Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

The group backing a medical marijuana ballot initiative is calling out lawmakers for a proposal that provides relief to more patients. The Florida Senate voted 28-11 to approve a bill that expands the Right to Try Act to include medical marijuana. Under the proposal, the bill allows eligible patients — defined as someone with one […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

The man of the hour smiled as his colleagues told stories and reminisced about his time in the Florida Legislature. They spoke of his commitment to his family, his dedication to his community, and his calm demeanor when dealing with the tough issues the state has faced in recent years. “He is the George Bailey […]

Phil AmmannMarch 7, 2016

On Monday, the Senate unanimously passed House Bill 7027, a broadly worded bill that seeks to reform several policies and programs for the Florida Department of Transportation. After senators adopted a series of amendments, LobbyTools reports the bill now returns to the House. Among the amendments were adding language to encourage the development of transportation policy for […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2016

The same week that the Senate confirmation chances of its secretary – Surgeon General John Armstrong – continue dangling by a thread, the Florida Department of Health issued a news release in advance of an upcoming HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Armstrong has been criticized for, among other things, the state’s overall growing rate of HIV/AIDS. Thursday is the 11th […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

A bill expanding medical marijuana now heads to the governor, after state lawmakers spent hours debating the merits of the proposal. The state Senate voted 28-11 to approve a bill (HB 307) that expands the Right to Try Act to include medical marijuana. Among other things, the bill allows eligible patients — defined as someone […]

Jim RosicaMarch 7, 2016

The Florida House of Representatives on Monday began considering a bill to overhaul the state’s alimony and child custody laws. The Florida Senate already has approved the measure (SB 668), which changes the way judges may award spousal support with an eye on preventing what’s been derided by critics as “forever alimony” awards. State Rep. Colleen Burton, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 4, 2016

The Florida Senate OK’d a proposal that overhauls the state’s alimony system. The Florida Senate voted 24-14 to approve the measure (SB 668), which changes the way Florida judges can award spousal support. “This is a very, very emotional thing,” said Sen. Kelli Stargel, the Lakeland Republican who sponsored the bill. Among other things, the […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 4, 2016

The Florida Senate began discussions on a proposal to expand medical marijuana in Florida. Among other things, it expands the Right to Try Act to include medical marijuana. Eligible patients, defined as someone with one year left to live, can purchase medical marijuana from dispensing organizations. Under the proposal, dispensing organizations would grow and distribute […]

Staff ReportsMarch 3, 2016

The Florida Senate on Thursday began its consideration of this year’s alimony overhaul bill, with a vote as early as Friday. Among other things, the bill changes the way Florida judges can award spousal support with an eye to get rid of what critics call “forever alimony.” The proposal (SB 668) allows the courts to modify alimony payments […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 2, 2016

Sen. Don Gaetz is hoping to breathe new life into a proposal that allows concealed weapon permit holders to openly carry their weapons. The Niceville Republican filed an amendment Wednesday evening to a bill (SB 612) sponsored by Sen. Alan Hays that looks to remove slungshots from the state’s concealed weapon law. Hays’ bill allows […]

Tag: Florida Senate

John Morgan calls medical marijuana expansion bill “typical Tallahassee window dressing”

Senate pays tribute to outgoing President Andy Gardiner

Senate unanimously passes broad transportation bill, sends to House

John Armstrong burnishes anti-HIV cred amid confirmation doubts

Florida Senate approves medical marijuana expansion bill

Bill overhauling alimony, child custody hits House floor

Senate votes 24-14 to approve alimony overhaul bill

Senate tees up medical marijuana expansion for vote next week

Alimony bill hits Florida Senate floor

Don Gaetz files amendment in attempt to resurrect open carry of guns proposal