Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsAugust 24, 2018

Two Florida immigrant rights groups have joined a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. Commerce Department’s plan to ask people about their citizenship status during the 2020 Census. The lawsuit, filed June 6 in the Southern District of New York, alleges that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross wants to intentionally discriminate against immigrants of color. Additionally, his […]

Staff ReportsAugust 23, 2018

A federal judge in Tallahassee has ruled in favor of a transgender inmate who sued the Department of Corrections two years ago for denying her “hormone therapy and other medically necessary treatment.” Reiyn Keohane is currently incarcerated at the Walton Correctional Institution, according to a press release from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida, which represented her. […]

Staff ReportsApril 9, 2018

Screen-Shot-2018-04-09-at-1.45.21-PM.png

Howard Simon, the longest-serving American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) official, is retiring at the end of the year. Simon spent the last 21 years as head of the ACLU of Florida, and directed the organization’s Michigan office for 23 years before that. “His cumulative 44-year career … is the longest in the ACLU’s 98-year history,” the group […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 7, 2018

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday to advance a bill by Sarasota Sen. Greg Steube, SB 1168, that the Consumer Protection Coalition said would “do little to protect consumers” from Assignment of Benefits abuse. The group said it prefers HB 7015 by Rep. Jay Trumbull, which includes modifications to one-way attorney fees which proponents say […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 25, 2018

A proposed Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) amendment on “privacy” for the 2018 ballot could unravel protections guaranteed to Floridians, according to one of the lawmakers who wrote the state’s 1980 privacy amendment. The proposal, sponsored by Constitution Revision Commissioner John Stemberger and drafted by former Supreme Court Justice Kenneth Bell, would add 10 words to […]

Associated PressOctober 2, 2017

A federal judge has blocked a Florida law that would require people and groups that provide abortion advice to register with the state and furnish women with a detailed explanation of the procedure and alternatives. U.S. Senior District Judge Robert Hinkle issued the ruling late Friday saying that the lawsuit filed by a minister, two […]

Staff ReportsMay 16, 2017

There’s a new podcast on the block. SalterMitchell is launching Fluent in Floridian, a new podcast featuring state leaders talking about issues important to the people of Florida and the people who visit the Sunshine State each year. The podcast will tackle issues like economic development, environmental protection, transportation, tourism, politics and taxes. Released weekly, […]

Mitch PerryMay 15, 2017

Florida’s Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) stops in Tampa Wednesday for public comments on potential changes to the state Constitution. However, progressive groups are once again calling upon the Rules Working Group to improve what they say is a lack of transparency in how the CRC conducts these meetings. The Constitution Revision Commission is a group of […]

Mitch PerryApril 12, 2017

gettyimages-632955470_wide-2028841b7a3c6770547628d87616ea29ec277170-s900-c85.jpg

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit Wednesday demanding government documents about the on-the-ground implementation of President Donald Trump’s Muslim bans. The civil liberties organization’s lawsuit is seeking records from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Miami and Tampa field offices. Specifically, the lawsuit seeks records related to CBP’s implementation of Trump’s […]

Mitch PerryMarch 6, 2017

There are numerous criminal justice reform bills already moving in committees in the Florida House and Senate this year, and on Monday a nonpartisan coalition called The Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform announced its formation on the eve of the 2017 Legislative Session kicking off on Tuesday. The Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform includes the Southern […]

Tag: ACLU of Florida
ELon Musk. Image via AP.

Florida groups join legal challenge to Census citizenship query

After ‘attempted self-castration,’ transgender inmate wins case against state

Personnel note: ACLU of Florida’s Howard Simon to retire

Capitol reax: AOB, Publix PrEP, campus ‘free speech,’ criminal justice, Rick Scott

Privacy expert says CRC proposal could lead to government intrusion in Floridians’ lives

Federal judge blocks Florida abortion law

SalterMitchell launches ‘Fluent in Floridian’ podcast

Activists express concern about transparency of Tampa CRC meeting Wednesday

ACLU demanding records on Donald Trump Muslim ban in Miami, Orlando

Florida Campaign for Criminal Justice Reform formed as legislative session formally begins