Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

William MarchApril 23, 2015

A compromise between the National Rifle Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association has revived the possibility of a ban on backyard gun ranges in Florida. The Florida House on Thursday amended a bill on Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services regulations to ban shooting in dense residential areas. The Senate has already adopted a […]

Associated PressApril 23, 2015

Revenge porn could soon be illegal in Florida. The state Senate unanimously passed a bill Thursday that would make it illegal to post online sexually explicit photos and videos of someone without their consent. The measure (SB 538) takes aim at people who seek to get back at exes by posting images they took during […]

Associated PressApril 23, 2015

A bill requiring a one-day waiting period for abortions is nearing final passage in the Legislature. It advanced to third and final reading in the state Senate Thursday. It passed the House Wednesday. Senate Democrats sought unsuccessfully to alter or obstruct the bill with a series of amendments, including one to require a similar waiting […]

Christine Jordan SextonApril 23, 2015

With just one week left in the regular legislative session the House on Thursday offered to spend $200 million in general revenue to help fund hospitals in the absence of the federal Low Income Pool. “It is a proposal that is on their desk right now,” House Speaker Steve Crisafulli told reporters as he announced […]

Mitch PerryApril 23, 2015

Jeb Bush is booked to headline the Hillsborough County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner on June 19. The event will take place at the Pepin Hospitality Center, long a traditional spot for the Hillsborough GOP for major events. Hillsborough Republican Executive Committee Chairwoman Deborah Tamargo said she was prepared to issue a press release next week, […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

Powdered alcohol would be banned in Florida for two years under a bill passed by the Senate. The Senate passed the bill Thursday on a 35-2 vote. It would make it illegal to sell, possess or use powdered alcohol. Powdered alcohol was given federal approval last month but has yet to hit stores. Still, at […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

As the 2015 legislative session winds down – and the state’s budget standoff heats up – money is on everyone’s mind. With that, the darkening prospects of the House and Senate settling differences over Medicaid expansion lead a casual (and maybe not so casual) observer to ask the obvious question. Why? Why is the Senate […]

Peter SchorschApril 23, 2015

A government accountability bill going before the Senate on Friday is vintage former Senate President Sen. Don Gaetz. SB 1372 is a common sense reform proposal that will ruffle a few privileged feathers in order to accomplish a good-government public policy goal: restricting taxpayer-funded “golden parachute” severance packages for hospital employees. But as the bill stands now, it […]

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

The Florida Constitution requires the Florida Legislature to pass a balanced budget and send it to the governor. This is the Constitution’s primary mandate for the Legislature. The Florida budget, like any budget, is comprised of two components: income and expenses. Governmental income is derived from the taxes and fees paid by Floridians and visitors […]

Guest AuthorApril 23, 2015

Comedian W.C. Fields quipped, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit.” It seems that Florida lawmakers need to field his advice as their debate over proposed assisted living reform draws to an unceremonious close. Since 2011, the Legislature has worked on hammering out a reform bill that would tighten assisted living […]

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Amendment would ban gun ranges in some residential areas

Senate passes bill to ban revenge porn

Abortion waiting period bill moves forward in Senate

House offers $200 million to Senate to revive budget talks

Jeb Bush to headline Hillsborough County Lincoln Day dinner June 19

Senate votes to ban powdered alcohol for 2 years

Peter Schorsch: In the deadlock over the state budget, follow the money

With adverse hospital CEOs amendment, Senate accountability bill imperfect

Garrett Richter: Health care in Florida: It’s our money and we deserve a return

Brian Lee: Bills to reform assisted living facilities would reduce oversight