State lawmakers in Florida are considering legislation that would provide families more access to see their loved ones in hospitals and long-term care facilities. The bills aim to address isolation patients endured as a result of visitation restrictions implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But some health care leaders have concerns. Health News Florida's Stephanie Colombini recently invited listeners to share how COVID visitation restrictions affected their families. We hear some of those stories as we take a look at the proposals
Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a congressional map that would eliminate north Florida’s only U-S House district where Black voters can elect a candidate of their choice. The legislature’s proposed plan would preserve the district’s lines. Valerie Crowder has more on the district’s historical and political significance for voters in the region.
One in four children grow up without a father in their home. Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls says that leaves a gap in the lives of those children that can have far reaching impacts. A bill moving through the legislature could help. The measure aims to give fathers tools to become present dads and will provide male role models and support for kids who don’t have fathers. Regan McCarthy reports Just before lawmakers passed the measure out of the House Wednesday, Sprowls held a press conference in support of the bill.
Law enforcement agencies around the state are understaffed – leading to longer response times for emergency calls and slower crime investigations. Now, an effort to lure more officers to Florida was approved by the House this week. Gina Jordan tells us proposed legislation includes higher pay and more -- for new and current law enforcers.
A major insurance industry advocate thinks the state legislature still has enough time to revamp laws that have allowed rising costs to drive some major carriers from Florida. Bob Ritchie, CEO of American Integrity Insurance Group, talks with Tom Flanigan about it.