Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 21, 2016

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After the June 2015 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Obergefell v. Hodges case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, more than 20 state legislatures reacted by passing religious freedom laws to protect clergy. This month, Florida became the latest state to do so after Gov. Rick Scott signed the Pastor Protection Act. The new law shields religious entities […]

Jim RosicaMarch 11, 2016

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State Sen. Jack Latvala brought up “the elephant in the room” during remarks on the 2016-17 state budget Friday, lamenting the lack of a $250 million business incentives fund, a priority of Gov. Rick Scott. The Clearwater Republican, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development, said the absence of the Florida Enterprise […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

The man of the hour smiled as his colleagues told stories and reminisced about his time in the Florida Legislature. They spoke of his commitment to his family, his dedication to his community, and his calm demeanor when dealing with the tough issues the state has faced in recent years. “He is the George Bailey […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 25, 2016

The Senate Appropriations Committee approved Thursday several bills with some cost-saving measures for health providers. The bills now head to the Senate floor. LobbyTools is reporting on SB 1686, sponsored by Fernandina Beach Republican Sen. Aaron Bean, which will allow Florida’s health care practitioners to provide telehealth services. The bill creates a task force under the Agency […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 24, 2016

A legislative priority of Sens. Aaron Bean and Rob Bradley and Rep. Neil Combee, SB 228, was signed into law by Florida Gov. Rick Scott on Wednesday. The Self Defense Protection Act offers a narrow self-defense exception to mandatory minimum sentences, in the case of a jury believing that a defendant had a good-faith belief that using a firearm was […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 24, 2016

A Senate panel OK’d a proposal Wednesday to make the Secretary of State a statewide elected office. The Senate Rules committee approved a measure (SJR 1424) sponsored by Sen. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, to make the Secretary of State a member of the Cabinet. It now heads to the full Senate for approval. […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 17, 2016

In the wake of last year’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, Republicans in the Florida Legislature this year are backing a “Pastor Protection Act.” The bill would prevent clergy members from being forced to perform marriage ceremonies contrary to their principles. On Wednesday, the Senate Rules Committee voted on a straight, 7-3 […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 16, 2016

Tuesday afternoon finds Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry “headed back over to Tallahassee” to sell the pension tax bill, he told FloridaPolitics.com. Though the “Discretionary Sales Surtax” bill is not up for any committee hearings this week, Curry plans “individual meetings” with lawmakers. The next stop for the bill, Jacksonville’s plan to deal with the unfunded pension liability, […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 15, 2016

The Florida Senate Bill Search reveals that the Discretionary Sales Surtax bill, Jacksonville’s plan to deal with the unfunded pension liability, has moved to Rules. However, the Senate bill, introduced by Rob Bradley and co-sponsored by Aaron Bean, does not appear to be on the committee agenda for Wednesday. The bill cleared Community Affairs 7 to 1 […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 12, 2016

About $43,000 in January donations brought state Sen. Aaron Bean‘s campaign account up to $136,700, with more than $92,500 cash on hand for the Fernandina Beach Republican’s re-election bid. Especially enthusiastic about the Bean Team: Northeast Florida anesthesiologists. Eleven of them made $500 contributions, which adds up to a lot of Novocaine at today’s prices. […]

Tag: Aaron Bean

Florida’s Pastor Protection Act doesn’t go as far as Georgia’s — and that’s a good thing for NFL fans

Jack Latvala rues lack of business incentives in budget

Senate pays tribute to outgoing President Andy Gardiner

Senate committee passes series of cost-saving health care proposals

Aggravated assault removed from 10-20-Life in Florida

Senate panel signs off on proposal to make Secretary of State member of Cabinet

Contentious “Pastor Protection Act” now moves to Senate floor

Lenny Curry, pension tax on his mind, heads back to Tallahassee

Jax pension tax bill waits for final Senate committee

Aaron Bean’s campaign account jumps in January