State

Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, is the ranking Democrat on the House Ways & Means Committee. Submitted

Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, is the ranking Democrat on the House Ways & Means Committee. Submitted

Backroom briefing: Passing grade

News Staff
Friday, March 22, 2024
Orlando Rep. Anna Eskamani, the ranking Democratic member of the House House Ways & Means Committee, gave a “B” to a tax package that passed this month. That was mostly because she said the package (HB 7073), which will trim state and local revenue by $439.
Florida State’s football team plays at Doak Campbell Stadium. News Service of Florida/Tom Urban

Florida State’s football team plays at Doak Campbell Stadium. News Service of Florida/Tom Urban

Florida State fires back in ACC fight

News Staff
Thursday, March 14, 2024
With a hearing scheduled April 9, Florida State University this week fired back at a request by the Atlantic Coast Conference to put on hold — or dismiss — a lawsuit that could lead to FSU leaving the athletic conference. FSU filed the lawsuit Dec.
Victims of abuse at the former Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys and supporters watched Monday as the Florida Senate approved a compensation program. Photo by Tom Urban/News Service of Florida

Victims of abuse at the former Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys and supporters watched Monday as the Florida Senate approved a compensation program. Photo by Tom Urban/News Service of Florida

'Other end of the tunnel' for Dozier victims

News Staff
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Wiping away tears, men in their 60s, 70s and 80s watched Monday as the Florida Senate unanimously gave final approval to a plan to steer $20 million to survivors of abuse at the notorious Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna and another state reform school.
With a Friday deadline looming, House Speaker Paul Renner said Wednesday that he and Gov. Ron DeSantis are trying to work out differences on a bill aimed at keeping children under age 16 off social-media platforms. File photo

With a Friday deadline looming, House Speaker Paul Renner said Wednesday that he and Gov. Ron DeSantis are trying to work out differences on a bill aimed at keeping children under age 16 off social-media platforms. File photo

Renner, DeSantis look at social media ‘alternatives’

News Staff
Friday, March 1, 2024
With a Friday deadline looming, House Speaker Paul Renner said Wednesday that he and Gov. Ron DeSantis are trying to work out differences on a bill aimed at keeping children under age 16 off social-media platforms. “We’re looking at alternatives and what we can do together,” Renner told reporters.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in a challenge to a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on large social-media companies. File photo

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday heard arguments in a challenge to a 2021 Florida law that placed restrictions on large social-media companies. File photo

U.S. Supreme Court weighs Florida tech law

News Staff
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
U.S. Supreme Court justices on Monday heard arguments about the constitutionality of a 2021 Florida law aimed at placing restrictions on social-media platforms, with attorneys for tech companies and the Biden administration arguing the law violates the First Amendment. Gov.
Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, is sponsoring a bill that would lead to designating behavioral-health teaching hospitals. Colin Hackley/File

Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, is sponsoring a bill that would lead to designating behavioral-health teaching hospitals. Colin Hackley/File

Lawmakers OK behavioral health teaching hospitals

News Staff
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
With the bill citing an “urgent need” to increase the number of doctors and other workers to care for people with mental-health and substance-abuse issues, the Florida Senate on Tuesday began moving forward with a $114 million plan that includes designating behavioral-health teaching hospitals.
Rep. Thad Altman, R-Indialantic, said cultivated meat could be used to feed astronauts. Colin Hackley/File

Rep. Thad Altman, R-Indialantic, said cultivated meat could be used to feed astronauts. Colin Hackley/File

Lawmakers back banning sales of ‘cultivated’ meat

News Staff
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
The Florida House on Monday continued moving forward with a wide-ranging bill that includes banning sales of lab-grown meat in the state and preventing local governments from regulating electric-vehicle charging stations.
Florida State Capitol building, Tallahassee

Florida State Capitol building, Tallahassee

Senators back raising Citizens Coverage cap

News Staff
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
A Florida Senate panel Tuesday approved a bill that would allow residents with homes valued at more than $700,000 to get coverage from the state’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. — but the issue has not been heard in the House.
A Florida Supreme Court hearing Wednesday on a proposed constitutional amendment about abortion rights drew demonstrators on each side of the issue. Photo by Tom Urban/News Service of Florida

A Florida Supreme Court hearing Wednesday on a proposed constitutional amendment about abortion rights drew demonstrators on each side of the issue. Photo by Tom Urban/News Service of Florida

Justices weigh abortion amendment

News Staff
Friday, February 9, 2024
Addressing one of the nation’s most politically charged issues, Florida Supreme Court justices on Wednesday heard arguments about a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at guaranteeing abortion rights in the state.
Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, is sponsoring a bill aimed at keeping children off social media. File photo

Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, is sponsoring a bill aimed at keeping children off social media. File photo

Senators back social media curbs

News Staff
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Florida senators Monday evening moved forward with a proposal to try to prevent minors under age 16 from using social media, as lawmakers take on tech platforms that they say harm children.