Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorMarch 23, 2015

A bill aimed at shining a light on human trafficking breezed through the Senate Criminal Justice Subcommittee Monday with unanimous approval. Clearwater Sen. Jack Latvala’s bill requires that signs including the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline and text numbers be posted throughout the state. Those locations include rest areas and welcome centers, airports and […]

James CallMarch 19, 2015

A marijuana lobbyist said to me a couple of weeks ago that he suspected the latest challenge to the Charlotte’s Web rule would “smoke out” people’s true intention, whether they disliked the rule or disliked the law. It’s the end of the third week of the session and we’re getting to the “smoke out” point on a […]

James CallMarch 18, 2015

Wow, talk about a gaggle. If you want a good understanding of what separates the House and Senate as the session approaches the midpoint check out this exchange between Sen. Tom Lee and a gaggle of reporters including the AP, The Palm Beach Post, The Tampa Tribune and the Times/Herald Capitol Bureau. It’s the best gaggle of the session so […]

James CallMarch 18, 2015

Sen. Denise Grimsley’s effort to tear down the wall has morphed into moving the door. More than 100 people crowded into a Senate meeting room Wednesday when the Regulated Industries Committee considered a proposal ending a prohibition on grocery stores stocking liquor and spirits alongside beer and wine. Grimsley, a Sebring Republican, fought back against an unfriendly amendment offered by […]

James CallMarch 18, 2015

Sen. Denise Grimsley’s effort to tear down the wall has morphed into moving the door. More than 100 people crowded into a Senate meeting room Wednesday when the Regulated Industries Committee considered a proposal ending a prohibition on grocery stores stocking liquor and spirits alongside beer and wine. Grimsley, a Sebring Republican, fought back against an unfriendly amendment offered by […]

Mitch PerryMarch 18, 2015

A bill exempting taxpayers’ email addresses from the state’s open record law advanced in the Florida Senate on Wednesday. Clearwater Republican Jack Latvala argues the proposal protects consumers from scammers who use digital skills to defraud people. Latvala says he’s sponsoring the bill because tax collectors requested he do so. Senate Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner questioned the […]

Bruce RitchieMarch 16, 2015

A House subcommittee unanimously voted to file a Public Service Commission committee bill after rejecting a series of amendments that included repealing a charge allowed for proposed new nuclear plants. The proposed committee bill, EUS 15-01, establishes term limits for commissioners, requires a person who lobbies the PSC Nominating Council to register as a lobbyist, […]

James CallMarch 16, 2015

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee quenched Sen. Jack Latvala’s thirst for votes by unanimously passing his proposal to end the state’s prohibition on growler-size beer containers. Florida law allows beer to be sold in sizes up to 32 ounces and more than 128 ounces but not in the half-gallon containers that are the favorite of craft beer aficionados […]

Ryan RayMarch 16, 2015

Editor’s note: As the 2015 Legislative Session kicks into high gear, FloridaPolitics.com is continuing to report on several “legislative food fights” during the annual lawmaking period. These kerfuffles don’t always make the front page of the traditional media outlets, but they are the kind of industry vs. industry or intra-industry turf battles that drive Tallahassee — […]

Ryan RayMarch 16, 2015

Editor’s note: As the 2015 Legislative Session kicks into high gear, FloridaPolitics.com is continuing to report on several “legislative food fights” during the annual lawmaking period. These kerfuffles don’t always make the front page of the traditional media outlets, but they are the kind of industry vs. industry or intra-industry turf battles that drive Tallahassee — […]

Tag: Jack Latvala

Jack Latvala's anti-human trafficking bill moves in Senate panel

The day that was in Florida politics — March 19

The day that was in Florida politics — March 18

Senate scales back “‘whiskey and wheaties” bill

Senate scales back "'whiskey and wheaties" bill

Jack Latvala bill to exempt taxpayers’ email addresses from open records law moves forward

House rejects effort to repeal nuclear power fee

Growler bill draws unanimous vote, Jack Latvala to consider tasting restrictions

Where does sh*t stand — the "legislative food fights" edition

Where does sh*t stand — the “legislative food fights” edition