Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaJanuary 17, 2018

A proposed constitutional amendment aimed at limiting gambling’s expansion in the state now has enough signatures to be placed on the 2018 ballot. Division of Elections records show the “Voter Control of Gambling” amendment now has 817,766 valid signatures—more than the 766,200 needed for placement. The total doesn’t count signatures still undergoing verification. The Division posted its […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 17, 2018

A pair of measures that would reform the state campaign finance system, including barring Gov. Rick Scott and Cabinet members from raising money during Session, cleared a House panel on Wednesday with bipartisan support. State Rep. Evan Jenne said his proposal, HB 707, is a “common sense rule” and not “an indictment or finger pointing” […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 17, 2018

A Tallahassee judge now will consider whether life insurance companies are in the right over a 2016 law requiring them to track down beneficiaries. After hearing argument Wednesday, Circuit Judge Terry Lewis said he would rule on the companies’ motion for summary judgment “fairly soon.” Such motions allow parties to win a case without a trial. The […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 17, 2018

Two veteran prosecutors are among the six finalists that Gov. Rick Scott will choose from to fill an open judicial seat for the Tallahassee region. The Second Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), after interviewing 12 applicants Tuesday, now sends their list to Scott. He has 60 days to make a decision. The finalists, according to […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 17, 2018

The frontrunners for the 2022 Florida Senate Presidency have spent the last few months adding funds to their political committees and, more importantly, using that money to help out a handful of potential backers when it comes time to vote in a couple years. Sens. Travis Hutson and Dana Young are still the top contenders […]

Lloyd DunkelbergerJanuary 17, 2018

Florida counties will have to contribute an additional $66 million to the state pension fund in the new budget year, according to legislation that has started moving in the Senate. As a result of a decrease in the assumed rate of investment return on the $160 billion pension fund, counties, school boards, state agencies, universities, […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 17, 2018

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted unanimously Tuesday for a bill by Sen. Lauren Book (SB 376) that would include in the Worker’s Compensation Law benefits for first responders who sustain mental or nervous injuries such as PTSD in the line of duty. The forward momentum for the bill got the attention of CFO […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 16, 2018

A bill that would legalize consumer fireworks cleared a House committee on Tuesday even as it faces strong opposition from the fireworks industry. Floridians buy and use fireworks just as much as any other state around the 4th of July and New Years Eve even though they can only purchase them after signing a form […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 16, 2018

Lawmakers are trying to put into statute a Scott administration resolution that has blocked state funds from flowing into companies that do business with the Nicolas Maduro regime. The House bill has rocketed through its committee assignments and is ready for a floor vote and a similar bill in the Senate is now starting its […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 16, 2018

A four-volume, plain-spoken treatise on criminal justice reform is available to the public and it’s already caught the eyes of some legislators looking to reform Florida’s criminal justice system. “Reforming Criminal Justice” recently was published by the Academy for Justice, a group of 120 leading criminal justice scholars representing some of the best higher education […]

Influence
Image via AP.

Gambling amendment wins enough signatures for ballot

Campaign finance reforms advance with bipartisan support

Judge could give early win to companies over insurance law

Six finalists picked for open Tallahassee judgeship

Senate President aspirants Travis Hutson, Dana Young continue to raise money at rapid clip

Counties face increased pension costs

Capitol Reax: Workers’ comp, payday loans, vacation rentals, train safety, AOB

Bill to legalize fireworks takes off in House committee

Venezuela divestment bills moving ahead in Legislature

Criminal justice report given to legislators will guide reform