Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Staff ReportsMarch 13, 2018

Gov. Rick Scott was in Jacksonville Tuesday afternoon signing two bills that will help military members get jobs in Florida. While he was in town, he also lent his support to a potential constitutional amendment that would benefit families of first responders and service members who gave their lives in duty. HB 29, the “Don Hahnfeldt Veteran and […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2018

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Gov. Rick Scott said he will sign a measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Scott made the announcement early Wednesday at a “Ringing of the Bell” ceremony for Florida’s fallen firefighters at The Capitol. The legislation (SB 376) is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire […]

Drew WilsonMarch 5, 2018

After going back and forth with similar bills, the Legislature cleared a proposal Monday that would require nursing homes to have backup generators on site to keep the air conditioning running during power outages. The bill, HB 7099, is a priority of Gov. Rick Scott, who issued a similar requirement via an emergency rule following […]

Jim RosicaMarch 5, 2018

A measure to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder has passed the Legislature unanimously and now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. A spokesman on Monday said the governor will “review the legislation” when received, but would not commit to Scott’s approval. The legislation is a priority of Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also […]

Jim RosicaMarch 3, 2018

Without debate, the Florida Senate on Saturday unanimously passed a bill to expand workers’ compensation benefits to first responders who suffer job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. The measure (SB 376) was among several added to a rare weekend sitting to handle pending school safety legislation. That’s in response to last month’s deadly shooting at Broward County’s Marjory Stoneman Douglas […]

Staff ReportsMarch 1, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s Fire Marshal, Thursday applauded a Senate panel’s unanimous approval of a workers’ compensation insurance bill that could provide expanded benefits to first responders with job-related post-traumatic stress disorder. “Last year, four states, including Texas, passed measures that give first responders the needed access to mental health benefits […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 26, 2018

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, also the state’s fire marshal, called the Florida League of Cities “disgraceful” for “attempting to derail” legislation that would allow first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) access to mental health benefits. Patronis issued a news release Monday. “Florida League of Cities lobbyists have, at every step of the legislative committee process, vehemently […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 30, 2018

A House panel on Tuesday pushed forward a redraft of a workers’ compensation bill that would extend benefits to first responders suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder if they are diagnosed within two years of the work-related injury. The overhaul of the House proposal was approved at its first committee stop, with no questions or debate, […]

Guest AuthorJanuary 25, 2018

First Responder Appreciation Week is a special time when we Floridians recognize law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel who help keep us safe. This past year, first responders went above and beyond not only day-to-day but also during Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful hurricanes we have seen in years. They worked […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 16, 2018

“Recovering a toddler’s body from the river, pulling bodies from a car that ended up in a canal and carrying a decapitated teen’s body across the sand who was the victim of a shark attack would certainly take a toll on anyone,” Leslie Dangerfield said behind teary eyes. She was describing the atrocities her husband, […]

Tag: first responders

Rick Scott signs veterans’ bills, pushes for constitutional amendment in Jacksonville

Rick Scott says he’ll sign first responders’ benefits bill

Capitol reax: Nursing homes, first responders, arming teachers, busting unions

Bill to help first responders heads to Rick Scott

Senate passes PTSD benefits for first responders

Jimmy Patronis can’t stop, won’t stop for first responders

Jimmy Patronis: League of Cities’ opposition to benefits for first responders is ‘disgraceful’

House redrafts PTSD legislation to include educational component

Claudia Rodriguez: Motorola Solutions thanks Florida first responders

With emotion, legislators and relatives of late firefighters push PTSD bill