Over the objections of Democrats Florida’s Republican-led legislature is expanding the state’s parental rights laws to allow them greater say over school library books and classroom materials. The proposal also places more restrictions on how sex education is taught and discussed in state schools. Lynn Hatter reports the measure is part of a growing divide over how much say parents should have in public education.
Florida colleges and universities would find their programs subject to more state oversight under a bill supporters say is needed to fight “woke ideology.” Tom Flanigan has that story.
Doctors, medical workers and insurance providers could soon be allowed conscientious objections to providing or covering medical care under a bill now on its way to Governor Ron DeSantis. Regan McCarthy has more.
Florida lawmakers are cracking down on how hemp products are sold in the state. The legislative proposal that once sought to place strict regulations on the amount of THC used in products, now only covers how such products can be marketed. Adrian Andrews has more.
Gov. Ron DeSantis will get to decide if his travel records - and those of other state leaders - will be concealed from the public. The House and Senate passed a bill - along party lines – that will create exemptions to Florida’s public records laws to hide travel details of numerous government officials. They include legislative leaders, Cabinet menbers, and Florida’s Chief Justice. Visitor logs to the governor’s mansion will also be hidden, as WGCU’s Mike Kiniry (kin-EYE-ree) reports.
Proposed legislation could lead to buildings near coastlines being torn down. The Florida Senate already passed its version of this bill — and the House could take it up anytime. Miami Beach residents see it as an existential threat. WLRN reporters Veronica Zaragovia and Danny Rivero went to a protest this week (Wednesday) in the Art Deco district.