State News – Capital Outlook

Shield denied for AHCA chief in trans case

May 5, 2023

Jason Weida By Dara KamNews Service of Florida A federal appeals court rejected a request to shield the secretary of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration from testifying in a lawsuit challenging the state’s prohibition on Medicaid coverage of gender-affirming care for transgender people. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit want

Celebrating Financial Literacy Month: Lendistry CEO Everett Sands pioneers with scientific brilliance

May 5, 2023

Everett K. Sands has been teaching financial literacy for several years.Photo submitted By Kenneth MillerInglewood Today “Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise”—I Rise (last verse) Maya Angelou Everett K. Sands, the Chief Executive Officer of Lendistry, life

DeSantis signs major death penalty change

May 5, 2023

Effective immediately after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill, death penalty in Florida no longer needs a unanimous jury decision.Photo special to the Outlook By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill eliminating a requirement for unanimous jury recommendations before judges can impose death sentences. The

Lawmakers look to regulate pharmacy benefit managers

May 5, 2023

CVS Caremark is contracted to administer prescription-drug plan for state employees, according to a House staff analysis.Photo special to the Outlook By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida After the Senate passed its version of the plan last week, the House moved forward with a proposal that would increase regulations on

House passes renter fee proposal

May 5, 2023

Supporters of a proposed renter fee say it would be an option instead of security deposits for landlords and renters.Photo by St. Clair Murraine By Jim SaundersNews Service of Florida In an issue shadowed by soaring rental costs across the state, the House passed a heavily debated bill that could

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