Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaApril 3, 2017

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Let freedom pour: Bills aimed at changing beer and booze regulations in Florida have cleared their latest review panel. The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee OK’d measures that would allow beer distributors to give free branded beer glasses to bars and restaurants, authorize beer companies to advertise in theme parks and let craft distillers sell more […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 3, 2017

A Senate panel is poised to approve legislation this week that could add five more medical marijuana treatment centers in Florida by October and lower the threshold for adding additional treatment centers in the future. The Senate Health Policy Committee is scheduled to discuss and vote on a bill (SB 406), sponsored by Sen. Rob […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 31, 2017

A new survey from the Florida Hospital Association shows strong support among Florida voters to keep — or in many increase — state funding for Medicaid programs. The survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies from March 1 through March 5, found Floridians have the most favorable opinion of Medicaid that the association has recorded in six years. […]

Associated PressMarch 30, 2017

Children testifying in court in abuse, abandonment and neglect cases would be allowed the help of therapy animals under a bill passed by the Florida House. The bill passed unanimously Thursday and expands a law that already allows therapy animals for victims testifying in sexual offense cases. A legislative analysis of the bill says that […]

Jim RosicaMarch 30, 2017

As expected, the Senate on Thursday passed its gambling overhaul for this year, including a renewal of exclusive rights to blackjack games for the Seminole Tribe. Sen. Bill Galvano, the chamber’s shepherd of this year’s legislation, told fellow lawmakers he couldn’t promise that “we’ll reach a state of resolution” this session. That said, he expects the […]

Jim RosicaMarch 30, 2017

Good news for opponents of this year’s alimony overhaul, and bad news for its supporters: The bills are dead for the year. Sen. Kathleen Passidomo, the Naples Republican who’s carrying the Senate version (SB 412), on Wednesday said the chair of its first committee of reference has refused to hear the bill. Rene Garcia chairs the Committee on […]

Jim RosicaMarch 23, 2017

Three Legislative Sessions later, the Senate finally passed a bill to allow retailers to sell hard liquor in the same store as other goods. Senators approved the “whiskey and Wheaties” legislation (SB 106) on a 21-17 vote after a debate in which one senator said it would “kill … kids.” Sen. Bill Galvano, the Bradenton Republican who first filed […]

Michael MolineMarch 22, 2017

While Sen. Dorothy Hukill recovers from cervical cancer, Senate President Joe Negron has named additional members to committees on which she serves. In a memo dated Tuesday, Negron said Sen. Anitere Flores will help out in the Education Committee, which Hukill leads. “Sen. Hukill will remain the chair of the Committee on Education,” Negron aide Katie Betta said. […]

Jim RosicaMarch 21, 2017

After Sen. Bill Galvano first proposed it four years ago, the Senate is poised to pass a bill removing the “wall of separation” between hard liquor and other retail goods. Bill sponsor Anitere Flores, a Miami-Dade Republican and Senate President pro tempore, took questions on the legislation (SB 106) Tuesday. It’s now set up for debate and a final […]

Staff ReportsMarch 21, 2017

The Florida Senate Tuesday passed a bill aimed at streamlining the handling of political redistricting court cases. The legislation (SB 352) was approved without debate 24-14, sending it to the House. Bill sponsor Travis Hutson, an Elkton Republican, has said the plan “locks the maps in place on qualification day,” giving clarity to candidates. It also […]

Tag: Florida Senate

Bottoms up: Beer, booze bills clear Senate committee

Senate amendment quickens pace for medical marijuana treatment center growth

Poll: 45% of Florida voters would like to see increase in Medicaid funding

Florida House passes bill to allow therapy animals in courts

Senate passes 2017 gambling bill

Alimony legislation dead for 2017, sponsor says

Senate passes ‘whiskey & Wheaties’ bill

Joe Negron adds to committees’ strength during Dorothy Hukill’s recovery

Senate begins consideration of ‘whiskey and Wheaties’ bill

Redistricting-related bill OK’d by Senate