Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Bruce RitchieMarch 26, 2015

Despite opposition from environmental groups, a House committee on Thursday voted to file a bill allowing the Cabinet to give state park lands to adjacent landowners. The committee bill, SAC 15-02, also would establish “low-impact agriculture” as a management goal for state lands along with existing goals such as recreation and protection of endangered species. Rep. […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 26, 2015

A proposed House committee bill being considered Thursday would require state park managers to allow “low-impact agriculture” on parks and allow adjacent landowners to acquire state land. The House State Affairs Committee, meeting at 1 p.m., will consider proposed committee bill SAC 15-02. In 2013, HB 33 by Rep. Jimmie T. Smith, a Republican from […]

Ryan RayFebruary 25, 2015

Republican Rep. Manny Diaz of Hialeah Gardens has filed a bill that would prevent entities who receive funding from Florida’s government from suing the state using those taxpayer dollars. The Hialeah Gardens Republican says that he is not seeking to limit access to the courts for these organizations, but rather simply seeking a commonsense accountability measure. “It […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 11, 2015

A House committee voted Wednesday to introduce a comprehensive water bill despite concerns from environmentalists that the bill doesn’t go far enough to protect springs. House State Affairs Committee Bill 15-01 addresses springs, water planning in Central Florida, and removes duplicate permitting for agriculture around Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades. Many of Florida’s springs have […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 4, 2015

Environmental and agriculture groups raised concerns on Wednesday with draft water bill language presented by a House committee but speakers on all sides praised the chamber for its comprehensive approach on the issue. The House State Affairs Committee language addresses pollution threats facing springs and Lake Okeechobee and the need for increased water supplies in […]

Bruce RitchieFebruary 3, 2015

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The House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday will consider draft bill language that would address springs, Lake Okeechobee and central Florida’s water future. Florida’s springs have become choked with weeds and algae caused by nitrogen in groundwater from a variety of sources including septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, lawn fertilizer and farms. Last year, SB […]

Tag: House state affairs committee

House panel files bill allowing state land giveaways for conservation

Rewind to 2013: House bill would allow adjacent landowners to acquire state land

Manny Diaz files bill to rein in state-funded litigation

House water bill filed without funding or enviro backing

All sides praise House water bill effort while raising concerns

Draft water bill focuses on springs, water planning and Lake O