The committee voted 10-2 in favor of the bill.
Legislation would allow local governments to determine whether smokers could puff in the sand.
As more drivers go electric, gas tax revenue is plummeting.
Other states have lifted restrictions, making Florida less competitive.
The request is double the amount requested last year.
The committee voted 7-1, with Republican Sen. George Gainer dissenting.
The program supports low-income, at-risk youth on their way toward a degree.
Cruz' bill would cover the balance for disabled veterans receiving federal tuition benefits.
Willhite courted bill proposals from high school students in his district.
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