Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersJune 9, 2017

The budget package deal that gave Gov. Rick Scott the $85 million he wants for a Florida Job Growth Grant Fund also restored cut funding sought by Florida colleges and universities for 17 different projects, including funding for medical marijuana research. The research money, $1.69 million will go to the University of Florida Health Center […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2017

After a false start during the regular Legislative Session, lawmakers Friday passed a medical marijuana implementation bill on the last day of the Special Session, sending it to Gov. Rick Scott. The wide-ranging legislation (SB 8-A) will give guidance to state regulators as they put the state’s constitutional amendment medical marijuana into effect. Gov. Rick Scott said […]

Jim RosicaJune 9, 2017

The state Senate passed its medical marijuana implementation bill on Friday, the last scheduled day of the Special Session. The measure (SB 8-A), after technical and “product safety” amendments were tacked on, was approved by a 28-8 vote. Senators also passed, 36-0, a related public records bill exempting the personal identifying information of patient caregivers that […]

Peter SchorschJune 9, 2017

Quick hit: With hours left in the Special Session, rumors of a final deal abound. Details are scarce, but one Senator close to negotiations said “there could be a path to get our work completed today,” putting it at a 60 percent probability. The Senate could get its money for hospitals, but the House will […]

Jim RosicaJune 8, 2017

A change to the Special Session’s medical marijuana legislation that would have allowed patients to smoke it was handily defeated Thursday. The amendment offered by Rep. Evan Jenne, a Dania Beach Democrat, was killed on the House floor by a vote of 37-71. “If a doctor and a patient determine that (smoking) is the best way to […]

Jim RosicaJune 8, 2017

Everyone loves a mystery, so how did a provision to help concerns with underused or shuttered citrus factories get into this year’s medical marijuana legislation? Language in both bills (SB 8-A, HB 5A) would give preferential treatment for up to two growing licenses to applicants who can show “they own one or more facilities that are, or were, […]

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2017

Sen. Jeff Brandes is proposing a sweeping change to his chamber’s medical marijuana implementation bill that would, among other things, remove a limit on the number of licenses for medical marijuana treatment centers (MMTCs). The St. Petersburg Republican filed the 63-page strike all amendment late Wednesday. His “Putting Florida Patients First Act” also removes a requirement that marijuana growers and sellers […]

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2017

As the medical marijuana implementation bill winds its way through the Special Session, some lawmakers still are grappling with whether smoking medicinal cannabis is the same as ‘vaping’ it. Before the Health and Human Services Committee approved the House bill (HB 5A) on Wednesday night, members asked bill sponsor Ray Rodrigues, the House Republican Leader from […]

Jim RosicaJune 7, 2017

The House’s main budgeting panel on Wednesday cleared one of the bills planned for the Special Session dealing with tourism promotion, job training and public infrastructure. The Appropriations Committee, on a unanimous vote, OK’d the measure (HB 1A). Among other things, it creates the $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, and awards $76 million to and imposes accountability […]

Jenna Buzzacco-FoersterJune 7, 2017

Medical marijuana has officially been added to the agenda for this week’s special session. Gov. Rick Scott issued a proclamation Tuesday afternoon expanding the three-day special session to include medical marijuana implementing legislation. The announcement came shortly after Scott met with House Majority Leader Ray Rodrigues, who carried the implementing legislation during the regular session. […]

Tag: special session
Lake Mary’s team celebrates in the eighth inning of the Little League World Series Championship game against Taiwan. Florida won in eight innings 2-1. Image via AP.

Medical marijuana research, 16 other higher-ed programs restored in budget deal

Lawmakers finally pass medical marijuana implementation bill

Senate passes medical marijuana implementation bill

Is there a deal to get out of Tallahassee on time?

House beats back effort to allow smoking of medical marijuana

Whodunit? or, How did citrus get into Special Session medical marijuana bill?

Jeff Brandes files amendment to medical marijuana in Senate

Are vaping and smoking the same? Ray Rodrigues won’t say

House panel clears Special Session infrastructure, job training bill

Rick Scott expands special session call to include medical marijuana