Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

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. […]

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 […]

Ryan RayFebruary 1, 2016

The Senate Health Policy committee narrowly approved pair of closely watched health care bills Monday afternoon, auguring much more debate still to come about the proposals. Bills to weaken the state’s “certificates of need” regime for hospital licensing, and to shield patients from a medical collections practice known as “balance billing” passed by votes of […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 27, 2016

Observers of the state Legislature in Tallahassee will recall the backlash that ensued after the Florida House passed a measure last year that effectively codified existing law that same-sex couples could adopt. The bill, sponsored by Miami Beach Democrat Dave Richardson, ultimately made it through the Senate, but not before there was another measure sponsored […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 26, 2016

Efforts to expand telehealth options in Florida are moving through the state Legislature, and the state Senate on Tuesday approved a measure (SB 1686) aimed at improving access. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Aaron Bean, defines telehealth, creates a telehealth task force, and authorizes healthcare practitioners in Florida to participate in telehealth. The measure passed […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 25, 2016

Without a doubt, the most interesting Senate committee meeting of the new Florida Legislative Session for Jacksonville will occur Tuesday morning. The Committee on Community Affairs meets to consider nine bills, but it’s the sixth that should interest Jacksonville locals. The Discretionary Sales Surtax bill, introduced by Sen. Rob Bradley and co-sponsored by Sen. Aaron […]

Tag: Aaron Bean
Golf ball and golf club in bag on green grass

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

House passes sweeping immigration measure

Senate health care panel narrowly advances CON, balance billing changes

Mitch Perry Report for 1.27.16 – “Pastor Protection Act” moves through state Senate

Capitol Reax: Telehealth, Dozier School for Boys, dental plans, economic incentives

Senate panel to discuss Jacksonville’s pension liability surtax Tuesday