By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House on Thursday approved a proposed constitutional amendment that could lead to term limits for county school board members across the state. If the Senate goes along with the proposal, voters in November would decide whether to impose the eight-year term limits — […]
By Christine Sexton, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Minors who seek abortions would be required to obtain parental consent or convince judges to waive the requirement under a bill that received final legislative approval Thursday and has the support of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Thursday’s 75-43 vote in the House was a victory for DeSantis, […]
By Ana Ceballos, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — A proposed law that would establish parents’ authority to have more direct control over their children’s education and health care was approved by a Senate panel on Monday. Proponents say the measure, which would create a parental “bill of rights,” would make clear that it […]
By Ana Ceballos, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — A key Republican lawmaker who is pushing to require all Florida employers to do federal immigration background checks on new hires said Tuesday his bill has become a “mockery” of what the proposal should be. Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, wants his proposal to require all […]
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Florida college athletes won’t get revenue-sharing paydays when they leave campus, as lawmakers continue moving forward with efforts to allow off-field compensation for athletes. Before voting to back a controversial compensation bill (SB 646), members of the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee on Monday […]
House Speaker José Oliva said he is “open” to supporting an E-Verify bill that would meet the goals of Gov. Ron DeSantis, but expressed doubts about the Senate’s version of the legislation. The Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this week carved out the agriculture industry from a bill (SB 664) that would require employers to use […]
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida House on Thursday intensified an inquiry into Florida’s domestic violence agency, calling for additional investigations and issuing subpoenas over the former head of the taxpayer-backed organization’s compensation. The governor asked state Inspector General Melinda Miguel to investigate the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s “exorbitant compensation payouts” and […]
Ahead of a Senate hearing on an E-Verify proposal, a key Republican lawmaker Monday filed potential changes that would significantly narrow a bill that seeks to require immigration checks for new employees. The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, is scheduled Tuesday to consider a controversial proposal (SB 664) that would […]
Fifth Third Bank said Friday it will resume contributions to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, reversing course after saying it would stop contributing over concerns about vouchers going to schools with anti-LGBTQ policies. The bank said it can support the program again, following a “comprehensive review of the program” and “detailed conversations” with management […]
By Dara Kam, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Midpoints can carry a split sensation of dread and relief. And Capitol insiders aren’t immune to those emotions, as the halfway mark of the 2020 legislative session nears. With just five more weeks until the annual 60-day spectacle ends, the heat is on for lawmakers […]