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Associated PressJanuary 12, 2016

The Florida Legislature has started its annual 60-day session. Leaders of the Florida House and Florida Senate officially gaveled lawmakers back to work on Tuesday morning. They’re expected over the next few weeks to grapple everything from guns to gambling. Florida Gov. Rick Scott will give his “State of State” speech later Tuesday and is […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 12, 2016

On the first day of the 2016 Legislative Session, Senate President Andy Gardiner made a promise that Gov. Rick Scott would get three bills by the end of the week. Gardiner, an Orlando Republican, spoke during the Senate’s first floor Session for 2016, with Scott sitting in the first row. The first measure is statewide […]

Ryan RayJanuary 11, 2016

An anti-corruption bill with roots in the editorial department of a newspaper hit a snag in a Senate panel Monday, after a protracted debate over specific provisions and about the proper role of the news media momentarily killed it. Former Senate President Don Gaetz is carrying SB 582, a bill which began as a proposal by the Florida-based Gannett […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 10, 2016

Lawmakers may be prepared to pass a massive water bill, but that doesn’t mean the battle over Florida’s water woes is over. State lawmakers are expected to take up the measure — HB 7005 and SB 552 — shortly after the annual 60-day session convenes this week. The measure, years in the making, is likely […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 8, 2016

The Florida Council for Safe Communities said Thursday it will back legislation to increase penalties for suspected drunken drivers who decline sobriety tests. “Our mission is to make Florida the safest state in the country, especially for our most vulnerable citizens,” council Chairman John Giotis said. “That’s why we enthusiastically support House Bill 555, Rep. Scott Plakon’s tough drunk […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 8, 2016

With the 2016 Legislative Session right around the corner, Sen. Joe Negron is in his element. The Treasure Coast lawmaker is known as a workhorse (although he might have to be more of a show horse now that he is Senate President Designate), and in Tallahassee is where he does some of his best work. Riding high […]

Associated PressJanuary 7, 2016

A federal judge is siding with the Seminole Tribe of Florida in an ongoing lawsuit that could affect the tribe’s casinos. U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle on Wednesday rejected a request by state officials to dismiss the lawsuit the Seminoles filed last October. The tribe filed the lawsuit after the expiration of a five-year deal […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 7, 2016

A member of the Legislature’s unofficial “disruptive technology” caucus has filed legislation that would allow for digital versions of state-issued driver, hunting, fishing and boating licenses. State Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, filed the bill (SB 1430) on Wednesday. He’s a technology advocate who has sponsored legislation to allow driverless cars on Florida’s roads. The measure also […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 7, 2016

The Florida Association of Counties is “cautiously optimistic” about a proposal filed this week that could change the way counties pay for juvenile detention costs. Sen. Jack Latvala, a Clearwater Republican, filed legislation Tuesday, SB 1322, that would stop the state’s prepayment system. In fiscal 2016-17, each county would pay its share of the prior […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 6, 2016

The chairman of the Florida Senate’s Transportation committee has filed legislation aimed at reining in the burgeoning number of specialty license plates. State Sen. Jeff Brandes, a St. Petersburg Republican, filed the bill (SB 1390) on Wednesday. The state’s Department of Motor Vehicles and Highway Safety now lists 124 approved and available specialty plates. Now, groups in Florida […]

Tag: 2016 Legislative Session
Pastel colored tropical townhomes

Legislature opens annual session

Andy Gardiner promises first 3 bills this session

Public corruption bill hits snag amid senators’ furor

2016 Legislative Food Fights: Water policy, money for Everglades could be hot topics

Florida Council for Safe Communities backs stronger DUI penalties, opposes relaxed cannabis and alcohol bills

Five questions with Senate President Designate Joe Negron

Federal judge rejects bid to toss Seminole Tribe lawsuit

Jeff Brandes backs “digital ID” bill

Florida Association of Counties “cautiously optimistic” about bill to change juvenile justice pay system

Jeff Brandes cracking down on specialty auto tags