Florida Lawmakers Dead-Focused on Social Media, Term Limits for Congress, And AI
The fourth week of the 2024 Legislative session has been a whirlwind of news, sweeping up issues such as AI deep fakes, antisemitism, and rising taxpayer dollars.
The biggest headline, however, has been Gov. Ron DeSantis, returning to Florida following the suspension of his presidential campaign. With his sole focus on governing Florida, Gov. DeSantis has clearly outlined what issues are top priorities for legislators.
His return is marked by a call on the U.S. Congress for an Article V Convention—demanding four new Constitutional Amendments, a win in a drawn-out legal battle with Disney, and a revamping of a controversial social media bill.
This newsletter addresses DeSantis' return to Florida, along with new bills regarding gun laws, corporal punishment in schools, and staggering levels of homelessness throughout the state. Stay tuned, and read on for what Florida's lawmakers and lobbyists have been up to this past week.
On AI Deepfakes:
Sen. Lauren Book: "Unfortunately, in this digital age, deepfake images and the proliferation of AI-generated material aren't uncommon. I know firsthand because it happened to me. Let's be clear: anyone involved in the proliferation of nonconsensual pornographic images like the ones of Taylor Swift needs to be held accountable under the law."
On Fixing the Foster Care System:
Sen. Jay Collins: "Let's talk about making sure children in foster homes, and children awaiting adoption, have a chance at success and families who can support them and love them."
DeSantis Wins Disney Lawsuit After Federal Judge Dismisses Case
U.S. District Court Judge Allen Winsor has dismissed Disney’s lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) after he stripped them of their special improvement district...READ MORE
DeSantis Working to Certify Four New Constitutional Amendments, Calls for Term Limits
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced Monday morning that he is working with the Florida Legislature to certify four Constitutional amendments under Article V...READ MORE
DeSantis Pushes for Reform in Washington Using Article V—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—In a press conference Monday morning, Gov. DeSantis outlined the "weakness" of President Biden and the desire for fiscal responsibility and holding...
Parkland Law Raising Rifle-Buying Age Challenged in New Florida Bill—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—Nearly six years after the school shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas that left 17 dead, Florida moves...
CCIA Takes Florida Social Media Censorship Bill to Supreme Court, Cites 1st Amendment Violations—By the Floridian's Jackson Bakich—The Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) is taking a social media case to the U.S. Supreme Court...
Fears of Free Speech Censorship Follow Florida's Antisemitism Bill—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—A bill defining antisemitism in Florida passed the Senate Committee on Judiciary unanimously, though not without criticisms...
Lauren Book Slams AI Images Victimizing Taylor Swift—By the Floridian's Jim McCool—With the rapid advent of AI technology, malicious usage of the internet has never been so accessible. State Senator Lauren Book...
Congressional Republicans Appear to Stand Against the Controversial Social Media Bill—By the Floridian's Javier Manjarres—With the introduction of HB 1 in the Florida Legislature—a measure that proposes an all-out ban on children using social...
Republican Lawmaker Says People are 'Literally Dying in Office' Without Congressional Term Limits—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—he Florida Legislature is demanding U.S. congressional term limits via an Article V Convention, propelling the resolution through...
Proposed Bill Would Increase State Worker Pensions, Costs Taxpayers $2 Billion—By the Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida lawmakers in the state legislature are currently mulling over HB 151 – Cost-of-Living Adjustment...
Florida to Impose Restrictions on AI Use in Political Ads—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—Artificial Intelligence use in political advertisements faces new regulations with a Florida bill requiring disclaimers...
Florida Bill Banning Corporal Punishment for Disabled Students Passes House Committee—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—A bill banning corporal punishment for students with disabilities passed the House Education Quality Subcommittee unanimously...
EXCLUSIVE: Republican Lawmaker Talks Communism, Adoption, Veterans' Rights—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—Top Republican Lawmaker Sen. Jay Collins has proposed a slew of hard-hitting bills this session, covering issues ranging from...
Bill Banning Public Sleeping Allows for Homeless 'Camps' to be Constructed—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—A new bill would prohibit sleeping on or in public property, providing instead for locally-funded...
'Seas the Opportunity': Seaport Day at the Capitol Applauds Record-Breaking Cargo Growth—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—It's time to "seas the opportunity" to keep Florida front and center on the international trade stage, according to maritime...
Keiser University at the Capitol: Covers Education, Nursing Shortages, Athletics—By the Floridian's Liv Caputo—Keiser University kicked off its "Keiser Days at the Capitol" with a Wednesday morning press conference...
