Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Martin DyckmanApril 28, 2016

Any law that invades the privacy and liberties of American citizens should come into court facing a heavy burden of proof. Does it serve a compelling public interest? Is it the most reasonable — that is, the least restrictive — approach? That’s doubly true in Florida, whose state constitution contains an explicit right to privacy. […]

Peter SchorschApril 27, 2016

A North Florida school board approved a measure on Tuesday that will limit restrooms to students based on their birth sex, not their gender identity. The Marion County School Board approved the ban, which took effect Wednesday morning. The decision came despite a warning from the American Civil Liberties Union that the ban is unlawful, […]

Mitch PerryMarch 31, 2016

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(Updated from Thursday morning). Gov. Rick Scott signed the omnibus anti-abortion bill HB 1411 Friday, enacting a new law that denies public resources to women’s health clinics that provide abortion services. The measure doesn’t eliminate state funding of abortion, a tactic that’s been illegal for decades. It does, however, now block money for preventive medical care at the same facilities […]

Mitch PerryMarch 4, 2016

Undoubtedly, we’ll hear in the next week (and into the fall) about how Florida is so important nationally because it’s a “Purple State” that reflects the views of our nation about diversity. Yet on far too many issues our state is severely conservative, to quote Mitt Romney. Take its laws on how we decide who qualifies […]

Brendan FarringtonFebruary 29, 2016

Police would have to charge people with a crime before they can seize their money, cars, homes or other property under bills that are now ready for votes on the House and Senate floors. Sen. Jeff Brandes‘ bill was approved unanimously Monday by the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee, the last of three stops before it […]

Associated PressFebruary 26, 2016

A Florida appeals court on Friday ordered the enforcement of a state law that requires women to wait 24 hours before getting an abortion. The 1st District Court of Appeal lifted an injunction that blocked the waiting period from taking effect. In its decision, the three-judge panel contended that a circuit judge did not have […]

Associated PressFebruary 9, 2016

Florida’s First District Court of Appeal is deciding whether they should lift an order that blocked a state law requiring a 24-hour waiting period for abortions. The three-judge panel heard arguments Tuesday from the attorney general’s office and the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida. The state filed the complaint after two judges blocked the […]

Ryan RayFebruary 2, 2016

The House advanced a controversial proposal designed to stop Florida cities and counties from shielding undocumented immigrants from federal immigration laws. HB 675 by Rep. Larry Metz would create potential penalties and fines for local governments that don’t comply with detainers from the Immigration and Customs Service, or otherwise fail to act when they suspect illegal aliens are […]

Ryan RayJanuary 20, 2016

The Florida arm of the American Civil Liberties Union has harsh words for a new bill circulating in the Legislature that would make getting an abortion more difficult. HB 233 is a GOP-sponsored bill that would require abortion clinics to be near – and have admitting privileges to – a hospital. Similar proposals based on […]

William MarchJanuary 7, 2016

A federal judge heard arguments Wednesday in a case that could affect whether prisoners are counted in drawing voting districts in Florida, an issue that affects voting power particularly in rural areas of the state. The American Civil Liberties Union and several Jefferson County residents charge the county used “prison-based gerrymandering” in drawing its five […]

Tag: ACLU
Image via Palatka Main Street.

Martin Dyckman: Impose a delay on tummy tucks; they’re more dangerous than abortions

Marion County School Board blocks transgender kids from choosing restroom

Planned Parenthood calls Florida’s latest anti-abortion bill extremely dangerous

Mitch Perry Report for 3.4.16 — After being forced, Legislature finally moves on death penalty law

Florida could require arrest before police seize property

Florida’s 24-hour abortion waiting period to take effect

Florida court hears case challenging abortion law

House tees up bill to stop “sanctuary” cities

ACLU calls new proposed abortion restrictions “dangerous”

Group challenges inclusion of prisoners in voting districts