Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryOctober 16, 2017

Will 2018 finally be the year that a statewide ban against discrimination against the LGBTQ community in employment, housing and public accommodations becomes the law of the land in Florida? Once again, the Competitive Workforce Act (HB 347) has been filed in the Florida House of Representatives, this time by St. Petersburg Democrat Ben Diamond […]

Staff ReportsOctober 16, 2017

State Rep. Danny Burgess on Monday announced he filed a trio of veterans bills for the 2018 Legislative Session to address mental health and licensing issues. “I believe our most solemn responsibility as a state is to serve those who have served us,” said Burgess, a Zephyrhills Republican, in a statement. “Veterans are Florida’s VIPs, and these […]

Jim RosicaOctober 16, 2017

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Call it the House of Representatives’ Greatest Hits – so far. House Speaker Richard Corcoran took to YouTube Monday to highlight his chamber’s work in last week’s first legislative committee week. An enthusiastic Corcoran, sporting a blue blazer-no tie look, sat in front of a bookcase stuffed with Florida Statute books, a miniature Liberty Bell, […]

Peter SchorschOctober 11, 2017

Sixty Days — A prime-time read of what’s going down for Florida’s 2018 Legislative Session. The Last 24 A Senate panel asked lots of questions but didn’t get the answers they wanted as members tried to get a handle on the state’s new $85 million jobs fund. An ethics committee cleared a bill that would […]

Peter SchorschOctober 10, 2017

Sixty Days — A prime-time read of what’s going down for Florida’s 2018 Legislative Session. The Last 24 Annette Taddeo was sworn into office following her victory last month in District 40. Her fellow Senate Democrats sent a letter to Gov. Rick Scott urging him to waive KidCare health insurance premium fees in the aftermath of […]

Danny McAuliffeOctober 9, 2017

Should Florida law enforcement be required to inform subjects of their right to refuse a search? A Senate panel says that’s a question for another day. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Monday postponed a bill (SB 262), filed by Sen. Gary Farmer, a Fort Lauderdale Democrat, that seeks to prevent police from conducting searches without first […]

Peter SchorschOctober 9, 2017

Sixty Days – A prime-time read of what’s going down for Florida’s 2018 Legislative Session. The Last 24 Gov. Rick Scott toured the Herbert Hoover Dike at Lake Okeechobee. A 90-year-old woman named Cecilia Franco became the 13th victim of the Hollywood nursing home tragedy. 95-year-old Francesca Andrade became the home’s 14th fatality. Sen. Aaron Bean filed a bill […]

Jim RosicaOctober 9, 2017

A Senate panel on Monday cleared a ‘water bill’ aimed at cleaning up some of the state’s waterways. The Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee OK’d the measure (SB 204) with a unanimous vote. Legislative committees are meeting in the Capitol this week, in advance of the 2018 Legislative Session that starts in January. The bill, by […]

Staff ReportsOctober 6, 2017

State Sen. Tom Lee‘s office announced he had again filed legislation to add financial protections for residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). The Thonotosassa Republican, a former Senate president, filed the 70-page bill (SB 438) on Thursday; he filed similar legislation last session. “Part independent living, part assisted living and part skilled nursing home, CCRCs […]

Staff ReportsOctober 4, 2017

A measure to overhaul community redevelopment agencies (CRAs), a priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran, has been filed for the 2018 Legislative Session. Rep. Jake Raburn, a Lithia Republican, is sponsoring the bill (HB 17). Lawmakers designed the programs to combat blight and slums and build affordable housing, WFSU explained. Critics argue more regulations are needed to ensure […]

Tag: 2018 Legislative Session

Bipartisan effort again behind LGBTQ discrimination bill

Danny Burgess announces veterans legislation

Richard Corcoran says ‘enough is enough’ in new video

Sixty Days for 10.11.17 — A prime-time look at the 2018 Legislative Session

Sixty Days for 10.10.17 — A prime-time look at the 2018 Legislative Session

Senate committee passes on search bill for now

Sixty Days for 10.9.17 — A prime-time look at the 2018 Legislative Session

‘Water bills’ already on the move in the Senate

Tom Lee files bill to protect seniors

Bill would rein in community redevelopment agencies