Jim Turner | News Service of Florida

A proposal to tighten voter eligibility rules was approved by the Republican-controlled House on Wednesday over the objections of Democrats who contend seniors and students will be among those blocked from casting a ballot.

Legislation putting new restrictions on large-scale data centers, major plank of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to put guardrails on artificial intelligence, cleared its first House committee, The State Affairs Committee voted 24-1 on the measure (HB 1007) that in part addresses key issues such as electricity and water use needed to maintain the data centers.

Florida lawmakers on Tuesday moved closer to placing President Donald Trump’s name on the Palm Beach International Airport despite turbulence over state funding, trademarking rights and his personal conduct.

A proposal to further limit the amount of out-of-state and international students at some Florida universities continued to advance in the House on Tuesday.

Gov. Ron DeSantis ratcheted up his concerns last week about potential “serious harms” on humans from the growth of artificial intelligence and the need for state regulations. Yet as the Legislature approaches the scheduled midpoint of the regular session, only the Senate has moved DeSantis’ desired “Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights” and his call to lessen the impact of massive data centers on utility ratepayers.

The proposal (SB 482), filed by Sen. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, includes such things as steps to keep “harmful” content from minors. It comes after DeSantis called for an AI bill of rights — and after President Donald Trump issued an executive order seeking to limit state-by-state regulation of the fast-growing technology.

Last week, House Speaker Daniel Perez touted the idea of offering multiple proposals to voters in November 2026.

Jim Boyd, a veteran lawmaker who heads an insurance and investment firm in Bradenton, was formally selected Tuesday by Senate Republicans to become the next Senate president.

Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing lawmakers to put a proposed constitutional amendment on the 2026 ballot to reduce or eliminate taxes on homesteaded properties. As it gears up for the 2026 legislative session, the House Select Committee on Property Taxes on Monday received presentations about issues such as school funding and rural “fiscally constrained” counties that have limited tax bases.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture this week reported that the industry is entering the 2025-2026 growing season with 208,183 acres in use for producing oranges, grapefruit and specialty fruits, 24 percent fewer acres than a year ago.

Renner, who left the House in November after two years as speaker, issued a statement that drew links with Gov. Ron DeSantis, who cannot run again because of term limits.

The Miami Republican’s announcement came as Texas Republicans have moved forward with a controversial mid-decade redistricting plan and as the White House has pressured other GOP-controlled states, including Florida, Missouri and South Carolina, to follow suit.