Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Ana CeballosJanuary 29, 2018

Sexual favors between legislators and lobbyists could be illegal under a proposed change to the sexual harassment bill filed by its sponsor on Monday. Sen. Lauren Book, a Plantation Democrat, wants to incorporate any type of sexual conduct — whether engaging in it or directing others to do it — into the state’s gift ban. […]

Drew WilsonJanuary 17, 2018

The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted unanimously Tuesday for a bill by Sen. Lauren Book (SB 376) that would include in the Worker’s Compensation Law benefits for first responders who sustain mental or nervous injuries such as PTSD in the line of duty. The forward momentum for the bill got the attention of CFO […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 16, 2018

“Recovering a toddler’s body from the river, pulling bodies from a car that ended up in a canal and carrying a decapitated teen’s body across the sand who was the victim of a shark attack would certainly take a toll on anyone,” Leslie Dangerfield said behind teary eyes. She was describing the atrocities her husband, […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 16, 2018

Conservative group Americans for Prosperity-Florida released its priority list for the 2018 Legislative Session, giving favorable marks to legislation that would cut “corporate welfare” and regulations and voicing strong opposition to proposals that would add new regulations or incentives silos. “We believe that Florida lawmakers have an unprecedented opportunity to push through policy objectives that […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 15, 2018

First responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder could be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits even if they don’t have physical injuries under proposed legislation that will be considered Tuesday by a Senate panel. Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, the head of the state agency that ensures businesses have workers’ compensation coverage for employees, said his […]

Danny McAuliffeJanuary 9, 2018

State Sen. Lauren Book doesn’t like the idea of Floridians changing their children’s diapers in the parking lot, so she’s championing a sales tax credit for restaurants if they purchase and install diaper changing stations. Book, a Plantation Democrat, testified on behalf of SB 236 on Tuesday at the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism. The bill […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 9, 2018

Before talking about his legislative priorities on Opening Day of Session, Senate President Joe Negron addressed the elephant in the room: sexual harassment. “I would like to begin today by addressing a very important issue that addressed not only the Florida Senate, but also our counterparts in Congress, the entertainment industry, employers large and small […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 5, 2018

In the wake of back-to-back sex scandals at the Capitol, Sen. Lauren Book and state Rep. Kristin Jacobs on Friday filed similar bills that aim to systematically change how sexual harassment is dealt with in the workplace, particularly in a government setting. The proposal include civil penalties of up to $10,000 for public officers and […]

Ana CeballosDecember 11, 2017

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz thinks the Senate sexual harassment investigation into Sen. Jack Latvala is a “sham” and refused to speak to the attorney leading the investigation, according to a POLITICO Florida report. “The Florida Senate’s ‘investigation’ into Senator Latvala is a sham. I will not validate it by participating,” Gaetz wrote in a letter […]

Mitch PerryDecember 8, 2017

While the Florida Democratic Party has called for Republican state Sen. Jack Latvala of Clearwater to step down in the wake of accusations of sexual harassment, only two of the 15 Democratic senators have followed suit. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum says that may be because of the institutional structure and the nature of relationships in the […]

Tag: Lauren Book
Aleksandar Vucic Image via AP

Proposed change to sexual harassment bill adds sex to lobbying gift ban

Capitol Reax: Workers’ comp, payday loans, vacation rentals, train safety, AOB

With emotion, legislators and relatives of late firefighters push PTSD bill

Americans for Prosperity-Florida releases priority list for 2018 Legislative Session

Jimmy Patronis backs expanding PTSD benefits for first responders

Lauren Book wants more baby changing stations in restaurants

Joe Negron opens 2018 Session by addressing sexual harassment

Bills creating tougher penalties for sexual harassers filed in both chambers

Congressman says Jack Latvala Senate investigation is a ‘sham’

Andrew Gillum questions Senate Democrats’ silence on Jack Latvala