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Every year, Florida lawmakers gather in Tallahassee to debate state policy, amend existing laws and pass new ones, and put together a state budget. This year will be no different, though the COVID-19 pandemic will be looming large over all of these discussions.
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The House and Senate typically hold a festive joint session in the House chamber to hear the State of the State address. But in a memo to senators this week, Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, said the Senate will stay in its chamber during the March 2 session opening and watch DeSantis’ address on a big video screen.
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An official analysis concludes the bill would impact the right to free speech, but within acceptable boundaries. Opponents say it is severely overreaching.
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Sen. Ray Rodrigues says the bill is about making sure workers have the final say about money they have earned. Critics say it is about “union busting.” But a Senate committee Wednesday approved a bill that could lead to a battle during the upcoming legislative session about unions that represent teachers, firefighters, law-enforcement officers and other public employees.
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Lobbyists, who a year ago could be seen chilling in lawmakers’ offices or huddling in the Capitol rotunda, are resorting to Zoom, text messages and off-campus meetings to get the job done.
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A state senator from Bradenton has filed a bill that would roll back Key West's strict limits on cruise ship visitation.
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The Republican-led Legislature appears ready to fast-track a proposal that would provide immunity from coronavirus-related lawsuits to businesses that have “substantially” complied with public health guidelines.
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Four new laws passed during the 2020 legislative session take place this week.
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Brandes on Friday filed a proposal (SB 136) that would establish the Energy 2040 Task Force within the Public Service Commission to recommend electric policies and statutory changes.
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Even after losing a key leader, advocates wonder if lawmakers are ready to act.
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The request from Florida Conservation Voters comes in a letter to top lawmakers, both from Tampa Bay.
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In separate news conferences, Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, indicated support for legislation that would protect businesses from lawsuits related to COVID-19.