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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 […]

Martin DyckmanJanuary 14, 2016

Nothing else that government does costs as much as the death penalty in order to accomplish so little. That ought to concern even the most conservative legislators as they cope with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision Tuesday, in Hurst v. Florida, that the state’s capital sentencing process is unconstitutional. The choice now is to […]

Martin DyckmanJanuary 13, 2016

Nothing else that government does costs as much as the death penalty in order to accomplish so little. This ought to concern even the most conservative legislators as they cope with the U.S. Supreme Court’s 8-1 decision Tuesday, in Hurst v. Florida, that the state’s capital sentencing process is unconstitutional. The choice now is to […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 11, 2016

Ending “balance billing,” overhauling the state’s insurance laws, and preserving a practice called “prior authorization” are among the goals of the Florida Association of Health Plans for this legislative session. The organization, which represents every health insurer in the state other than Florida Blue, released its priority list on Monday. “FAHP consistently supports legislative proposals that […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 11, 2016

Along with lawmakers, lobbyists and journalists who are back in Tallahassee this week for the beginning of the 2016 Legislative Session will be immigration activists, concerned about a number of bills being proposed this session. Two busloads of activists are scheduled to depart from Tampa and Homestead on Monday, with two more scheduled to depart from Polk County […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 10, 2016

The start of the 2016 Legislative Session means a cessation of political fundraising – sitting lawmakers are barred from ginning up cash while they legislate. But session begins Tuesday, so the Monday before is the usual orgy of tippling, grip-and-grinning and check writing. House Majority 2016, Senate Majority 2016 and others sent out emails last week detailing the various events, subject […]

Tag: Carlos Trujillo

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”

Martin Dyckman: U.S. Supreme Court ruling should prompt Legislature to abolish death penalty

Martin Dyckman: Supreme Court ruling should prompt Legislature to abolish death penalty

Health-plan group releases priorities for 2016 Legislative Session

Immigration activists to descend upon Tallahassee this week

Fundraising galore before start of 2016 Legislative Session