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Staff ReportsOctober 21, 2015

The state House and Senate have issued legislative calendar changes for the final week of 2015 Special Session C, which is set to end Nov. 6. The session was convened to amend Senate maps, ordered by a Florida Supreme Court judgment that found the upper chamber violated anti-gerrymandering laws. A number of scheduled hearing times […]

Jim RosicaOctober 16, 2015

The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors on Friday postponed consideration of taking a formal stand on an evidence law change favored by Gov. Rick Scott and conservative lawmakers. The change was actually passed into law two years ago but the courts have yet to follow it. Bar spokeswoman Francine Walker said the board, meeting in Atlantic Beach, “tabled” […]

Jim RosicaOctober 13, 2015

A fight over an important but otherwise obscure evidentiary standard used in court cases looms later this week. The Florida Bar’s Board of Governors will consider whether to recommend rejecting a change in evidence law that’s favored by conservative lawmakers and Gov. Rick Scott. It promises to revive, at least temporarily, the debate over “tort reform,” […]

Guest AuthorOctober 12, 2015

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Florida was the first state to officially sanction greyhound racing in 1931 and for almost 85 years it’s been an enjoyable source of entertainment for Floridians as well as visitors to our state. Just as importantly, greyhound racing track owners have made billions in revenue and made a big contribution to Florida’s economy over the […]

Guest AuthorOctober 11, 2015

Florida was the first state to officially sanction greyhound racing in 1931 and for almost 85 years it’s been an enjoyable source of entertainment for Floridians as well as visitors to our state. Just as importantly, greyhound racing track owners have made billions in revenue and made a big contribution to Florida’s economy over the […]

Jac VerSteegOctober 6, 2015

Let’s discuss Jeb Bush’s “Stuff happens” comment and his campaign’s reaction to the reaction. Jeb was in South Carolina, being tossed softballs by the moderator at a conservative gathering. During a discussion about Second Amendment rights, Jeb said, “We’re in a difficult time in our country,” but “I don’t think more government necessarily is the […]

Jac VerSteegOctober 5, 2015

Let’s discuss Jeb Bush’s “Stuff happens” comment and his campaign’s reaction to the reaction. Jeb was in South Carolina, being tossed softballs by the moderator at a conservative gathering. During a discussion about Second Amendment rights, Jeb said, “We’re in a difficult time in our country,” but “I don’t think more government necessarily is the […]

Gary FineoutSeptember 29, 2015

A three-day trial that could decide the fate of Florida’s political landscape ended Monday as lawyers for both sides accused each other of recommending changes to the state’s 27 congressional districts that could benefit either Republicans or Democrats. Circuit Judge Terry Lewis, who said he would rule sometime in October, must recommend a new map […]

Associated PressSeptember 29, 2015

In his latest dispute with Florida hospitals, Gov. Rick Scott on Monday called for additional regulations, including a requirement that they disclose more information about prices charged to patients. Scott is hoping the Florida Legislature will pass the proposals during the 2016 session. The Republican governor has taken aim at hospitals that receive public funds […]

Sally SwartzSeptember 28, 2015

Two members of Martin County’s legislative delegation listened for hours last week while more than 30 residents buttered them up, begged for money, griped about the Florida Legislature’s recent bad decisions and brought wish lists for 2016. Republican Rep. Gayle Harrell of Stuart turned the annual event, held at the Martin Commission headquarters in Stuart, […]

Tag: Florida Legislature
Mario Cristobal. Image via AP.

Legislative chambers revise schedule for final week of Special Session

Florida Bar punts on controversial evidence standard

Will Legislature and Florida Bar get into tug of war over obscure court rule?

Jack Cory: Florida’s greyhound racing industry deserves protection

Jack Cory: Florida's greyhound racing industry deserves protection

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: When Jeb Bush opens his mouth, “stuff happens”

Jac Wilder VerSteeg: When Jeb opens his mouth, 'stuff happens'

Courts now will decide fate of Florida’s political landscape

Rick Scott calls for more regulation of hospitals

Sally Swartz: Constituents still want environmental action