Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaMay 11, 2017

Without using the words “Special Session,” Senate President Joe Negron is seeking “ideas” from fellow senators after the 2017 Legislative Session ended without a bill to implement the state’s medical marijuana constitutional amendment. Negron sent a memo Thursday, released by his office, saying he “believe(s) we should consider the best way to meet our constitutional obligation […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 5, 2017

A bill to implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment is dead, after the House amended the bill to increases the cap on retail facilities twentyfold. The decision to send the bill back to the Senate kill the legislation (HB 1397), where senators were unwilling to increase the caps. Earlier in the day, Sen. Bill […]

Phil AmmannMay 5, 2017

Florida senators, including some reluctant Democrats, voted to expanded two of Florida’s de facto education voucher programs that aid low-income students and those with disabilities. The Tampa Bay Times reports HB 15 passed 27-11 Friday morning, on a vote where four Democrats joined Republicans. The bill returns to the House this afternoon for final approval […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 4, 2017

The Florida Senate voted 31-7 to approve an amended version of a medical marijuana bill, sending it back to the House for a final vote on Friday. But with the clock running out on the 2017 Legislative Session, the fate of the proposal remains unclear. The Senate amended the House bill (HB 1397) to limit […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 4, 2017

With just days left in the 2017 Legislative Session, the Senate appears poised to take up and amend the House version of a bill to implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment. The Senate placed the House bill (HB 1397) on Thursday’s Special Order calendar on Wednesday evening. The Senate proposal (SB 406) was on […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 4, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott chastised state lawmakers for being unable to complete the 2017-18 budget on time, but once again stopped short of saying whether he would veto the entire spending plan once it reaches his desk. “You would expect that when people have a job to do they’d get it done. I’ve been in business […]

Jim RosicaMay 3, 2017

Screen-Shot-2017-05-03-at-4.10.38-PM.png

The Senate on Wednesday tacked language onto a professional deregulation bill that could lead to the expansion of certain kinds of slot machines. The provision came under the guise of trying to move fantasy sports into the non-gambling realm before the end of the Legislative Session. Lawmakers failed to agree on comprehensive gambling legislation this year, […]

Jim RosicaMay 3, 2017

The Governor’s Office now has received nearly 500 emails asking Gov. Rick Scott to veto a contentious bill that allows retailers to sell distilled spirits in the same store as other goods. A tally shows 491 emails urging a veto and none in support of the measure (SB 106), according to Scott spokesman McKinley Lewis. The bill passed […]

Associated PressMay 2, 2017

A bill to compensate the family of a freshman Florida State football player who died after a workout 16 years ago is heading to the desk of Gov. Rick Scott. The Florida Senate on Tuesday voted 34-2 for a claims bill (HB 6515) paying $1.8 million to the family of Devaughn Darling. Florida State agreed […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMay 2, 2017

The House overwhelming approved its version of a medical marijuana implementing bill, setting the bill up for final negotiations with the Senate later this week. The House voted 105-9 to approve a bill (HB 1397) that would implement the 2016 medical marijuana constitutional amendment. “Understanding the level of pain and the level of need patients […]

Tag: Florida Senate
A sign that reads, Gaza Solidarity Encampment, is seen during the Pro-Palestinians protest at the Columbia University campus in New York, Monday April 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

Joe Negron seeks guidance on medical marijuana

Medical marijuana bill dead for 2017 Session

Senate advances voucher expansion bill, goes to House for final vote

Senate approves amended medical marijuana bill, sends back to House for final vote

Rob Bradley files amendment to House medical marijuana bill to add retail caps, 10 new licenses by Oct. 1

Rick Scott says lawmakers inability to finish budget on time ‘doesn’t make any sense’

Senate adds slot machine provision onto House bill

Opponents of ‘liquor wall’ bill have begun veto effort

Senate passes compensation for deceased FSU player’s family

House passes medical marijuana implementing bill, sends to Senate