Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Janelle Irwin TaylorFebruary 9, 2016

Stare business and transportation leaders along with officials pushing comprehensive ride-hailing legislation launched the Floridians for Ridesharing Coalition Tuesday ahead of discussion slated for the Senate Judiciary committee. State Sen. Jeff Brandes and Rep. Matt Gaetz both back legislation in their respective chambers that would regulate the industry through rules on insurance requirements for drivers. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 8, 2016

A state House panel approved an expansion of the state’s Right to Try Act, but stripped a provision from the bill (HB 307) that would have increased the number of medical marijuana dispensing organizations. The state House health care appropriations subcommittee voted 9-2 to approve the measure, sponsored by Reps. Matt Gaetz and Katie Edwards. […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 4, 2016

A push to expand Florida’s Right to Try Act to include cannabis is moving through the Florida Senate. The Senate fiscal policy committee on Thursday approved a bill (SB 460), sponsored by Sen. Rob Bradley, that would include medical marijuana that is sold and manufactured by an approved dispensary in the state’s Right to Try […]

Staff ReportsFebruary 3, 2016

The House Finance and Tax Committee approved its tax cut proposal on Wednesday. The proposal cuts nearly $1 billion over two years. The proposal includes reducing the business rent tax, an extension of the sales tax on manufacturing equipment and four sales tax holidays. Chris Hudson, state director for Americans for Prosperity—Florida, said in a […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 3, 2016

Chairman Matt Gaetz and members of his House Finance & Tax Committee were all smiles Wednesday as they presented their tax-cut package for 2016-17. Aides jammed handouts into reporters’ hands: “The House’s $1 Billion Tax Cut Package.” The plan (PCB FTC 16-04) cleared the panel and is headed to the House floor. “The Florida House […]

Mitch PerryFebruary 1, 2016

A local bill (HB 1439) to regulate ridesharing companies in Hillsborough County failed to earn unanimous approval from the entire local delegation late last year, but it sailed through the House Local Government Affairs Subcommittee on Monday morning in Tallahassee. Tampa Republican Dana Young told the committee that the legislation was “substantially similar” to the major ridesharing […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 28, 2016

The state House on Wednesday rolled out a nearly $1 billion tax cut proposal. The proposal is similar to the proposal that Gov. Rick Scott pitched earlier this year. Among other things the proposal includes eliminating the tax on manufacturing equipment and credits for renewable energy investments. The House finance and tax committee has not […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 27, 2016

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The Florida House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill regulating “transportation network companies” such as Uber and Lyft, and mandating insurance and other requirements. But the measure also includes a provision that may not find favor in the Senate: It vests regulatory power over the ride-booking services solely with the state, cutting out local bodies such […]

Staff ReportsJanuary 27, 2016

State lawmakers on Wednesday OK’d two bills aimed at improving literacy rates. Among other things, the House measure (HB 7021) requires teachers who teach retained third graders to hold a reading certificate and calls on the Department of Education to review certification. Included in the Senate proposal (SB 1068) are provisions that call on districts […]

Jim RosicaJanuary 27, 2016

A bill to legalize and regulate fantasy sports play in Florida cleared its first Senate review panel on Wednesday. The Regulated Industries Committee OK’d the “Fantasy Contest Amusement Act” (SB 832) with only two ‘no’ votes from Sen. Gwen Margolis, a Miami Democrat, and committee chairman Rob Bradley, a Fleming Island Republican. The bill states that “fantasy […]

Tag: Matt Gaetz
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Pro-business groups, lawmakers form ridesharing coalition

House panel OKs proposal adding medical marijuana to Right to Try Act

Bill to add medical marijuana to Right to Try Act heads to Senate floor

Capitol Reax: Tax cuts, funding for seaports, citrus greening

House moves “$1 billion” tax-cut package, but over 2 years

House Committee approves Hillsborough ridesharing bill

Capitol reax: Renewable energy credits, public school choice, predatory public records requests, funding for sick children

House passes bill to regulate Uber, other ride-booking services

Capitol reax: Literacy initiatives, the Pastor Protection Act, Uber

Senate panel clears fantasy sports bill