Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Mitch PerryJanuary 9, 2018

A bill that would change texting-while-driving to a ‘primary’ offense unanimously cleared a House committee on Tuesday, the first day of the 2018 Legislative Session. The bill (HB 33), sponsored by Tampa Republican Jackie Toledo and Boca Raton Democrat Emily Slosberg, was considered by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. Florida was one of the last states in […]

Danny McAuliffeNovember 17, 2017

A select group of lawmakers will be focused on specific, hurricane-related policy recommendations over the next two weeks. Each member of the House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness on Friday was assigned a specific area of focus. Chair Jeanette Nuñez, a Miami Republican, grouped the issues into categories following the five educational meetings held […]

Mitch PerryNovember 8, 2017

Despite lingering questions, mostly about liability, a House panel on Wednesday unanimously cleared a proposal that would encourage autonomous vehicles in Florida. The legislation (HB 353), sponsored by Sanford Republican Jason Brodeur and Jacksonville Republican Jason Fischer, aims to update sections of Florida’s motor vehicle laws that “require or presume” there’s a human behind the wheel. Fischer told […]

Phil AmmannNovember 7, 2017

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With a tip of the hat to LobbyTools, here are the latest movements – both on and off – of the legislative merry-go-round. On: Aisha Bien-Aime is the new legislative assistant for Ocoee Democratic Sen. Randolph Bracy. On: Amelia Johnson Smith is district secretary for Melbourne Republican Sen. Debbie Mayfield. On and off: Staz Guntek has replaced Joseph […]

A.G. GancarskiOctober 26, 2017

On Thursday, the House Select Committee on Hurricane Response and Preparedness heard about issues affecting Florida during Irma, including petroleum supplies and electric utilities. This informational meeting set the table for the future of the committee, with no action items Thursday. Wes Maul, the interim director of the Division of Emergency Management, addressed fuel shortages. […]

Mitch PerryApril 19, 2017

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A modified bill to put additional limits on Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRA) advanced Wednesday in the House Government Accountability Committee. Local governments use CRAs to promote affordable housing, economic development, health and safety in under-served neighborhoods. They hold a set percentage of property taxes paid by residents of a community, investing that money — also known as […]

Phil AmmannApril 19, 2017

Child advocate and state Sen. Lauren Book‘s inspirational story will be featured in Sheryl Sandberg‘s newly launched initiative on themes of resilience through tragedy. On April 19, Book — a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who became an internationally renowned activist — will exhibit an installation decorating the Capitol rotunda, made up of more than 750 […]

Drew WilsonMarch 22, 2017

A bill that would help state agencies work together in preparation for natural hazards was approved by the House Government Accountability Committee Wednesday and is now ready for the House floor. HB 181, by Coconut Creek Democratic Rep. Kristin Jacobs, would have all executive state agencies, water management districts and the Public Service Commission designate […]

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 14, 2017

For the third straight session, bills in the Florida House and Florida Senate have been filed to ban the constituent elements of Kratom. The bills, filed by Democrats Kristin Jacobs in the House and Darryl Rouson in the Senate, would add Mitragynine and Hydroxymitragynine, constituents of Kratom, to the schedule of controlled substances, offering an exception for any FDA approved […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 23, 2017

One of the more controversial bills filed in the Florida House this session, a proposed ban of constituent elements for kratom, saw a Florida Senate companion emerge Monday. Senate Bill 424, filed by Democrat Darryl Rouson, mirrors the House bill. Both bills would add Mitragynine and Hydroxymitragynine, constituents of Kratom, to the schedule of controlled substances, offering an exception […]

Tag: Kristin Jacobs
Image via AP.

House panel moves texting-while-driving bill

Focus areas doled out for hurricane committee

‘Autonomous vehicles’ bill advances despite liability concerns

Latest on the legislative staffing merry-go-round

House hurricane committee mulls what went wrong during, after Irma

House advances bill giving power to state legislators for CRAs

Lauren Book unveils display on resilience, triumph over sexual abuse in Capitol rotunda

Bill to create interagency workgroup on natural hazards clears final House panel

In face of prohibition efforts, Kratom lobbies up

Senate companion filed for controversial kratom ban bill