Gary Fineout, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Gary FineoutMarch 4, 2016

With executions halted and the prosecution of some murder cases in limbo, the Florida Legislature overhauled the state’s death penalty law Thursday in response to a ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court that the current sentencing law is unconstitutional. Legislators sent to Gov. Rick Scott a bill that would require that at least 10 out […]

Gary FineoutMarch 3, 2016

Florida is overhauling the death penalty in a bid to resume executions after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the state’s current sentencing law is unconstitutional. The Florida Legislature on Thursday sent to Gov. Rick Scott a bill that would require that at least 10 out of 12 jurors recommend execution in order for it be […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 29, 2016

With time running out, Florida legislators are still pushing ahead with a major gambling bill that would allow slot machines across much of the state. For the first time in six years, a gambling bill has gotten traction in the Republican-controlled House, which has rejected past attempts to bring new casinos to South Florida. The […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 12, 2016

Separated by nearly $1 billion in spending and differences over everything from tax cuts to health care spending, the Florida Legislature has less than a month left in its regular session to reach a deal on a new state budget. Although Republican legislators stress they won’t have a repeat of infighting that marred their negotiations […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 11, 2016

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Separated by nearly $1 billion in spending and differences over everything from tax cuts to health care spending, the Florida Legislature has less than a month left in its regular session to reach a deal on a new state budget. Although Republican legislators stress they won’t have a repeat of infighting that marred their negotiations […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 10, 2016

With Florida’s death penalty law in limbo due to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, Emily Cope on Wednesday described in chilling detail how her father, Keith, was hog-tied and left for dead back in 2009 when she was a teenager. Cope recalled how her father suffered a stroke while he was left bound with rope […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 10, 2016

Florida’s Republican-controlled Legislature on Tuesday finally took up legislation that would allow the Seminole Tribe of Florida to add craps and roulette at its casinos. A divided House panel voted in favor of a bill that would ratify a deal between the state and the tribe that would guarantee $3 billion to Florida over a […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 10, 2016

Setting up a potential tug-of-war over millions in taxpayer money, the Florida House is rushing ahead with a plan that would force school districts across the state to share local property taxes with charter schools. Some legislators are pushing to steer more money to charter schools even though a recent analysis by The Associated Press […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 3, 2016

Saying Florida cities and counties must “follow the rule of law,” the Florida House passed a sweeping immigration measure Wednesday that would penalize those who don’t cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Florida is one of several states considering a crackdown on so-called “sanctuary cities.” The House voted 80-38 for the bill that could lead to […]

Gary FineoutJanuary 30, 2016

Republicans in charge of the Florida House and Senate have drawn up rival spending plans that differ on everything from money for schools to spending on incentives to lure businesses to the state. The Florida House and Florida Senate on Friday released their official budget proposals for the coming year. Legislators have until March to […]

Gary Fineout

Florida overhauls death penalty in bid to resume executions

Legislature sends death penalty overhaul bill to Rick Scott

Another win for bill that would allow slots across Florida

Legislature divided over budget and tax cuts; what now?

Legislature divided over budget, tax cuts

Rick Scott remains mum on how to fix state’s death penalty

Here’s where sh*t stands on gambling legislation in Florida House

Despite problems charter schools could get more state money

House passes sweeping immigration measure

Legislators draw up rival spending plans