The Florida Senate on Tuesday gave final passage to a bill that would restrict classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity and the measure now heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it. The Parental Rights in Education bill – what critics have labeled the “Don’t …
Read More »Protesters decry Florida bill aiming to ban discussion of sexuality and gender in schools
Cloaked in a flag with shades of teal and seafoam green representing queer men, Rey Arcenas shouted into a megaphone: “This legislation will kill queer youth.” Arcenas, 19, a freshman history and philosophy major at the University of Florida, spoke just before a crowd of 150 began a protest march …
Read More »Gainesville Community Members Rally As Student Financial Aid Bill Progresses To Florida Senate Floor
SB 86 is now placed on calendar for its third and final procedural reading, where the full state Senate will vote on the bill before it reaches the House. Dates for those final readings have yet to be announced.
Read More »Florida Legislation That Would Mandate A Moment Of Silence In Public Schools Advances In Senate
Florida is currently one of 18 states that allow school districts the option of implementing a moment of silence at the beginning of the day.
Read More »Bill Requiring Mandatory Moment Of Silence In Florida Public Schools Passes House – But Not Without Controversy
Under the proposal, which would cover all K-12 public school classrooms, teachers can not recommend what students do with that time but should encourage parents to have that conversation with their children.
Read More »Lawmakers Abandon Efforts To Limit Popular Florida Scholarships For Specific College Degrees
Florida legislators reversed course on a plan that would have limited the state’s popular Bright Futures college scholarships after a public outcry and concerns by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Read More »‘Grandparent Tuition Waiver’ Gets Florida House Go-Ahead
Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, is sponsoring a Senate version of the measure (SB 1728).
Read More »Florida Wrestles With Surrendered Newborns: Bill Would Standardize ‘Baby Boxes,’ Give Mothers 30 Days To Give Away Infants Without Penalty
The bill would standardize the use of a newborn safety device, or “baby box,” at drop-off locations like hospitals, fire stations or emergency medical stations.
Read More »Florida Could Extend Period For Babies To Be Surrendered Anonymously
The changes would allow babies up to 30-days-old to be surrendered anonymously in a 'baby box' that notifies staff through an alarm.
Read More »Florida State Senate Leaders Named, Panel To Review COVID-19 Response
A new state Senate committee will review Florida’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and plan for future emergencies.
Read More »