Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Brendan FarringtonNovember 20, 2015

A contentious proposal to let concealed weapons permit holders bring guns on state university and college campuses was among four firearm bills that made their final committee stops Thursday and will now be before their respective legislative chambers. Two other bills will ban backyard gun ranges in densely populated areas and another will remove aggravated […]

Ryan RayNovember 4, 2015

A bill to allow guns on Florida’s college campuses passed a House panel on higher education Wednesday morning, amid a heated debate on the role of firearms in public spaces. The bill passed easily through the House Higher Education & Workforce Subcommittee, though former police officer and Democratic Rep. Dave Kerner spoke against the bill and joined impassioned […]

Ryan RayOctober 6, 2015

A House panel Tuesday morning advanced a bill to grant concealed weapons licensees to carry their guns openly in Florida. Or as sponsor Rep. Matt Gaetz put it, restore a right “granted not by government, but by God.” Despite an admonishment from chairman Carlos Trujillo to keep questions to the text of the bill itself and avoid “philosophical” […]

Phil AmmannJuly 14, 2015

Florida’s leading law enforcement association recognized 10 legislators this week for providing significant advancements in 2015 to the state’s overall public safety. Florida Sheriffs Association is a for-profit corporation representing Florida Sheriffs, as well as nearly 3,500 business leaders and 70,000 Floridians. The association released its annual list of Legislative Champions on Monday night during the group’s Summer Conference […]

Ryan RayJune 9, 2015

Daniel Silvers collected more money than any other Democratic challenger during a 2014 cycle that was difficult for House Dems, raising some $286,000 in a five-point loss to Republican Rep. Bill Hager in District 89, based in coastal Palm Beach County. He’ll likely need to keep it up in 2016 as he jumps into a race in […]

Mitch PerryApril 2, 2015

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The Florida House Judiciary Committee today passed a controversial “conscience protection” bill (HB 7111) that would allow private adoption agencies to refuse child placements with gay couples. Conscience protection legislation grants a person or an entity the ability to refuse to perform an otherwise required duty, because the individual or entity violates their religious or […]

Ryan RayFebruary 27, 2015

Clearwater Sen. Jack Latvala announced Thursday that he will seek passage of SB 534, a bill to increase reporting of human trafficking by expanding the public’s awareness of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. The legislation would mandate that the number be posted in all Florida transportation hubs and establishments near major roads, where employees and patrons […]

Tag: Dave Kerner
Image via AP

Guns on campus among 4 gun bills set for full chamber votes

“Campus carry” bill approved by House higher ed panel

House panel pulls trigger on open carry

Florida Sheriffs Association picks Legislative Champions for 2015

Democrat Daniel Silvers gears up for a 2016 run, this time in HD 89

House committee passes bill to allow private adoption agencies to deny gay adoption

Jack Latvala to pursue human trafficking legislation with House Dem Dave Kerner