dictator,” said Rep. Jeanette Nunez, a sponsor of […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 25, 2018

It’s been 30 years since the Legislature last increased the amount a person has to steal in order to face a felony theft charge and the bipartisan effort to do so this year could potentially hit a brick wall in the Senate. The measure sponsored by Sen. Randolph Bracy has been moving ahead in the […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 24, 2018

As Florida voters prepare to decide whether to automatically restore the voting rights of about 1.5 million felons, the state is grappling with how to handle its lengthy backlog of clemency cases. More than 10,000 felons are currently waiting for their applications to be reviewed by the Florida Commission on Offender Review, which has to […]

Ana Ceballos

Proposed change to sexual harassment bill adds sex to lobbying gift ban

Dozier School of Boys victim certification process considered by Legislature

Senate at odds with House, governor on proposal that limits tax hikes

Andrew Gillum blasts Richard Corcoran for running ‘race-baiting’ ad

FDLE: Jack Latvala criminal investigation is now ‘active’

Some Republicans wary of Dennis Baxley after gun bill redraft

House approves measure to make it harder to raise taxes in future

Florida House unanimously passes Venezuela divestment bill

Easing state’s felony theft law faces Senate roadblock

Senate proposes $500K to tackle backlog of clemency cases