If DeSantis signs the bill, as he is expected to do, all public employers, contractors and subcontractors must register with the E-Verify system to hire new employees beginning Jan. 1. Private employers have the option of using E-Verify or the documents required for an I-9 form, but they must keep copies of those documents at least three years.
Read More »Environmentalists Debate Energy Market Changes
The initiative, Florida Changes to Energy Market Initiative, has divided environmentalists by proposing a deregulated, competitive market for electric power. If approved, it would allow all Florida residents to generate, use and sell their own electric power, creating more opportunities for solar power usage.
Read More »Florida Democrats Discuss Their Political Platform In Orlando
More than 1,000 Florida Democrats gathered over the weekend in Orlando. At the general session on Saturday the party passed a series of resolutions continuing to support initiatives like stronger gun laws, addressing the opioid epidemic and supporting immigrant rights.
Read More »Airport Gun Bill Launched In Florida Senate
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.
Read More »Florida Citrus Industry Not So Fruitful, Plagued By Disease
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.
Read More »Florida Senate Approves Policy Change To Campus Concealed Carry
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.
Read More »Florida State Student Fights Concealed Carry Rules On Game Day
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.
Read More »Big Cat Rescue Works To Pass Protection Act
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.
Read More »Here’s What Local Folks Are Saying About Today’s Supreme Court Decision
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:
Read More »Feds Take Aim at Scott ‘LIP’ Lawsuit
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.
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