Tag Archives: Florida state legislature

The Florida state legislature is considering a measure that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to continue carrying sidearms in the areas of airports that are before passengers go through the security-screening process. It is unknown how far the measure will fly this legislative session, as it has two additional committee appearances scheduled in the Senate, and the House version has not been heard in committees.

Although Marty Werts' Melrose farm has remained untouched by disease, the Florida citrus industry has faced devastating effects in the last decade due to citrus greening, citrus canker and declining sales. Even with $9.5 million allocated for citrus greening research by the Florida State Legislature between 2013 and 2014, all citrus trees are still dying faster than they are being replanted.

An amendment to the policy on concealed weapons on college campuses may be presented in the 2016 Florida legislative session. Already passed by Florida Senate and House committees, the policy needs to be approved by three more committees to be considered.

FSU student Rebekah Hargrove and Florida Carry, Inc. filed a lawsuit against the school after the university prohibited Hargrove from leaving her firearm in her car during last weekend's football game.

One of the largest accredited wildlife sanctuaries, Big Cat Rescue, want to end private possession and breeding of big cats by November. To reach their goal, the sanctuary and a partnered coalition are pushing to get the "Big Cats and Public Safety Protection Act" passed.

The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a 5-4 decision today that states must recognize same-sex unions citing 14th Amendment protections. Here are some reactions from Florida:

Federal officials filed documents Monday responding to a lawsuit by Gov. Rick Scott. The suit says the federal government "engaged in unconstitutional coercion" to make Florida expand its Medicaid program, while federal officials say this is a baseless claim.

Gov. Rick Scott wants the federal government to extend hospital funds .The panel, which met for the first time Wednesday, is beginning its work as the governor becomes increasingly antagonistic toward hospitals that receive taxpayer funds.

Governor Rick Scott signed almost three dozen bills into law this week. The new laws address issues ranging from revenge porn to the use of drones.

A massive tax-cut package and the governor's push for a "historic" increase in education funding could be in jeopardy as the health care-fueled budget impasse continues in the Legislature. The Senate remains firm that a tax-cut package isn't going to move while the impasse is in place.