Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

The heads of two more state agencies are keeping their jobs. The Florida Senate on Tuesday confirmed dozens of Gov. Rick Scott appointees, including Cissy Proctor, the executive director Department of Economic Opportunities, and Lottery Secretary Tom Delacenserie. Proctor’s confirmation flew through all of its committee stops. Scott selected Proctor to lead the agency last […]

Guest AuthorMarch 8, 2016

Each Legislative Session brings a cadre of bills, usually touted as consumer-friendly measures, that on the surface sound like good-government laws. In reality, such bills often have unintended consequences that should be exposed for consumer protection reasons. Companions House Bill 1041 and Senate Bill 966, related to unclaimed property, form one such example of state […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 8, 2016

A bill that may change how Medicaid programs provide dental care to children is headed to the governor. The Florida Senate on Monday voted 35-2 to approve a measure (HB 819) could remove dental services from the list of minimum benefits under the state’s Medicaid managed care plans. Among other things, the bill requires the […]

Associated PressMarch 7, 2016

Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a major overhaul of Florida’s death penalty on Monday in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision declaring the previous system unconstitutional. The new law requires at least 10 out of 12 jurors recommend execution for it to be carried out. Florida previously required that a majority of […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

The group backing a medical marijuana ballot initiative is calling out lawmakers for a proposal that provides relief to more patients. The Florida Senate voted 28-11 to approve a bill that expands the Right to Try Act to include medical marijuana. Under the proposal, the bill allows eligible patients — defined as someone with one […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 7, 2016

On Monday morning, Florida Governor Rick Scott appeared in Jacksonville for one of his favorite occasions: a job creation event. After his remarks, Scott took some questions. One of which, from this outlet, involved whether or not he felt like a “lame duck”, in the wake of a difficult session for his initiatives, including a House defeat for […]

Diane RobertsMarch 7, 2016

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE — Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith is getting evicted from Statuary Hall. The Sons of Confederate Veterans are not happy. Sen. Don Gaetz, a native of that little-known Old South state of North Dakota, is not happy: “There is nothing in the bill analysis, nothing in the testimony, that tells us any reason why […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterMarch 7, 2016

Law enforcement agencies could soon have to follow certain guidelines if their officers wear body cameras. The Florida Senate voted 37-0 to approve a bill (HB 93) that requires police to develop standards that govern how agencies use, maintain and store body cameras and recorded data. “This is a very important bill for our community,” […]

Diane RobertsMarch 6, 2016

OCCUPIED TALLAHASSEE – Gen. Edmund Kirby Smith is getting evicted from Statuary Hall. The Sons of Confederate Veterans are not happy. Sen. Don Gaetz, a native of that little-known Old South state of North Dakota, is not happy: “There is nothing in the bill analysis, nothing in the testimony, that tells us any reason why […]

A.G. GancarskiMarch 6, 2016

The open secret of which Jacksonville City Council job creation package is “Project Revere” has been answered: It’s an addition of FIS jobs, related to the company’s acquisition of Sungard. Gov. Rick Scott is scheduled to appear at the former Sungard offices on the Southbank Monday morning. Expect Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Council President Greg Anderson […]

Tag: Rick Scott

Florida Senate confirms Cissy Proctor, Tom Delacenserie

Paul Sanford: Governor should veto state money-grab legislation

Controversial dental bill clears Senate, now heads to governor

Rick Scott signs into law overhaul of Florida death penalty

John Morgan calls medical marijuana expansion bill “typical Tallahassee window dressing”

In Jax, Rick Scott rejects lame duck designation

Diane Roberts: Let’s replace Confederate general with a statue of the “Florida Man”

Bill to develop guidelines for police body cameras clears Senate

Diane Roberts: Let’s replace Confederate general with a statue of the “Florida Man”

Rick Scott to announce Project Revere jobs at FIS in Jax Monday