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Staff ReportsNovember 26, 2018

Senate President Bill Galvano is dubious about the greyhound industry’s chances for compensation now that its livelihood has been taken away by voters. A constitutional amendment aimed at ending live dog racing in Florida won at the ballot box earlier this month with 69 percent of the vote. Amendments need no less than 60 percent approval […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 26, 2018

The new leader of the Florida Senate wants to afford more freedom to state universities wishing to rename buildings previously designated by the state Legislature. Senate President Bill Galvano, after assuming the chamber’s top spot last week, told reporters that he supports “a framework for universities to do their naming and having flexibility, instead of having […]

Ryan NicolNovember 26, 2018

Sen. Lauren Book will again try to create a tax exemption for purchases of diapers and incontinence products in the 2019 Legislative Session. Book, who represents Senate District 32 in Broward County, has filed the measure before, though it didn’t pass. The 2019 version (SB 60) would exempt purchases of “diapers, incontinence undergarments, incontinence pads, or incontinence […]

Jacob OglesNovember 23, 2018

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It would appear Florida lawmakers in both parties left recount season with election reform on the mind. State Rep. Dane Eagle, now the House Republican Leader, lists the issue among his own priorities this year. The Cape Coral lawmaker says changes to the state’s election laws will likely come up during the 2019 Legislative Session after […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 20, 2018

Republican state Rep. Jose Oliva assumed speakership of the Florida House on Tuesday, encouraging members to “focus our efforts on those things we can only do together.” Oliva will lead the chamber during the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions. His ascension took place at the Organization Session that occurs every two years after an election cycle. Party […]

Jim RosicaNovember 20, 2018

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As expected — and scripted — the Florida Senate unanimously elected Bill Galvano as President of the GOP-controlled chamber for the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions. The move came at a constitutionally mandated “organization session” on Tuesday after the 2018 general elections. Outgoing President and Stuart Republican Joe Negron passed the gavel, and 10 new members also took seats […]

Staff ReportsNovember 19, 2018

The Senate Democratic Caucus met Monday to select Jacksonville’s Audrey Gibson as its 2018-20 Leader. Members also nominated Tallahassee’s Bill Montford as the Leader pro tempore. Gibson told the caucus she considers “the role more as a bridge builder, for purposes so much larger.” She is now only the third woman to serve in the position, and […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 19, 2018

During a ceremonial meeting of Florida House Republicans, members unanimously nominated Jose Oliva as House Speaker and MaryLynn Magar Speaker Pro-Tempore. The House will convene early Tuesday to formally recognize the two lawmakers, along with others, in their leadership capacities set for the next two legislative sessions. Republican state Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, in recognizing Oliva, described […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 19, 2018

Incoming House Democratic Leader Kionne McGhee has named four fellow legislators to accompany him in directing party efforts through the next two legislative sessions. McGhee, a Cutler Bay Democrat, selected state Reps. Margaret Good, Shevrin Jones, Richard Stark and Barbara Watson as Deputy Leaders on Monday. With these selections, Democratic leadership will be representative of […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 14, 2018

State Sen. David Simmons is primed to be the upper chamber’s second-in-command during the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Sessions. Senate President-elect Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, on Wednesday announced his selection of the Longwood Republican to fill the role. The Senate is expected to approve Simmons’ appointment on Tuesday, when the chamber meets for Organizational […]

Tag: 2019 legislative session

Top lawmaker skeptical of appropriation for greyhound industry

Bill Galvano outlines path to rename FSU law school

Lauren Book renews effort to secure tax break for diapers

Dane Eagle hopes both parties agree on election reforms

Jose Oliva begins as House Speaker with message of cooperation

Pledging to be a ‘facilitator,’ Bill Galvano becomes Senate President

Senate Democrats select Audrey Gibson as 2018-20 leader

Jose Oliva primed to assume House Speaker post

House Democrats fill out leadership roles

David Simmons selected Senate President Pro Tempore