Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiApril 17, 2017

An ongoing debate in Florida has revolved around whether foster care or group care is the best way forward for the kids who need it. This question, as is the case with so many “safety net” questions, depends on who you ask and how the question is framed. In the last ten years, the usage […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterApril 13, 2017

Florida lawmakers appear to be taking steps to repeal a state law requiring personal injury protection coverage, but differences remain between the House and Senate proposals. The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee voted 8-1 to approve a bill (SB 1766) that would repeal the Florida Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law, replacing the PIP mandate with a […]

Les NeuhausMarch 27, 2017

In an unexpected move, legislators merged two bills into one rather than unnecessarily compete against one another in a common goal to create a coordinated effort to enlist better medical services for abused children Monday. Both bills related to child protection issues. SB 1454, sponsored by Sen. Doug Broxson, and SB 1318, sponsored by Sen. […]

Mitch PerryMarch 22, 2017

636174537420913403-1122019694_zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.jpg

Legislation to make texting while driving a primary offense passed Wednesday unanimously by the Senate Transportation Committee. Miami Republican Rene Garcia sponsored the legislation (SB 144). Florida was one of the later states in the country to adopt anti-texting laws, not doing so until 2013. But the fact that it’s a secondary offense has led critics […]

Mitch PerryMarch 14, 2017

Legislation to provide statewide regulations for transportation network companies (TNC’s) advanced in its latest committee stop in the Florida Senate Tuesday. St. Petersburg Republican Jeff Brandes‘ bill (SB 340) received only two votes in opposition in clearing the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, though there were substantial concerns expressed about funding for paratransit that animated the debate. […]

Michael MolineMarch 9, 2017

A bipartisan coalition of House members and senators endorsed Gov. Rick Scott’s request to increase mental health funding by $25 million, but said even more money is needed to move Florida out of the basement in funding for treatment. “At the end of the day, we’re 49th (in funding among the states), which means we’ve […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 23, 2017

It’s never too early in the day to start fundraising. Sen. Denise Grimsley is scheduled to hold a fundraising reception for her 2018 bid for Agriculture Commissioner at 7:30 a.m. on March 7 at Florida Finance Strategies, 111-B East College Avenue in Tallahassee. The reception, according to a copy of the invitation, is hosted by […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJanuary 5, 2017

A pair of controversial gun bills in the Florida Senate will not be discussed during committee meetings next week According to the Senate calendar, a Judiciary Committee meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday has been cancelled. The committee, which is chaired by Sen. Greg Steube, was set to take up two gun bills during the […]

Drew WilsonDecember 20, 2016

Republican state Sen. Rene Garcia and freshman Democratic state Rep. Daisy Baez have filed a bill that would give small businesses a tax credit for hiring veterans. The legislation (SB 152) would establish the Veterans Employment Small Business Grant Program, which would give a one-time $3,000 tax credit to businesses for each veteran hired, and a […]

A.G. GancarskiDecember 1, 2016

Lake City Republican Rep. Elizabeth Porter’s House Bill 57 proposes extending current “crimes evidencing prejudice” protections to law enforcement and correctional officers. A companion bill, SB 70, has been filed in the Senate by Sen. Rene Garcia. The bills in the House and Senate both propose enhanced penalties for crimes committed against police officers, correctional officers, and first responders. […]

Tag: Rene Garcia

Group homes, foster care concern Senate panel

House, Senate bills to repeal PIP clear committees despite questions, differences

Lawmakers merge two bills to expand medical services for abused children

Tougher texting-and-driving ban sails through Senate committee

Bill regulating ride-sharing in Florida advances in Senate Committee

Legislative coalition urges leaders to find money for mental health programs

Bring on the orange juice: Denise Grimsley schedules breakfast fundraiser for March 7

Hearing on gun bills postponed after Senate cancels Judiciary Committee meeting

Bill: Businesses hiring vets would get tax breaks

Police officers could be extended protections against hate crimes