Politics

Florida lawmakers seek new election security measure for ballot boxes

(The Center Square) — A Florida lawmaker has filed a new bill intended to protect election ballots from tampering.

Senate Bill 190 is sponsored by Sen. Ileana Garcia, R-Miami, and it would require a law enforcement officer to transport ballot boxes or transfer containers from an election supervisor to a precinct. This includes all ballots, ballot stubs, memoranda and papers.

New committee assignments for Florida lawmakers issued ahead of session

(The Center Square) — There will be some changes to committee assignments when the Florida Legislature reconvenes in January.

Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, has announced new committee assignments ahead of the start of interim committee meetings on Sept. 18. Lawmakers can start filing bills on Monday.

Franklin News Foundation launches The Center Square Voters' Voice Poll

(The Center Square) – How concerned are American voters about the situation at the border? Who do they blame the most for the fentanyl crisis gripping the country?

With former President Donald Trump, the GOP frontrunner in the race for the presidency in 2024, facing four separate indictments heading into primary season, what does that mean for his and other Republicans' prospects when the first ballots are cast early next year?

Gov. DeSantis signs Digital Bill of Rights into law

(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on Tuesday a bill that creates a Digital Bill of Rights for Floridians.

Senate Bill 262 sponsored by Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Fleming Island, creates the Digital Bill of Rights, which includes the right to control personal data and the right to delete, confirm, and access personal data on social media platforms.

Special Wed, 06/07/2023 - 15:09

Plenty of bills await possible signature or veto by DeSantis

(The Center Square) — Dozens of bills remain for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to either sign, allow to become law without his signature or even veto.

The biggest agenda item left on the list of bills that passed both chambers of the Legislature is a record $117 billion budget.

AG Moody defeats Biden administration in court, again

(The Center Square) – Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody won another round against the Biden administration in federal court, this time in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

On Monday, the court ruled to keep in place an injunction against the Department of Homeland Security’s parole program. The injunction was issued by a federal district judge in Florida last month. DHS appealed the judge’s ruling and lost.

Special Tue, 06/06/2023 - 16:55

DeSantis signs bill to help preserve Indian River Lagoon

(The Center Square) — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law this week that will help protect Florida’s water resources and support conservation efforts in the Sunshine State.

House Bill 1379 was sponsored by Rep. Kevin Steele, R-Hudson, and Rep.Tobin Overdorf, R-Stuart, and will create designated funding for the state’s conservation efforts as part of DeSantis’ common sense conservation agenda.

Opposition builds against EPA rule to transition Americans to electric vehicles

(The Center Square) — Opposition to new Environmental Protection Agency tailpipe regulations is growing after the federal agency projected the regulation would put more than half of American drivers out of gas cars and into electric vehicles.

Special Thu, 05/25/2023 - 13:36

Governor appoints 3 to SWFWMD governing board

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed James Holton, Dustin Rowland and Robert Stern to the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board.

Holton, of St. Petersburg, is the president and owner of JWH Properties, Inc., MHH Enterprises, Inc. and James W. Holton, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University and his master's degree and juris doctor from Boston University. Holton represents Pinellas County.