Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryMarch 6, 2017

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Legislation that would allow law enforcement officers to review video taken from body cameras before writing a report or before providing a statement about an incident in which they were involved advanced in a Florida Senate committee on Monday. Sarasota Republican Greg Steube‘s bill (SB 624) calls for the law enforcement agencies in Florida that […]

Drew WilsonMarch 6, 2017

Veterans advocacy group Concerned Veterans for America announced its priorities for the 2017 Legislative Session, including support for bills that would help veterans by giving them tax breaks and helping them hold down jobs after leaving the military. “Florida should welcome veterans and military families, instead of pushing them away with burdensome taxes and regulations […]

Drew WilsonMarch 6, 2017

A bill that would give judges discretion in whether to award attorney’s fees in public records cases is set to go before the Senate Community Affairs Committee Monday. Current law allows winners of public records lawsuits to collect attorney fees, but SB 80 would give judges discretion in whether or not they award fees to […]

Joe ReedyMarch 4, 2017

Philip McDaniel is like most craft distillers in Florida – he is frustrated that he can sell only two bottles per label a year to each visitor of his distillery in St. Augustine when breweries and wineries can sell as much as they want. McDaniel, who makes rum, gin and vodka, wants that bottle limit […]

Jim RosicaMarch 1, 2017

Anyone ordered out of the country and later found in Florida could be charged with a crime under legislation filed Wednesday in the Florida Senate. The bill (SB 1358), sponsored by Sarasota Republican Greg Steube, would create a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in state prison. The proposal would apply to anyone who “is […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 22, 2017

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Craft brewers can thank Chance the Rapper for getting this year’s beer bill over its first legislative hurdle. The Senate Regulated Industries Committee on Wednesday cleared the measure (SB 554) on a 6-3 vote. Democrats Perry Thurston and Randolph Bracy joined Republican Lizbeth Benacquisto in opposing the bill. But Oscar Braynon, the chamber’s Democratic […]

Michael MolineFebruary 21, 2017

A Senate committee approved bills Tuesday that would encourage Florida insurers to write flood insurance as an alternative to expensive federal coverage, and would allow patients to sue HMOs for declining to cover doctors’ treatment recommendations in bad faith. “Why shouldn’t the HMOs be held liable for the decisions they make and the doctors aren’t […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 19, 2017

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Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper is assembling an impressive number of high-profile state lawmakers for a Tallahassee reception next month. Hooper, a former state representative, is seeking the open Senate District 16 seat currently held by Jack Latvala. Hooper’s campaign fundraiser will be Monday, March 6, from 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Governors Club, 202 South Adams […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 14, 2017

Legislation that would repeal the limit on the amount of money tobacco companies have to put up as appellate bonds could well be dead for the 2017 Legislative Session, which doesn’t even start till March 7. Legislative committees have already been meeting on bills, including HB 6011 and SB 100, which would kill the “bond cap” for tobacco companies that […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 13, 2017

State Sen. Greg Steube wants to add prosecutors and public defenders to the list of officials that the House of Representatives can impeach. The Sarasota Republican’s measure (SJR 904), filed Monday, would require a constitutional amendment that has to be passed by 60 percent of voters statewide. The state constitution now authorizes the House to impeach the […]

Tag: Greg Steube

Bill to allow law enforcement officers who wear body cameras to review footage advances in Florida Senate committee

Veterans group releases priorities ahead of 2017 Legislative Session

Controversial public records bill to go before its second committee Monday

Legislation would help Florida craft distilleries, breweries

Greg Steube files illegal immigration criminalization measure

Craft beer debate includes … Chance the Rapper?

Flood insurance, HMO liability legislation clear Senate committee

Impressive roster of GOP leaders line up for Ed Hooper fundraiser

Is tobacco bond cap repeal already dead for 2017 Session?

Bill would let House impeach prosecutors, public defenders