A significant property tax proposal affecting homeowners and businesses could be heading to a ballot near you before too long. Lynn Hatter reports the Republican-led legislature is looking to tighten the state’s homestead amendment, as well as extending some tax cuts given to manufacturers.
When Florida cracked down on crime in the early 1990s, lawmakers knew it would come with a price. Now, facing prison overcrowding and perennial budget woes, Republican leaders are reconsidering such things as time off for good behavior – otherwise known as gain time – in time and minimum mandatory sentences. Jim Ash has been following that story.
A measure to help Florida get rid of its backlog of thousands of untested rape kits passed its first Senate panel Monday. Sascha Cordner reports.
Florida law enforcement officers can seize money or other property from people if it’s believed that property is connected to criminal activity. This includes cash or vehicles acquired during drug deals. It’s called “civil asset forfeiture”. But advocates say some officers are taking improper advantage of the law. We have two reports on that subject this evening. The first comes from Jessica Meszaros (meh-ZA-ros) from member station WGCU who reports one Republican state lawmaker wants to see changes.
Today, Senators took up two civil asset forfeiture bills that pursue slightly different policies to rein in the controversial practice. Nick Evans has that story.
Jobs are a big – if not the number one – focus for Florida’s governor. So it comes as no surprise that lawmakers are working to attract business to Florida. But Regan McCarthy reports some senators are putting a special emphasis on the jobs and business that comes from the state’s film industry.