Florida legislature

Florida lawmakers return to Tallahassee in March facing at least a $2 billion budget shortfall. And that’s despite an infusion of more than $6 billion in federal money aimed at helping the state weather the coronavirus pandemic. The state’s chief economist recently noted there are some bright spots in Florida’s economy, but its overall financial position remains precarious.

State legislators were back at the Capitol this week for substantive work for the first time since the pandemic began last March. The medical emergency has transformed the seat of state government.

The coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic uncertainty have blown a $3.3 billion hole into the state’s budget projections for the next two years.

After helping craft a 2019 law that strengthened Florida’s ban on texting while driving, Rep. Emily Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, is seeking to require motorists to go fully “hands free” while using wireless phones.

The bill (SB 288), filed by Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, would create a certification process for victims of abuse at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna and the Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee.

Business groups have released a list of wants that includes a change in tax policy and protections from frivolous lawsuits.

Legislative leaders on Tuesday showed support for limits on lawsuits stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, but they could have a difference of opinion about whether to move ahead with changes to the workers’ compensation insurance system.

New Senate president Wilton Simpson gave remarks during the legislature’s organizational session Tuesday, giving a glimpse of how the Senate will look with him at the helm.

On the eve of the Florida legislature’s organizational session, influential Republican Senator Manny Diaz talked about COVID-19 protocols, the 2020 election, and more. He’s also eyeing a key leadership position down the road.

Fernandina Beach Republican Aaron Bean and Naples Republican Kathleen Passidomo will serve as top lieutenants to incoming Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby. Incoming House Speaker Chris Sprowls rolled out a leadership team and committee changes, including a new committee that will be directed to look at the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.