A plan requiring a parent or guardian to consent before a minor can have an abortion is heading to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk. Florida is the 27th state to make such a rule. Robbie Gaffney reports.
Veteran Capital Reporter Steve Bousquet says a special House committee will delve into alleged overspending and other problems with the Domestic Violence Coalition on Monday, Feb. 24. Even Governor DeSantis has expressed shock at the apparent financial problems within the Coalition, which has had the exclusive task of distributing state and federal funds to regional refuge programs.
A proposal to decrease the number public universities in Florida from 12 to 10 continues to generate conversations in the legislature. New College and Florida Polytechnic are fighting to stay independent as lawmakers consider merging them into Florida State, and the University of Florida respectively. Lynn Hatter reports a 3rd option has emerged: Rehoming the schools at the University of South Florida.
As Florida’s House and Senate undergo budget conferences, one sticking point seems to be the state’s land acquisition fund, Florida Forever. Ryan Dailey spoke with Florida Conservation Voters’ Deputy Director Jonathan Weber about the fund, both chambers’ approach to funding it, and FCV’s Gems Report – a guide to what land’s been bought and why.
With time winding down, bills that haven’t gotten a first hearing face possible death in Tallahassee. One measure running out of time would allow non-violent prisoners to be released from prison sooner by increasing the amount of time off for good behavior. Blaise Gainey reports the gain time bill’s sponsors are trying to rally late support.
Tom Flanigan reports former Florida Senate President Tom Lee is expressing public frustration. It seems some of his bills have been changed so drastically even he doesn’t recognize them anymore.