Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 8, 2016

As lawmakers get ready to consider another early Legislative Session for 2018, this year’s early Session so far has been a mixed bag for Tallahassee’s hospitality businesses. “We’re not a big fan of it,” said John McCarroll, general manager of the Hotel Duval, saying his group reservations have been dropping out more often this year, […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 5, 2016

The Florida Senate and House of Representatives on Friday filed their gambling legislation for the 2016 Legislative Session, including the $3 billion Seminole Compact, a proposed “voter control of gambling expansion” amendment and two different rewrites of the state’s gambling code. The Senate’s version, posted at 4:29 p.m., is 81 pages and the House’s is 102 pages. There […]

Ryan RayFebruary 5, 2016

A bill to require the use of body cameras for Florida law enforcement officers is ready for a vote before the full House after getting final approval in a committee. The House Judiciary Committee passed HB 93 by Rep. Shevrin Jones by a unanimous vote Thursday. Jones, a Broward Democrat, said his bill would provide comprehensive protections for both citizens […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 5, 2016

After leaving room for doubt, the state senator in charge of overseeing gambling issues is putting the proposed Seminole Compact up for consideration. On Thursday, the Florida Senate’s website showed two proposed bills from Sen. Rob Bradley, the Fleming Island Republican who chairs the Regulated Industries Committee, set for next Tuesday’s meeting at 1:30 p.m. One (SB […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 4, 2016

Clergy members, ministers and other “religious organization” employees could legally refuse to perform gay marriages under legislation that will be considered by the full House of Representatives. The measure, which some call a “Pastor Protection Act” (HB 43), was OK’d 12-5 by the Judiciary Committee on Thursday, its final review panel. The bill, sponsored by Republican […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 4, 2016

A measure that would impose term limits on Florida’s appellate judges has cleared its last House committee, despite critics’ warnings that it will cause a brain drain on the bench. The bill (HB 197) cleared the Judiciary Committee Thursday by a vote of 11-6, sending it to the full Florida House of Representatives. To take effect, it must […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 3, 2016

Saying Florida cities and counties must “follow the rule of law,” the Florida House passed a sweeping immigration measure Wednesday that would penalize those who don’t cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Florida is one of several states considering a crackdown on so-called “sanctuary cities.” The House voted 80-38 for the bill that could lead to […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 3, 2016

Lawmakers are filing a flurry of amendments to a bill aimed at reducing the number of specialty license plates on Florida roadways. Legislators filed at least 16 amendments to Jeff Brandes’ omnibus new plate bill adding at least one specialty plate each. However, adding plates in the proposal doesn’t necessarily defeat the purpose. Groups wishing […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 3, 2016

Democrats on Wednesday questioned the Florida House’s proposed banning of Planned Parenthood for any funding in 2016-17. The House Appropriations Committee met to go over that chamber’s proposed $79.9 billion spending plan. It was cleared along party lines, with Democrats opposing. A leading senator later said the Planned Parenthood provision would likely become a talking point in the House-Senate budget […]

Ryan RayFebruary 3, 2016

About 200 supporters and onlookers joined with Gov. Rick Scott to urge lawmakers to pass the governor’s priorities, including a tax cut and more spending for business incentives. Supporters, including a few dozen casino employees who took a field trip to Tallahassee Wednesday the casino workers stood on as Scott said his administration’s regime of low taxes […]

Tag: 2016 Legislative Session

Early Session a mixed bag for downtown Tallahassee businesses

Legislature files gambling bills, including Seminole Compact

Body cameras bill poised for House vote

Senate schedules Seminole Compact for hearing

“Pastor protection act” continues moving in Legislature

Judicial term limits OK’d by final House committee

House passes sweeping immigration measure

Specialty plate reduction bill draws flurry of amendments adding plates

Democrats question House’s defunding of Planned Parenthood

Rick Scott rallies for jobs amid Session