The state budget is one of two bills Florida lawmakers HAVE to pass this session. And an early start to the legislative session means the revenue picture is still unclear. One chamber wants to wait for it to come into focus. But as Lynn Hatter reports the other is on the verge of voting on a spending plan and staking an early claim to how funding for the state’s many services will be distributed.
A Florida House Committee Friday approved a redistricting plan criticized by anti-gerrymandering groups. James Call reports the effort to draw new legislative and congressional boundaries took a dramatic turn when Chairman Will Weatherford blasted the critics after they submitted a last-minute alternative proposal and then declined to explain it to the committee.
Several bills related to the reproductive rights of women are making their way through the House. Regan McCarthy reports one is a resolution attempting to declare this week “Reproductive Rights Awareness week,” three would put more rules in place for when, where and why an abortion can be performed.
A 2007 Florida Senate report concluded that too many doctors are refusing emergency room on-call duty, due to increased exposure to lawsuits. As Sascha Cordner reports, one lawmaker is hoping to alleviate those concerns by granting emergency room doctors immunity from medical malpractice lawsuits.
There are times when things happen and the Florida Legislature has to play catch-up in response. But Tom Flanigan reports there’s at least one case in this year’s session in which lawmakers are looking years down the road to a time when cars will drive themselves….