Controversial proposals that would allow liquor to be sold in grocery stores and shift the burden of proof in "stand your ground" self-defense cases were set up Thursday to be among the first items the Senate could approve when the annual legislative session begins next month. The Rules Committee voted 7-4 for a proposal (SB 106) that would end a Depression-era law requiring liquor stores and bars to be separated from groceries and other retail goods, an issue commonly referred to as the "liquor wall."
Read More »State Colleges Defend Four-Year Degrees
The Florida College System chancellor on Thursday defended the ability of state colleges to offer four-year degree programs, saying the approval process for new baccalaureate degrees is “rigorous” and that students receiving the degrees remain a small part of overall enrollment. Chancellor Madeline Pumariega told the House Post-Secondary Education Subcommittee …
Read More »Panel Backs Bright Futures, Block Tuition Changes
A Florida Senate panel Wednesday backed a bill that would expand Bright Futures scholarships, impose stricter graduation standards and increase financial aid for first-generation students.
Read More »Alachua County Educators React To Betsy DeVos’ Confirmation
After the Senate's confirmation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos Tuesday, Alachua County educators expressed concerns about DeVos, a strong proponent of charter schools and voucher programs.
Read More »Public Records Fee Fight Re-Emerges
The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee approved a proposal in a 4-3 vote Tuesday that would give judges discretion in deciding whether to award attorney fees in public-records lawsuits.
Read More »Betsy DeVos Confirmed As Education Secretary
The most controversial Cabinet pick in recent memory squeaks through with some help from Vice President Pence. Here are some implications for higher education, school choice and more.
Read More »Lawmakers Back Unanimous Juries in Death Cases
Florida juries would have to unanimously agree that defendants should be condemned to death for the sentence to be imposed, under a proposal given swift and overwhelming approval at its first Senate committee Monday
Read More »Senate Looks To “Block” Tuition For Universities
The Florida Senate will move forward next week with a proposal that would require all 12 state universities to adopt a "block" tuition policy by the fall of 2018.
Read More »Proposed Florida Senate Bill Seeks To Curb Juvenile Arrests, Replace With Citations
Proposed Senate Bill 196 seeks to lower amount of juvenile arrests by implementing civil citation and diversion programs in Florida counties.
Read More »State Employee Pay Hikes On The Table
Under Gov. Rick Scott's budget proposal unveiled this week, Florida state employees might get their first across-the-board pay raises since 2013.
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