Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jim RosicaApril 6, 2016

Gov. Rick Scott has approved a repeal of a 148-year-law that criminalizes an unmarried couple living together. The measure legalizing “cohabitation” (SB 498) was one of 20 bills signed into law by the governor on Wednesday. The change is largely a reflection of the times: Though Florida was among a few states that still criminalized cohabitation, its prohibition […]

Jim RosicaApril 6, 2016

Another day, another bill-signing deadline. Gov. Rick Scott has until Wednesday to act on 20 bills, all from the Senate, “including a bill that would expand courtroom protections for victims of abuse, and another that would repeal the prohibition on cohabitation,” according to LobbyTools Legislative IQ. If signed by Scott, “couples shacking up together would […]

Jim RosicaApril 4, 2016

State Sen. Kelli Stargel on Monday said Governor Rick Scott now has “all the information he needs” on her bill to overhaul the state’s alimony system. The measure (SB 668) was the final bill of the 2016 Legislative Session to be sent to Scott for review. It was delivered to his office after Stargel, a Lakeland Republican, briefly […]

Mitch PerryMarch 31, 2016

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(Updated from Thursday morning). Gov. Rick Scott signed the omnibus anti-abortion bill HB 1411 Friday, enacting a new law that denies public resources to women’s health clinics that provide abortion services. The measure doesn’t eliminate state funding of abortion, a tactic that’s been illegal for decades. It does, however, now block money for preventive medical care at the same facilities […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 23, 2016

The state’s oversight panel for public high-school athletics can breathe a collective sigh of relief after this past legislative session. Conservative lawmakers have had the Florida High School Athletics Association in their crosshairs for the last five years. They’ve said constituents have long complained about their children not being able to play certain sports because of strict […]

Staff ReportsMarch 9, 2016

The Florida Senate voted 25-14 to approve a bill that prohibits public dollars from going to organizations, like Planned Parenthood, that are affiliated with abortion clinics. The bill also increases medical requirements for clinics that provide abortions. It now heads to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature or veto. Cecile Richards president of Planned Parenthood […]

Mitch PerryMarch 9, 2016

Shortly after the Florida Senate passed a controversial bill (HB 1411) that includes several provisions that critics say will limit Florida women’s ability to access abortion care, Bernie Sanders is calling on Rick Scott to veto the bill when it comes to his desk. The Democratic presidential hopeful, in Florida Wednesday as part of a […]

Ryan RayMarch 9, 2016

The Florida Senate on Wednesday passed a bill that critics say would curtail women’s access to safe and legal abortions, while supporters say it simply “gets Florida out of the abortion business.” The measure to increase medical requirements on abortion clinics, sponsored by Lakeland Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel, passed 25-15 after nearly half an hour of debate. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

The Florida Senate is poised to vote on a controversial bill that prohibits public funding for clinics, like Planned Parenthood, that are affiliated with a licensed abortion clinic. Lawmakers began discussions of the measure (HB 1411) on Tuesday. The proposal, sponsored by Lakeland Republicans Sen. Kelli Stargel in the Senate and Rep. Colleen Burton in […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 4, 2016

The Florida Senate OK’d a proposal that overhauls the state’s alimony system. The Florida Senate voted 24-14 to approve the measure (SB 668), which changes the way Florida judges can award spousal support. “This is a very, very emotional thing,” said Sen. Kelli Stargel, the Lakeland Republican who sponsored the bill. Among other things, the […]

Tag: Kelli Stargel
Luether Boelter was arrested overnight in Minnesota on charges of shooting two lawmakers. Image via AP.

With Rick Scott’s blessing, “shacking up” now legal in Florida

More bills from 2016 Legislative Session to be signed Wednesday

Kelli Stargel meets with Rick Scott on alimony bill

Planned Parenthood calls Florida’s latest anti-abortion bill extremely dangerous

Florida Legislature eases transfer rules for high-school athletes

Capitol Reax: Abortion, continuing care retirement communities, Iran sanctions, retirement benefits for fallen officers

Bernie Sanders calls on Rick Scott to veto abortion bill

Legislature passes new strictures on abortion clinics

Senate begins discussion on bill that could defund Planned Parenthood

Senate votes 24-14 to approve alimony overhaul bill