Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Peter SchorschMarch 19, 2018

Up until the moment a special master’s report found credible evidence of Jack Latvala‘s sexual misconduct, I was a defender of the Republican state Senator’s right to due process and, to some extent, an opportunity to confront his accusers. But after former Judge Ronald Swanson issued a report that Latvala inappropriately touched a top Senate […]

Danny McAuliffeMarch 9, 2018

Disgraced former Sen. Jack Latvala has withdrawn his bid for the Governor’s Mansion. The Clearwater Republican sent a formal termination of his gubernatorial campaign Friday to Secretary of State Ken Detzner. The Florida Division of Elections website indicates that Latvala’s campaign is no longer active. The move comes a little more than two months after he […]

Ana CeballosFebruary 2, 2018

On Friday, Gov. Rick Scott appointed Andrew Fay, the special counsel and director of legislative affairs to Attorney General Pam Bondi, to the Florida Public Service Commission. The commission had been looking to fill the empty seat for some weeks after former state Rep. Ritch Workman — a Scott pick — resigned following sexual harassment allegations […]

A.G. GancarskiJanuary 30, 2018

On Tuesday, the Florida Senate Ethics and Elections Committee approved a landmark bill on “Creating the Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct.” SB 1628, sponsored by Plantation Democrat Lauren Book, mandates that the task force meets every four years. It bars legislators, candidates, agency employees, and lobbyists from sexually harassing anyone, and […]

Peter SchorschJanuary 30, 2018

During his official announcement he would run for Florida governor, Republican U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis touted his bill to nix a Congressional fund used settle harassment complaints against lawmakers, but American Bridge said that ploy doesn’t make up for his past votes in the House. “Ron DeSantis’ pathetic attempts to cover up his checkered record […]

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. […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 27, 2018

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement said Friday it’s now conducting an “active” criminal investigation into former Sen. Jack Latvala‘s sexual misconduct. “Regarding Senator Latvala, FDLE’s Office of Executive Investigations is now conducting an active investigation,” the state agency’s spokeswoman Jessica Cary said. Cary said she could not provide additional details on the investigation. The […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 18, 2018

Prompted by a series of sex scandals that enveloped several senators, the Florida Senate on Thursday rolled out new guidelines on how to handle sexual harassment in the workplace. The new employee code of conduct cites “patting, pinching, or intentionally brushing against an individual’s body,” unwelcome kissing or hugging as part of a greeting — […]

Ana CeballosJanuary 11, 2018

Florida senators could soon be required to complete one-hour mandatory sexual harassment training every year as part of a new policy change advanced Thursday that came amid calls for overhauling the chamber’s handling of sexual harassment complaints. Intensifying bipartisan talk to improve the Senate’s sexual harassment policy began last year after two former senators, Jeff […]

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 […]

Tag: sexual harassment

Tampa Bay Times editorial board disgustingly misframes the Jack Latvala scandal

Jack Latvala officially out of Governor’s race

Pam Bondi’s aide appointed to Public Service Commission

Backed by Pam Bondi, Lauren Book’s sexual harassment bill clears Senate panel

Email Insights: Ron DeSantis no ally to sexual harassment victims, says American Bridge

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

FDLE: Jack Latvala criminal investigation is now ‘active’

Senate announces new policy on sexual, workplace harassment

Sexual harassment training mandate for senators heads to Senate floor

Joe Negron opens 2018 Session by addressing sexual harassment