Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

William PatrickMarch 16, 2017

It’s Sunshine Week in the Sunshine State, and not just because it’s Spring Break. Since 2005, open government and freedom of information advocates have designated March 13-19 as a time to celebrate public transparency and raise awareness about the critical importance of access to government records. Sunshine Week is timed to coincide with the birthday […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 7, 2017

A bill aimed at speeding up the handling of political redistricting court cases breezed through its first Senate committee on Tuesday. The legislation (SB 352) was OK’d by the Senate Judiciary Committee with only state Sen. Bobby Powell, a Riviera Beach Democrat, voting against it. “I do believe it’s initially incumbent on us to be […]

Associated PressApril 3, 2016

Congress increasingly is being defined by what it’s not doing this election year. The Senate returns this week with a strong majority of Republicans saying no to any consideration of President Barack Obama‘s nominee to the Supreme Court. No hearings, no vote and, for some lawmakers, not even a meeting with federal appeals court Judge […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 16, 2016

A contentious bill meant to remake what critics call Florida’s antiquated alimony law and end “forever alimony” was cleared Tuesday by a Senate panel. The Judiciary Committee, the first of its three review panels, OK’d the measure (SB 668) by a 6-4 vote after impassioned comment for and against the proposal, even after speakers were limited […]

Bob SparksFebruary 11, 2016

Tuesday night’s New Hampshire primary election revealed the mood of the electorate of that small state. Polls show that in many of the remaining primary and caucus states, voters in both parties are unhappy with the process of government. Amendments, show votes, executive orders and other process maneuvers have worn thin. The Florida Legislature offers […]

Jim RosicaFebruary 9, 2016

A motion to reconsider a contentious bill banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people failed in a Senate panel Tuesday, signaling its virtual demise for the 2016 Legislative Session. On a voice vote, the Judiciary Committee deadlocked again on a procedural move to bring the bill (SB 120) back, one day after the bill died on […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 9, 2016

His reputation as a harsh critic of the Voting Rights Act and an advocate for corporations preceded John Roberts to his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2005. As chief justice, he said, he would be like a baseball umpire impartially calling balls and strikes. “Umpires don’t make the rules. They apply […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterFebruary 9, 2016

Hillary Clinton is applauding state lawmakers for considering a proposal to prohibit gender- and sexuality-based workplace discrimination. In a statement released by her campaign Tuesday, Clinton said establishing nondiscrimination protections “would be a critical step forward for both Florida and the nation.” “I’m heartened to see the business community working hand in hand with both […]

Martin DyckmanFebruary 8, 2016

His reputation as a harsh critic of the Voting Rights Act and an advocate for corporations preceded John Roberts to his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2005. As chief justice, he said, he would be like a baseball umpire impartially calling balls and strikes. “Umpires don’t make the rules. They apply […]

Brendan FarringtonFebruary 8, 2016

When it comes to LGBT issues, Florida’s Republican lawmakers are known more for trying to keep transgender people out of bathrooms, protect pastors from marrying same-sex couples and seek exemptions for private adoption agencies who don’t want to place children with gay and lesbian couples. But this year, some Republican lawmakers are backing a bill […]

Tag: Senate Judiciary Committee
Mike Johnson. Image via AP.

Sunshine Week: First Amendment Foundation goes to bat for Florida’s right to know

Redistricting overhaul clears first Senate panel

GOP Congress’ incomplete: Stalled bills, no court nominee

Amid jeers, Senate alimony bill clears first committee

Bob Sparks: Hear the gun bills, don’t restrict debate

Dead again: Senators kill anti-LGBT discrimination bill

Martin Dyckman: Justice John Roberts has hurt minorities, consumers, democracy

Hillary Clinton hails Florida’s proposed anti-LGBT discrimination bill

Martin Dyckman: Justice John Roberts has hurt minorities, consumers, democracy

Legislature considers anti-discrimination bill for LGBT rights