Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ryan RayFebruary 29, 2016

The bicameral panel budget charged with writing the state’s budget for courts and law enforcement met for the last time during budget year 2016-17 on Monday. House and Senate leaders said they worked to compromise on “99 percent” of the budget, leaving aside just a handful unresolved of line items and proviso language. Conference Committee […]

Ryan RayFebruary 28, 2016

House and Senate justice budget writers appear within striking range of a deal to reconcile their proposals, which sat at $3.5 million apart after two meetings on Saturday, one-10th of 1 percent over the overall budget. As of Sunday afternoon the gap was narrowed to about $441,939 in general revenue, though the way the money […]

Ryan RayFebruary 27, 2016

Legislative budget writers moved the needle during their second conference meeting Saturday night, narrowing the discrepancies between House and Senate proposals to just $3.5 million dollars, about 0.1 percent of the $4.1 billion proposed criminal and civil justice budget. This time it was the Senate’s turn to make an offer, and committee Vice Chairman Sen. Joe […]

Ryan RayFebruary 27, 2016

The conference committee on the state justice budget appeared Saturday afternoon to be going smoothly, with the House accepting the Senate position on more than two dozen line items, but making different offers on many others. In all the differences totaled nearly $10 million, about $5 million of that in recurring general revenue dollars and some $5 million […]

Gary FineoutFebruary 3, 2016

Saying Florida cities and counties must “follow the rule of law,” the Florida House passed a sweeping immigration measure Wednesday that would penalize those who don’t cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Florida is one of several states considering a crackdown on so-called “sanctuary cities.” The House voted 80-38 for the bill that could lead to […]

Ryan RayFebruary 2, 2016

The House advanced a controversial proposal designed to stop Florida cities and counties from shielding undocumented immigrants from federal immigration laws. HB 675 by Rep. Larry Metz would create potential penalties and fines for local governments that don’t comply with detainers from the Immigration and Customs Service, or otherwise fail to act when they suspect illegal aliens are […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 27, 2016

Immigration activists concerned about state legislation that they believe targets them held events throughout Florida on Wednesday, including in Tampa. There are several bills that the groups, going under the name “We Are Florida” are criticizing that are percolating in Tallahassee this current session — none more so than a measure (HB 675) sponsored by Yamaha Republican Larry Metz that could […]

Phil AmmannJanuary 26, 2016

After a handful of amendments, an omnibus ethics bill unanimously passed the House Government Operations Subcommittee Tuesday afternoon. LobbyTools reports that HB 593 will create a host of new mandates and requirements to help prevent fraud and waste in state government The strike-all amendment approved by the committee was similar to the original bill, only adding text […]

Associated PressJanuary 21, 2016

Florida could penalize cities, counties and sheriffs who don’t fully cooperate with federal immigration authorities. A House panel on Thursday voted along party lines for a sweeping measure sponsored by Rep. Larry Metz. The measure heads next to the full House for a vote. Metz says he sponsored the bill (HB 675) in response to […]

Mitch PerryJanuary 11, 2016

Along with lawmakers, lobbyists and journalists who are back in Tallahassee this week for the beginning of the 2016 Legislative Session will be immigration activists, concerned about a number of bills being proposed this session. Two busloads of activists are scheduled to depart from Tampa and Homestead on Monday, with two more scheduled to depart from Polk County […]

Tag: Larry Metz
Image via AP.

Justice budget writers wrap up conference talks, agree on “99%” of priorities

Budget writers nearing deal on courts, legal funding

Justice budget writers closing out differences; House, Senate $3.5 million apart

Justice budgets growing closer together, though $10 million in differences remain

House passes sweeping immigration measure

House tees up bill to stop “sanctuary” cities

Activists want Bob Buckhorn to oppose immigration bill proposed in Tallahassee

Broad ethics bill unanimously passes first House stop

Bill to penalize non-enforcement of immigration law passes House panel

Immigration activists to descend upon Tallahassee this week