Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsMarch 3, 2016

The Florida Senate on Thursday tacked a strike-all amendment onto the House’s measure aimed at protecting patients from “balance billing.” The bill was special order in the Senate, meaning members could ask questions and offer amendments. The House bill was passed Wednesday by 116-1. Only orthopedic surgeon Rep. Julio Gonzalez opposed. Among other changes, the latest amendment […]

Jim RosicaMarch 2, 2016

The Florida House of Representatives Wednesday passed its version of a measure aimed at protecting patients from the practice of “balance billing.” The bill (HB 221) was approved by an 116-1 vote, with only state Rep. Julio Gonzalez in opposition. The Venice Republican is an orthopedic surgeon. The legislation was a priority of CFO Jeff Atwater, who opposes […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 29, 2016

If proponents of tearing down the hard liquor “wall of separation” in retail stores had a theme song, it would be, “Don’t You (Forget About Me).” Businesses organized as Floridians for Fair Business Practices want to repeal the Prohibition-era state law that requires businesses, such as grocery chains and big-box retailers, to have separate stores to sell liquor. […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 25, 2016

Today in the Orlando Sentinel, an emergency room physician by the name of Jay L. Falk, on behalf of the Florida College of Emergency Physicians (FCEP), wrote a column titled, “Emergency Physicians Seek Solutions To Fair Treatment,” in support of a balance billing fix. Dr. Falk, like everyone else, wants to hold patients harmless. He suggests that the […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 24, 2016

A Senate committee passed a bill Wednesday to create a list of first-time misdemeanors that would lead to civil citations instead of arrests for youths under 16 years of age. The legislation, sponsored by Rockledge Republican Thad Altman (SB 408), would in most cases lead to civil citations instead of arrests. Juveniles would be diverted to perform community […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 17, 2016

The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee on Wednesday voted 5-3 to approve a bill that targets funding for family planning and women’s health. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kelli Stargel, says clinics that offer abortion services, like Planned Parenthood, are prohibited from receiving state funding. Laura Goodhue, executive director of the Florida Alliance […]

Drew WilsonFebruary 15, 2016

Incumbent Republican Rep. Carlos Trujillo has drawn a primary challenger for his House District 105 seat. Republican Victor Dotres filed for the seat Feb. 8, becoming the only other candidate in the race besides Trujillo, who is finishing up his third term in the district, which covers parts of Collier, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. Dotres, […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 25, 2016

A bill by Keystone Heights Republican state Rep. Charles Van Zant that would severely restrict abortion rights passed the Criminal Justice Subcommittee Monday. The bill, among other things, “prohibits induced abortions; prohibits operation of facility for purpose of providing abortion services; prohibits termination of pregnancy unless specified conditions are met; requires informed consent; deletes exemption […]

Ryan RayJanuary 25, 2016

State Sen. Darren Soto, flanked by members of the Democratic Hispanic Caucus at the Capitol, told reporters Monday that if legislators and policymakers ignore the demands of Florida’s nearly 5 million Hispanic and Latino votes, they do so at their own peril. Hailing the group’s support and opposition to a raft of bills alongside caucus President Vivian Rodriguez, […]

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 […]

Tag: Carlos Trujillo
Image via AP.

Balance billing measure lands in Senate

House passes balance billing fix

“Whiskey and Wheaties” looking dead, but advocates keep pushing

Balance billing: Someone didn’t get the memo

Juvenile citation bill advances in Senate

Capitol Reax: Abortion, Florida Keys Stewardship Act, certificates of need, guns, balance billing, gaming

Carlos Trujillo to face GOP primary challenge in HD 105 race

Charles Van Zant abortion bill clears Criminal Justice subcommittee

Darren Soto, Hispanic Democrats call for Puerto Rico assistance, economic reform

ACLU calls new proposed abortion restrictions “dangerous”