State News – Page 12 – Capital Outlook

House panel considers prohibitions against pandemic ‘discrimination’

May 5, 2023

Rep. Marie Woodson By Ryan DaileyNews Service of Florida A House committee advanced a proposal that would prohibit businesses and government agencies from requiring people to take COVID-19 tests or wear masks to enter their facilities, with the measure’s sponsor calling such mandates “discriminatory practices.” The proposal would build on

Court rejects challenge to ‘sanctuary cities’ law

May 5, 2023

Chief Judge William Pryor By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida In a win for Gov. Ron DeSantis and Republican lawmakers, a federal appeals court tossed out a challenge to a 2019 immigration law that banned so-called sanctuary cities in Florida. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of

Businesses, consumers could see tax breaks

May 5, 2023

Businesses would welcome a reduction of a commercial-lease tax.Photo by St. Clair Murraine By Jim TurnerNews Service of Florida The Florida House rolled out a wide-ranging $1.38 billion package of tax breaks for businesses and shoppers, while the Senate continues to work out details of an “aggressive” tax plan. The

AHCA chief to testify in trans Medicaid fight

April 14, 2023

Jason Weida By Dara KamNews Service of Florida A federal judge has rejected a request by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration to shield a top health official from testifying in a lawsuit challenging the state’s prohibition on Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming care for transgender people. State attorneys have been wrangling with

Pot doctor sues state after investigation

April 14, 2023

Dr. Joseph Dorn By Dara KamNews Service of Florida A medical-marijuana doctor cleared of wrongdoing after an undercover probe is seeking unspecified damages from the Florida Department of Health and two investigators who posed as patients. A lawsuit filed last week is the latest twist in a years-long legal battle

House, Senate get ready for budget talks

April 14, 2023

Rep. Fentrice Driskell By Jim Turner News Service of Florida The Florida House and Senate are positioned to begin negotiations on a record state budget, after the House unanimously passed a $113 billion proposal. The House vote came after the Senate last Monday approved its $113.7 billion spending plan for the

Elections changes gain support in Senate

April 14, 2023

A controversial proposal continues the GOP-led Legislature’s effort to make it harder for third-party groups to register voters.File photo by St. Clair Murraine By Dara KamNews Service of Florida Midway through the 2023 legislative session, Republican lawmakers began advancing a sweeping elections package that would impose further restrictions on voter-registration

Ten big issues at legislative halftime

April 14, 2023

Lawmakers have fewer than 30 days left in this year’s legislative session.Photo special to the Outlook By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Florida lawmakers reached the halfway point in this year’s 60-day legislative session. The House and Senate have passed high-profile bills involving issues such as affordable housing and school

Board approves changes to tenure review

April 13, 2023

Eric Silagy By Ryan DaileyNews Service of Florida The state university system’s Board of Governors gave final approval to a regulation that would require faculty members to undergo post-tenure reviews every five years, amid heavy opposition from critics who argued it could lead to a “downward trend in morale” on

Justices asked to halt execution

April 13, 2023

Louis Gaskin By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida With convicted murderer Louis Gaskin scheduled to be put to death April 12, his attorneys have asked the Florida Supreme Court to stay the execution and reconsider his death sentence. The attorneys filed a motion for a stay and other documents, arguing