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$89 Billion Budget Is Approved In Overtime Session For Legislature

Associated Press
Gov. Rick Scott speaks after the end of the legislative session at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Sunday, March 11, 2018. Flanking Scott are Speaker of the House Richard Corcoran, left, and Senate President Joe Negron.

In a rare Sunday overtime session, the Florida Legislature passed a budget of nearly $89 billion for next year to end a session that was overshadowed by the mass shootings in Parkland.

Lawmakers needed extra time to finish a budget after the mass shooting in Parkland forced them to quickly craft a response that included a three-day waiting period, a minimum age of 21 to buy a gun in Florida, and $400 million for mental health, school safety and a program that allows school personnel to carry concealed weapons.

The National Rifle Association has challenged the law in federal court.

“We had an incredible session, but probably the most important thing we did this year is we listened to the families of Parkland,” said Gov. Rick Scott, who joined legislative leaders at an end-of-session ceremony.

Read more at our news partner, the Miami Herald

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