Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Phil AmmannMay 2, 2015

After a stubborn budget impasse, capped off by an abrupt adjournment by the Florida House, most will agree the 2015 Legislative Session was something of a disappointment. Among those particularly dissatisfied with the outcome this year is the state’s business community, led by the Florida Chamber of Commerce. But hope remains for a victory, as […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorApril 29, 2015

A compassionate bill aimed at patients suffering from terminal illnesses is on its way to the governor’s desk. The Right to Try Act by St. Petersburg state Sen. Jeff Brandes earned broad support in the committee stops and has been approved by both chambers. Gov. Rick Scott is expected to sign the bill into law. The law would allow […]

Guest AuthorApril 27, 2015

While the Florida Legislature debates health care on many fronts, an important health care measure that has been in the works for several years and takes significant steps to better protect one of Florida’s most vulnerable populations, our state’s seniors, is now ready for final passage. That measure is assisted living reform. The assisted living […]

James CallApril 20, 2015

It may not compare to the estimated $4 billion wagered in office betting pools during the NCAA basketball tournament, but Capitol observers have some side bets going on about the 2015 Legislative Session. One is when will the hanky drop. Entries for #CateSineDie are due by 10 a.m. Tuesday. Predict when lawmakers adjourn the 2015 Legislative Session, […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorApril 14, 2015

The Florida Senate has sent a growler bill to the House for consideration. The Senate approved 38-0 a revised growler bill that would allow Florida craft breweries to sell 64-ounce growlers. Current law allows the larger 1-gallon size and the smaller quart size, but not the most popular half-gallon containers. The version of the bill […]

Peter SchorschApril 13, 2015

Thanks to an interesting and oft-forgotten historical footnote, the origin of the terms “Upper Chamber” and “Lower Chamber” are not related to power, but were originally derived from the actual physical location of the respective legislative bodies. The story goes that during the first meetings of Congress in NYC’s Federal Hall, the U.S. Senate occupied […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorApril 7, 2015

More news on Florida’s war on potheads. The Senate Finance and Tax Committee unanimously approved a “blunt wrap” tax Tuesday. The type of rolling paper used to wrap cigars (or giant marijuana joints) would be subject to tobacco taxes under the proposed law. Here’s the deal: Lawmakers really, really wants to tax your blunt wrappers. But they’ve […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorApril 1, 2015

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South Florida Senator Jeremy Ring is fed up with obnoxious coaches. So, he’s doing what any reasonable person in a position of authority would do; he’s using his influence in the Florida Legislature to get overly competitive coaches off their respective soccer and softball fields. According to PoliticalFix Florida, Ring decided to sponsor the “Athletic Coaches” bill after […]

Phil AmmannMarch 27, 2015

House Energy & Utility Subcommittee Chairman Dane Eagle is thanking fellow committee members for their efforts during the 2015 Legislative Session. This week, the committee held its final meeting of the 60-day session. Among the issues addressed this session include House Bill 7109, the Public Service Commission reform bill designed and passed by Eagle’s committee. […]

Phil AmmannMarch 27, 2015

House Energy & Utility Subcommittee Chairman Dane Eagle is thanking fellow committee members for their efforts during the 2015 Legislative Session. This week, the committee held its final meeting of the 60-day session. Among the issues addressed this session include House Bill 7109, the Public Service Commission reform bill designed and passed by Eagle’s committee. […]

Tag: 2015 legislative session

Florida Chamber: Special session offers second chance to get it right

Jeff Brandes’ Right to Try Act heads to governor

Gail Matillo: Legislature finally could OK needed assisted living facilities reform

#CateSineDie: placing bets on Session’s end

Growler bill sent to the House with add-ons

Peter Schorsch: Can Florida's 'Upper House' keep the upper hand?

Legislature wants to tax your blunt wrappers

Most important bill ever bans ejected youth coaches from returning

Dane Eagle praises work of Energy & Utility Subcommittee in 2015

Dane Eagle praises work of Energy & Utility Subcommittee in 2015