Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayApril 28, 2015

Former Senate Democratic leader Sen. Chris Smith debated on the Senate floor against SB 284, a private property rights enhancement bill telling his colleagues — coyly at first — “It’s hard to argue against a bill with so many House co-sponsors,” and later, more directly, “I mean, if we want to send a message …” […]

Phil AmmannApril 28, 2015

Florida lawmakers approved a medication that could save lives during a drug overdose, with a bill now awaiting Gov. Rick Scott’s signature. On Tuesday, the Legislature passed SB 758/HB 751, known as the Emergency Treatment for Opioid Overdose Act, which increases availability of Naloxone, a drug that immediately reverses effects of opioids — prescription painkillers, […]

James CallMarch 23, 2015

One Monday in Florida politics the Senate had the Capitol to itself while the House traveled back to Tallahassee. As Senate committees considered three separate tax-cut proposals, Gov. Rick Scott started a “Cut My Taxes Week” by setting up a booth in the state Capitol where an average Florida family can calculate its savings from different […]

Mitch PerryMarch 23, 2015

A measure that would allow school employees and volunteers to carry guns on school campuses was approved by the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice on Monday. The measure is being sponsored in the House by Sarasota Republican Greg Steube, as HB 19, and in the Senate by Greg Evers from Baker, as as SB 180, […]

James CallMarch 22, 2015

This week in Florida Politics we shall seek clarity. By week’s end we will know about the House and Senate’s competing budget proposals, how Sen. Rob Bradley intends to solve the Charlotte’s Web mystery, and whether service in the Confederate Army is Hall of Fame material. The highlight of a busy week comes Wednesday when both the Senate Appropriations and […]

James CallMarch 19, 2015

A record number inmates — 346 — died last year in Florida prisons. Most were from natural causes, but Federal and state law enforcement agencies are investigating why there were so many deaths. In recent legislative hearings, several prison guards testified under oath about the stressful conditions they work under. Republican Sen. Greg Evers of Baker […]

Mitch PerryMarch 16, 2015

A bill filed by Crestview Republican Sen. Greg Evers that would allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry guns onto college and university campuses moved along in the state Senate on Monday. The Senate Higher Education Committee voted along party lines to advance SB 176. An identical bill, HB 4005, in the House sponsored by Greg Steube, a […]

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 14, 2015

Florida’s controversial gun bill that would allow guns on college campuses has already passed one committee and will be heard in another next week. The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus is asking for help defeating the measure. “The vast majority of Florida’s students and faculty don’t want guns in their classrooms or other buildings […]

Mitch PerryMarch 11, 2015

Like it or not, Hollywood productions, like sports owners, have been able to play cities and states against each other for years to get the best deal for themselves. Tampa Bay area residents are all too familiar with getting burned by giving welfare to rich folks. You don’t have to have lived in the area […]

Phil AmmannMarch 10, 2015

A House panel takes up a disputed bill that would allow select employees and volunteers to carry guns at public schools. HB 19 gets its debut hearing Wednesday with the K-12 Subcommittee. Supporters of the bill, filed by Sarasota Republican Rep. Greg Steube, say it improves school safety. If passed, the measure would allow school […]

Tag: Greg Evers
Image via AP.

Bills dying en masse as House adjourns Sine Die

Florida Legislature passes expanded access to overdose treatment drug

The day that was in the Florida politics — March 23

Senate panel OKs bill to allow school workers to carry guns on campus

The week ahead in the Legislature

House prepares Corrections bill; Democrats say it lacks oversight

Guns-on-campus bill advances in Florida Senate

Email insights: Opponents look to rally against guns on campuses bill

Mitch Perry Report for 3.11.15 — Film incentives bill takes firstst step in Tally

School gun bill gets House panel debut Wednesday