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

Jim RosicaFebruary 6, 2018

One Senate bill aims to ban giving any steroids to racing dogs. Another would allow steroids for canine birth control. Now, the sponsor of the second bill is essentially trying to copy-paste his bill on the first. On Tuesday afternoon, Delray Beach Democrat Kevin Rader filed an amendment on Tampa Republican Dana Young‘s steroid ban […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 6, 2018

The Senate’s point man on gambling issues Tuesday said he sees “a way forward” on a grand gambling bargain—but also suggested lawmakers may have to fold ’em and walk away. Senate President-designate Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, is representing his chamber as he and House Speaker-designate Jose Oliva try to land a comprehensive gambling bill that’s eluded […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 6, 2018

The Senate version of the “Campus Free Expression Act” cleared its first panel on a party-line vote Tuesday over the opposition of the state’s American Civil Liberties Union chapter. The ACLU of Florida says the bill (SB 1234) “would make Florida public colleges and universities legally liable for disruptions caused by student protesters.” Democrats on the […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 5, 2018

Four times, lawmakers on Monday gave the state’s top medical marijuana regulator an opportunity to speak on their objections to rules and regulations on the drug. And four times, Christian Bax said nothing because it wasn’t yet time to do so, he later explained. “The department has 30 days in order to respond,” Bax, director of […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 2, 2018

A lawyer for the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Friday said his client is offended over gambling that violates its exclusive agreement with the state and won’t agree to a new deal unless “the games end.” Barry Richard, the Tribe’s outside counsel, and tribal leaders met with Sen. Bill Galvano and Rep. Jose Oliva this week […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 1, 2018

Rep. Kathleen Peters‘ attempt to amend an House ethics reform bill resulted in virtual fireworks Thursday, with a prominent lobbyist saying Peters was targeting him and a lawmaker bemoaning “political gymnastics” that temporarily gummed up the measure. One of Peters’ amendments would have banned sitting lawmakers and their immediate family members from working for lobbying firms. The […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 1, 2018

Fake followers beware: Attorney General Pam Bondi is investigating “recent allegations of social media identity theft involving West Palm Beach company Devumi and related company Bytion.” The investigation was announced on her official website. “If you or someone you know has had their identity stolen and used to create a fake social media profile on […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 31, 2018

Rep. Jason Brodeur is telling the state’s top health officials to get to work on medical marijuana—or they won’t get paid. The Sanford Republican has offered an amendment to the House’s 2018-19 budget proposal that would freeze more than $1.9 million in salaries and benefits for the Department of Health‘s brass, including Secretary and state Surgeon General Celeste […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 31, 2018

Speaker Richard Corcoran on Wednesday followed up on a promise to shake up the criminal justice system and shake out more data on how it’s doing. That includes, as he once said, analyzing prosecution and sentencing outcomes by race and county. Corcoran, a Land O’ Lakes Republican, and others announced legislation (PCB JDC 18-02) to make […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 31, 2018

A trio of alcoholic beverage-related bills moved through a House panel Tuesday: — Beer advertisements in theme parks would be allowed under a bill approved by the Careers and Competition Subcommittee. That measure (HB 669) was approved 13-2, with chair Halsey Beshears, a Monticello Republican, and Rep. Larry Ahern, a Seminole Republican, casting ‘no’ votes. […]

Jim Rosica
Treasure coins from the 1715 fleet wreck. Image via FWC.

Ruff and tumble: Battle of greyhound bills on in Senate

Bill Galvano hopeful—but not betting—on gambling resolution

ACLU objects but ‘free expression’ bill clears Senate committee

Medical marijuana regulator’s silence vexes lawmakers

Seminole Tribe ‘insulted,’ doesn’t need gambling deal, lawyer says

‘Political gymnastics’: House panel kills Kathleen Peters’ ethics proposals

Pam Bondi opens investigation into fake social media followers

Jason Brodeur to Health Dep’t: No pay till progress on marijuana

House kicks off effort to weed out ‘bigots on the bench’

Bottoms up: Booze bills moving in House