Jim Rosica, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder has passed the Legislature unanimously and now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. A spokesman on Monday said the governor will “review the legislation” when received, but would not commit to Scott’s approval. The legislation is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

With no debate, the House on Monday approved a proposal to create a special district to fund some features of a proposed $3 billion development in the city’s Channelside neighborhood. The vote was 113-1, sending it to the Senate. There is no companion measure there, House records show. The lone ‘no’ vote in the House […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A Tallahassee judge has set a one-day trial for May 16 in the legal effort to overturn the state’s ban on smoking medical marijuana. But in her order, Circuit Judge Karen Gievers said she will first hear the state’s motion for summary judgment at 10 o’clock that morning; summary judgments allow parties to win a case without a […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is considering a March 19-May 10 Session, according to a draft schedule sent to commissioners. The proposed dates, which will be considered by the body’s Rules Committee later Monday, would mean the CRC’s Session will begin just 10 days after the Legislature ‘sine die‘s this Friday. The commission’s Regular Session would begin […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

With only one member commenting, the House swiftly passed its omnibus gambling bill for 2018, setting up a possible conference of the two chambers. The bill (HB 7067) was OK’d on a 70-40 vote, with Republican Halsey Beshears of Monticello and Tom Goodson of Rockledge joining the Democrats in voting ‘no.’ Bill sponsor Mike La […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

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A win turned into a loss Saturday, as the Republican-controlled Senate first approved—then killed—an amendment on a school safety bill that would have mandated a moratorium on assault rifle sales in the state. The legislation, called the “Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act” (SB 7026), is in response to the Valentine’s Day shooting […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

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The Florida Senate on Saturday began its consideration of a school safety bill in response to the Valentine’s Day deadly shooting at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Senate President-designate Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, presented the latest version of the bill (SB 7026), a summary of which is below. He was still taking […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

Without debate, the Florida Senate on Saturday unanimously passed a bill to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. The measure (SB 376) was among several added to a rare weekend sitting to handle pending school safety legislation. That’s in response to last month’s deadly shooting at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

The House on Friday briefly discussed a measure that would ban video game consoles found in bars that look and play like slot machines. The bill (HB 1367) now will be up for a vote Monday. Longwood Republican Scott Plakon‘s measure expressly makes them illegal under state gambling law. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which has exclusive […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

An embittered Sen. Tom Lee on Friday said the Legislature’s rank and file is “getting crumbs” from leadership and “they’re fed up about it.” Senate President Joe Negron later countered he’s “proud of the process,” saying “everyone is entitled to their opinion.” Lee had disagreed with a provision in the House’s big education bill (HB 7055) […]

Jim Rosica

Bill to help first responders heads to Rick Scott

House passes Water Street Tampa development measure

Judge sets trial for medical marijuana ‘no smoke’ case

Constitutional review panel readies for its own Session

With little ado, House passes 2018 gaming bill

GOP blocks Democratic attempts to change school safety bill

Senate begins discussing school safety bill

Senate passes PTSD benefits for first responders

‘Pre-reveal’: Entertainment or gambling? Legislature may decide

Tom Lee ‘fed up’ with Joe Negron, top down leadership