Senate Bill 128 passed 23-15 on Wednesday. The bill would update Florida's Stand Your Ground law to shift the burden of proof from the defendant to the prosecutor. However, it is not favored by everyone. Lucy McBath, mother of Jordan Davis, whose 2012 killing was centered around self-defense, spoke out against the bill.
Read More »Florida Could Cut Off Food Stamps From 200,000 Recipients
Noting that the economy is improving post-Great Recession, some Republicans are moving a bill through the Florida House that could cut off food stamps for more than 200,000 residents.
Read More »Shall or May? Florida’s Public Record Law Hangs On By One Word
The story of Gulf Stream, Fla. and use of public records requests lawsuits for monetary gain shows what's at stake for the state's Sunshine law in the 2017 legislative session.
Read More »In Photos: Students Protest After Student Body President-Elect’s Arrest
Meyers, 22, was charged with criminal mischief on March 7 after Key West police say he knocked over motorcycles, causing some damage to them.
Read More »Despite Former Death Row Inmate’s Testimony, Death Penalty Changes Pass Florida Legislature And Gov. Scott
Former death row inmate Herman Lindsey testified on Feb. 22 before the legislature in hopes of raising awareness about changes to the death penalty bill. However, the bill still passed the Florida Legislature and was signed by Gov. Scott on Monday.
Read More »Scott Signs Death Penalty Sentencing Bill
In response to a series of court rulings set off by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Hurst v. Florida in January 2016, Gov. Rick Scott signed a law Monday aimed at fixing flaws in the state's capital sentencing procedure.
Read More »Changes To Best And Brightest Program Would Give More Educators Chance At Bonus
More Florida educators will have a chance at an annual bonus after the House Education Committee passed a measure to revamp the “Best and Brightest” bonus program in a 17-1 vote.
Read More »Fla. Bill Would Require Mental Evaluation For Concealed Carry
A newly filed bill from Florida state Sen. Daphne Campell, R-Miami, would require a mental-health evaluation for a license application to carry a concealed weapon.
Read More »Proposed Florida Bill Would Protect Drivers Who Unintentionally Hit, Kill Protesters
Florida Senate Bill 1096 would immune drivers to civil liability if they injure or kill protesters who block public roadways, as long as it was unintentional.
Read More »Gun Bills Loaded For 2017 Legislative Session
Republican lawmakers have introduced proposals to allow the more than 1.7 million people with concealed-carry licenses to bring guns to places such as college and university campuses, airport terminals and government meetings.
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