Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaFebruary 7, 2017

A bill creating a “chief data officer” position in the Agency for State Technology easily cleared its first Senate panel. The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee OK’d the legislation (SB 362) unanimously on Tuesday. It also establishes a “Geographic Information Office” within the agency. “GIS activities are fragmented across the state with duplication of data collection and storage,” a […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 7, 2017

On Tuesday, the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously passed legislation to reduce the number of driver’s licenses suspended annually in Florida. The bipartisan bill (SB 302), sponsored by St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes and Democrat Darryl Rouson, would end the suspension of licenses for non-driving-related offenses. If passed, it could dramatically reduce a large number of suspensions taking place […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 6, 2017

As Tallahassee gears up for the annual 60-day Legislative Session, now a month away, the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce outlines its agenda for 2017. Among the leading matters for the Chamber are transportation, the unification of PSTA-HART, tourism, and state regulation of vehicles for hire — including a bill (SB 340) from state […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 6, 2017

Will 2017 finally be the year the state of Florida implements a statewide regulatory framework for ridesharing companies Uber and Lyft to operate under? Legislators have failed to produce a bill over the past three regular sessions in Tallahassee, but hope springs eternal that all parties can come together this year. On Wednesday, members of […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 3, 2017

The clash between Rick Scott and the leaders of the Florida House and Senate have dominated the front pages of several Florida newspapers this week, and Dana Young doesn’t like it one bit. “There is this angry, shrill tone coming out of Tallahassee, and I truly don’t understand why,” the GOP District 18 state Senator told a crowd of over 50 people at the Oxford […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 1, 2017

For the second straight week, Rep. Jason Fischer and Sen. Jeff Brandes are teaming up on another ambitious pension reform bill. Last week saw the two file bills in their respective chambers that would close the Florida Retirement System’s defined benefit plan to new cities. That bill has gotten pushback already from Republicans in both […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 1, 2017

Sen. Jeff Brandes wants a total overhaul of the state’s medical marijuana laws, filing legislation to repeal current law dealing with low-THC cannabis and replace it with a new regulatory system. The St. Petersburg Republican filed the legislation (SB 614) Wednesday. A long-time critic of the current medical marijuana system, Brandes’ bill has the potential […]

Scott PowersJanuary 31, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott is proposing cutting $156 million in state funding for Tri-Rail development unless the South Florida Regional Transit Authority reverses its decision to award a controversial half-billion contract to a lone qualified bidder. Scott’s proposed 2017 state budget now includes an item calling for “no funding” until the authority withdraws, cancels or otherwise […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 31, 2017

Mayor-Lenny-Curry-Florida-State-Capitol-02242016-1024x1024.jpeg

Jacksonville’s big legislative accomplishment in the 2016 session was getting an unprecedented bill through Tallahassee, one which would allow the city to access the guaranteed revenue from a future sales tax extension, once it closed one of its three pension plans. As collective bargaining continues between the city and its unions, the 2017 session also […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 31, 2017

After years of watching other red states leap ahead of them on criminal justice reform, Pinellas County Republican Senator Jeff Brandes is filing a bill that would create a criminal justice task force in the state of Florida in 2017. It calls for a large committee consisting of 27 members (16 will be appointed) representing the Florida House, […]

Tag: Jeff Brandes
Attorney General Pam Bondi listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting. Image via AP.

Senate panel OKs bill to create chief data officer

Drivers license suspension bill sponsored by St. Pete’s Darryl Rouson and Jeff Brandes advances in state Senate

St. Pete Chamber releases legislative wish list for 2017 Session

Legislature to hear this week bills regulating ridesharing companies

Dana Young decries the ‘shrill tone’ coming out of Tallahassee

Jeff Brandes, Jason Fischer team up to reform local pensions

Jeff Brandes files medical marijuana implementing bill

Rick Scott budget proposing cutting $156 million from Tri-Rail over contract

Pushback emerges against bill closing FRS defined benefit plan to new cities

Jeff Brandes legislation would create task force focusing on criminal justice