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Staff ReportsMarch 6, 2018

After an hours-long floor session, in which a series of Democratic attempts to change a controversial school safety bill failed, the Republican-controlled House on Tuesday readied the proposal for a final vote. Before that could happen, dozens of amendments sponsored by Democrats were killed. One by Rep. Jared Moskowitz would have removed a ‘guardian program’ […]

Jim RosicaMarch 6, 2018

The House spent three hours just on questions on a contentious $400 million school safety proposal passed by the Senate on Monday. House members took up the bill (SB 7026) Tuesday, with Democrats peppering Speaker-designate José Oliva with questions, many of them duplicative. “Asked and answered,” Speaker pro tempore Jeanette Nuñez said several times. She was in […]

Jim RosicaMarch 1, 2018

A strike-all amendment planned for the Senate’s 2018 gambling bill will add an authorization for slot machines in counties where voters OK’d them in local referendums, Senate President-designate Bill Galvano said Thursday. The Senate bill (SB 840) is now slated for consideration before the Appropriations Committee Friday. Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, is the Senate’s lead […]

Phil AmmannFebruary 26, 2018

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off: Andrea Jahna is no longer legislative assistant to Lake Placid Republican Sen. Denise Grimsley. Off: Karen Riggien is no longer legislative assistant for Jacksonville Democratic Rep. Kimberly Daniels. Off: Daniel Martinez is no longer legislative assistant for […]

Peter SchorschFebruary 25, 2018

A group supporting a wave of first-time candidates for elected office took out a full-page ad in the Sunday edition of the Sun-Sentinel calling on Floridians to run against NRA-backed state lawmakers in 2018. The Run for Something ad states “The NRA is killing our kids” at the top and then includes an sheet with […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 20, 2018

House Speaker-designate José Oliva on Tuesday didn’t quite put the nail in the coffin for a gambling bill this Session—but he’s holding the hammer. The reason: Lawmakers, overrun by events, are running out of time. With less than three weeks left in the 2018 Legislative Session, the House and Senate are scrambling to come up with […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 12, 2018

The Senate made some big moves Friday in the annual legislative dance that is the negotiation for an omnibus gambling bill. The biggest move: The chamber now includes a renewed 20-year deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida for $3 billion in revenue over seven years in return for exclusive rights to blackjack and slot […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 6, 2018

A Senate committee Tuesday advanced legislation to repurpose $60 million annually for alternative transportation projects in both Miami-Dade County and the Tampa Bay area. Sponsored by Tampa Republican Dana Young, SB 1200 would use money from an existing $240 million rail fund. Speaking to members of the Senate Transportation Committee, Young explained that the money comes from Florida Rail […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 6, 2018

The Senate’s point man on gambling issues Tuesday said he sees “a way forward” on a grand gambling bargain—but also suggested lawmakers may have to fold ’em and walk away. Senate President-designate Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican, is representing his chamber as he and House Speaker-designate Jose Oliva try to land a comprehensive gambling bill that’s eluded […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 2, 2018

A lawyer for the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Friday said his client is offended over gambling that violates its exclusive agreement with the state and won’t agree to a new deal unless “the games end.” Barry Richard, the Tribe’s outside counsel, and tribal leaders met with Sen. Bill Galvano and Rep. Jose Oliva this week […]

Tag: Jose Oliva

After marathon floor session, House poised to approve school safety bill

House begins deliberations on post-Parkland measure

Reanimated: Senate gambling bill, with changes, back in play

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

Run for Something ad highlights unopposed Florida lawmakers with NRA ties

José Oliva’s hopes for gambling resolution plummet

Ante up: Senate files new 90-page gambling bill

Senate advances funding for alternative transit in Tampa, Miami

Bill Galvano hopeful—but not betting—on gambling resolution

Seminole Tribe ‘insulted,’ doesn’t need gambling deal, lawyer says