Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 13, 2017

A bill filed Thursday in the Florida House proposes to impose DUI penalties for drivers or boaters with a certain amount of THC in their blood samples. The timing of the measure from West Palm Beach Democrat David Silvers is interesting, coming as the state expands its medical marijuana program. House Bill 237 — the “Driving Under […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 10, 2017

According to Kratom advocates, Godwin’s Law makes bad law, as a state representative’s comments undergo sustained scrutiny. Florida State Rep. Kristin Jacobs, a Democrat from Coconut Creek who filed legislation to outlaw Kratom components, caused outrage in the community of Kratom advocates Monday by saying their advocacy for the palliative properties of the plant reminded […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 9, 2017

On Friday, Florida Politics brought you the first look at a House bill that would add Kratom to the state’s controlled substance list. House Bill 183 would add Mitragynine and Hydroxymitragynine, constituents of Kratom, to the schedule of controlled substances, offering an exception for any FDA approved substance containing these chemicals. Bill sponsor Rep. Kristin Jacobs, a Coconut Creek Democrat who has […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 6, 2017

Florida State Rep. Kristin Jacobs, a Coconut Creek Democrat, filed legislation on Friday to add Kratom to the controlled substance list. House Bill 183 would add Mitragynine and Hydroxymitragynine, constituents of Kratom, to the schedule of controlled substances, offering an exception for any FDA approved substance containing these chemicals. Selling, delivering, manufacturing, or importing these Kratom chemical constituents […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterAugust 3, 2016

Patrick Murphy will not participate in any forums or debates with Alan Grayson amid allegations of domestic violence. The announcement came as Grayson and Democrat Pam Keith held a press conference at the Palm Beach County Courthouse to call for more debates in the U.S. Senate race. “Over the last week, I have heard from […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 24, 2016

More than a dozen members of the Florida House are heading back Tallahassee. As of 5 p.m., state records show nearly a dozen South Florida lawmakers appeared to win their elections Friday when they failed to draw an opponent by the time qualifying period. All of the candidates are incumbents. In House District 94, Bobby […]

Phil AmmannMay 9, 2016

With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. Off and on: Maggie Mickler is no longer press secretary for the Senate Majority Leader’s office. She has become director of communications at the Department of Management Services. On: LaQuisha Persak has become the new […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 24, 2016

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After a debate that included mentions of monsters, Robert A. Heinlein and the Tampa Bay Rays, the Florida House of Representatives Wednesday passed its 2016 business and economic incentives package, including the framework for Gov. Rick Scott‘s proposed $250 million Florida Enterprise Fund. As bill sponsor Jim Boyd reminded members, it still has no funding: “This is a structure bill, […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 11, 2016

The state House approved its nearly $80 billion spending plan, despite oppositions from Democrats over a decision to defund Planned Parenthood. The House voted 85-29, largely along party lines, to approve the chamber’s $79.9 billion budget. Among other things, the spending plan sets aside $3.2 billion in reserves, increases per student funding to $7,231 and […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 26, 2016

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With a tip of the hat to Legislative IQ powered by LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Sue Berfield is the new district secretary for state Rep. Chris Latvala. On: Peter Campbell and Linda Segall are new district secretaries for state Rep. Katie Edwards. On: Lance Clemons and Pamela Watt have […]

Tag: Kristin Jacobs
Crowds gather to see Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (Gabrielle Russon)

THC DUI blood test bill filed in Florida House

Godwin’s law makes bad law, claim Kratom advocates

Kristin Jacobs: Kratom lobby ‘just like Hitler’

Bill filed in Florida House to make Kratom a controlled substance

Patrick Murphy says he won’t participate in debates with Alan Grayson

Nearly a dozen South Florida House members appear to be re-elected without opposition

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

House passes incentives measure desired by Rick Scott

House votes 85-29 to approve its $79.9 billion spending plan

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round