Drew Wilson, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMarch 22, 2017

A bill that would increase reporting requirements for Florida Supreme Court cases cleared the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee with a unanimous vote Wednesday. SB 878, sponsored by Republican Sen. Tom Lee, would require the court to write up an annual report on cases that the court did not issue a ruling on […]

Drew WilsonMarch 22, 2017

The House Appropriations Committee approved a bill that would give $1.8 million to the family of Devaughn Darling, who died in a Florida State University football practice in 2001. Darling’s family has been seeking legislative approval for the money since 2005, when they won a judgment of $2 million in a wrongful death suit. State […]

Drew WilsonMarch 21, 2017

A Hillsborough County school teacher announced this week that she will challenge incumbent Republican Rep. Jamie Grant for the District 64 seat in the Florida House. Jessica Harrington originally planned to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis in 2018, but said she decided to change course after a trip to Tallahassee. “I realized that no […]

Drew WilsonMarch 20, 2017

The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved a bill Tuesday that would require private rail companies to add safety features along their tracks, a move maligned by officials at All Aboard Florida. SB 386’s safety standards require passenger rail companies to install features such as positive train control, which helps prevent train-on-train collisions, and a remote […]

Drew WilsonMarch 17, 2017

St. Patrick’s Day revelers won’t be the only one’s seeing green this year according to a survey conducted by the National Retail Federation. The retail trade group estimates those celebrating the Irish holiday will spend $37.92 a piece this year, with total spending expected to top $5.3 billion — a significant jump from last year’s […]

Drew WilsonMarch 16, 2017

The House Health and Human Services Committee sent bills that would allow direct primary care agreements and overnight stays in ambulatory surgery centers to the House floor Thursday HB 161 would allow patients and their physicians to enter into direct primary care agreements, an alternative to traditional health care plans. Under such agreements, patients pay […]

Drew WilsonMarch 14, 2017

A bill allowing patients to stay overnight in ambulatory surgery centers cleared its first Senate committee Tuesday with a 4-1 vote. SB 222 by Sarasota Republican Rep. Greg Steube would allow patients to stay up to 24 hours at ASCs, a type of medical facility dedicated to less complicated, generally elective surgeries. ASCs don’t provide […]

Drew WilsonMarch 14, 2017

A bill that would require septic tanks to be inspected when a home sells advanced through its first House committee Tuesday. HB 285, sponsored by Brevard County Republican Rep. Randy Fine, originally applied to all home sales, but was amended during the House Agriculture & Property Rights Subcommittee to apply only to regions listed as […]

Drew WilsonMarch 13, 2017

Bills to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity would boost Florida’s economic output by more than $5 billion over the next 10 years according to a study touted by Florida Competes. The anti-discrimination advocacy group pointed to the study as part of their push for bills banning discrimination against LGBT individuals. According to […]

Drew WilsonMarch 13, 2017

Democratic Sen. Kevin Rader called on the Florida Senate officially oppose a United Nations resolution that would classify Israeli settlements in historically Palestinian areas as legally invalid. “Filing this resolution hits very close to home,” Rader said. “It is personal because my family lives in Israel and I, my wife and kids constantly go back […]

Drew Wilson

Senate bill to increase Supreme Court reporting requirements clears second committee

House committee approves $1.8M claims bill for dead FSU player

Jamie Grant picks up challenger in HD 64

All Aboard Florida says Senate railroad bill ‘unconstitutionally targets one company’

Retail Federation expects record-breaking St. Patrick’s Day spending in 2017

Bills allowing overnight stays in ambulatory surgery centers, direct primary care agreements ready for House floor

Bill allowing overnight ambulatory surgery stay clears Senate committee

House committee OK’s bill requiring septic tank inspection during home sales

Florida Competes says anti-discrimination bill would boost state economy by $5B

Kevin Rader files resolution to oppose United Nations Security Council decision