TALLAHASSEE, FL—Senate Democrats stormed out of committee at the introduction of a new bill that would punish anyone who removes, damages, or destroys a Confederate monument or memorial. After a proponent congratulated the bill's fight for "white culture", an intense debate ensued. "This bill creates the Historical Monuments and Memorials Protection Act," SB 1122's sponsor, […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A sweeping new bill would prohibit banks from dealing in digital currency without completing a comprehensive risk assessment to be approved by the Office of Financial Services. The measure builds on Gov. Ron DeSantis' ban on Florida's use of a federalized central bank digital currency. SB 914, proposed by Republican Sen. Keith Perry, defines […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—The Florida Senate is sticking to its guns in a social media ban for minors. In a rare departure from the Governor, the Republican-led measure outlawing social media accounts for minors—regardless of parental wishes—passed committee down party lines. "If we as a government have identified this harm that is beyond the magnitude of any […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A new Republican-led bill would expand Florida's Wrongful Death Act to include unborn children. Passing down party lines, Democrats raised concerns of vague language and potential negative implications for abortion providers. "This bill expands Florida's wrongful death act to allow parents of an unborn child to recover civil damages for such unborn child's death […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A far-reaching defamation bill united conservatives and liberals in strong opposition, despite a strike-all amendment softening its components. Though the measure removed controversial provisions related to claims of discrimination, it still facilitates the ability to sue a journalist. "When you make a false statement, you are committing some kind of negligent act against someone," […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Mere days after Gov. DeSantis announced that the state's version of the national guard will be sent to the Texas border to fight illegal immigration, U.S. Marine veteran Mark Thieme was unanimously confirmed Monday as the new director for the state guard. This makes Thieme the third director in less than two years. "I […]
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 […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Top Republican Lawmaker Sen. Jay Collins has proposed a slew of hard-hitting bills this session, covering issues ranging from foster homes to communism to veterans. In an exclusive interview with the Floridian, he outlined his wide-ranging agenda for 2024's legislative season. "I am unequivocally pro-life," Collins, who is adopted, said of his child permanency […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—The Florida Legislature is demanding U.S. congressional term limits via an Article V Convention, propelling the resolution through and out of the Senate Thursday afternoon. Passed by the House last month, 34 states must petition Congress for a convention to amend the Constitution. "Term limits creates an environment where you have new, fresh ideas […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A bill banning corporal punishment for students with disabilities passed the House Education Quality Subcommittee unanimously, surprising residents and representatives alike in that corporal punishment still exists within some public schools. "While most counties have banned the practice, corporal punishment is still allowed in 19 counties in Florida," HB 439's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Katherine […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—It's time to "seas the opportunity" to keep Florida front and center on the international trade stage, according to maritime professionals at Seaports Day at the Capitol. With a four-year, $5 billion investment plan arriving to shore up public seaports, Florida has set their sights on increasing and maintaining cargo growth. "As long as […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Keiser University kicked off its "Keiser Days at the Capitol" with a Wednesday morning press conference. Joined by Republican Rep. Randy Fine, the college's leaders discussed higher education, nursing shortages, and athletic success. "My message is simply that we live in a great state," Belinda Keiser, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said, "If […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Nearly six years after the school shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas that left 17 dead, Florida moves to lower the firearm purchasing age from 21 back to 18. "Restoring the rights of young adults to purchase a long gun for not only self-defense but for sporting is very important in my rural area," HB […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A bill defining antisemitism in Florida passed the Senate Committee on Judiciary unanimously, though not without criticisms of censorship and First Amendment infringements. "The bill draws from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism, which is considered the gold standard throughout the world and has been adopted by 43 United Nations member states, […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A new bill would prohibit sleeping on or in public property, providing instead for locally-funded "camps" for the homeless. The bill faced strong opposition, with critics claiming the bill would exacerbate, not address, homelessness. "One of the greatest challenges facing our nation is chronic homelessness," SB 1530's sponsor, Republican Sen. Jonathan Martin, said in […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Artificial Intelligence use in political advertisements faces new regulations with a Florida bill requiring disclaimers of AI use in ads. Violators would be subject to civil penalties imposed by the Federal Elections Commission or an administrative law judge. "The increasing access of sophisticated AI generated content threatens the integrity of elections by facilitating the […]
NAPLES, FL—In a press conference Monday morning, Gov. DeSantis outlined the "weakness" of President Biden and the desire for fiscal responsibility and holding Washington accountable. "Weakness invites aggression, and Biden has been weak since the day he took office. He gave Iran a lifeline with massive reliefs and sanctions, of course, they're going to use […]
2024 Legislative Session Moves Along into Week 4 As the third week of the 2024 Florida Legislative session comes to a close, the name of the game becomes apparent: protecting children. From banning children on pornographic websites to prohibiting minors on addictive social media sites, to capturing online pedophiles, it is clear that this week, […]
