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Staff ReportsMay 5, 2017

On Friday, the scheduled last day of the 2017 legislative session, the Florida Senate confirmed Gov. Rick Scott‘s picks to run the state’s health care agencies. The Senate approved Justin Senior to head the Agency for Health Care Administration and Celeste Philip to lead the Department of Health as Florida’s Surgeon General. The Florida Medical […]

Michael MolineMay 5, 2017

The House and Senate staged one last conference committee Friday, agreeing on budget conforming bills containing sweeping policy changes, on public schools, higher education, economic incentives programs and more. House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron did the honors personally, leading delegations to a committee room to present and consider offers on the […]

Michael MolineMay 5, 2017

The Senate refused Friday to move toward the House position on workers’ compensation reform, but the House gave ground on how much to pay attorneys handling claims appeals. Senate bill sponsor Rob Bradley offered an amendment that would have split the difference between the two chambers by paying attorneys as much as $200 per hour, […]

Michael MolineMay 5, 2017

The Senate’s leading education expert unloaded Friday on spending levels for schools contemplated in the Legislature’s compromise $83 billion state budget. During debate on extending Florida’s corporate tax exemption scholarship program, Sen. Bill Montford complained that base spending per student would decline in the public schools next fiscal year, notwithstanding a modest increase in the school […]

Phil AmmannMay 5, 2017

Working toward a final Florida state budget, news of a skirmish between the Senate and House emerges. A war of words appears to have broken out between House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Latvala. The Tampa Bay Times reports that Latvala ended budget negotiations after Corcoran “changed the deal” by insisting the final agreement link […]

Jim RosicaMay 5, 2017

A bill to allow craft distillers to sell more product directly to customers was passed by lawmakers Friday. The measure (HB 141) sailed through a 37-0 vote on the Senate floor, sending it to Gov. Rick Scott. Sen. Greg Steube on Thursday had substituted the House version for his bill. The measure would let distillers sell up to six […]

Michael MolineMay 5, 2017

The Senate changed its mind Friday and accepted mandatory-minimum prison sentences in a bill cracking down on synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and carfentanil. Senators had stripped the provision earlier in the week, but the House refused to abandon mandatory sentences and sent the bill back. Senate President Joe Negron initially ruled that Sen. Greg Steube’s […]

Phil AmmannMay 5, 2017

Florida senators, including some reluctant Democrats, voted to expanded two of Florida’s de facto education voucher programs that aid low-income students and those with disabilities. The Tampa Bay Times reports HB 15 passed 27-11 Friday morning, on a vote where four Democrats joined Republicans. The bill returns to the House this afternoon for final approval […]

Associated PressMay 5, 2017

The Florida House has rejected a Senate proposal to loosen mandatory-minimum-sentence requirements in a bill that cracks down on synthetic drug traffickers, putting the legislation in jeopardy with only one day left for it to pass. The bill’s primary sponsor, Republican Rep. Jim Boyd, said the purpose of the bill would be defeated without the […]

Jim RosicaMay 5, 2017

Lawmakers on Friday passed a bill requiring lottery ticket warning labels after removing a requirement that warnings also be displayed at counters where tickets are sold. The Senate approved the measure (HB 937) on a 23-15 vote, sending it back to the House. The House then OK’d that version 114-3. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, a Mount […]

Influence
FEMA. Image via AP.

Senate confirms Justin Senior, Celeste Philip

Conference committees complete work on budget conforming bills

House moves toward Senate on must-pass workers’ compensation legislation

Bill Montford complains about school spending during scholarships debate

Jack Latvala blames final budget stalemate on Richard Corcoran’s ‘last-minute switcheroo’

Craft distillery bill heads to Rick Scott

Senate bows to minimum-mandatory sentencing for fentanyl traffickers

Senate advances voucher expansion bill, goes to House for final vote

House puts fate of fentanyl trafficking bill at risk

Legislature passes Florida Lottery warning bill