February 11, 2020
The House has been moving forward with a proposal that would allow compensation to college athletes for the use of their image or likeness, and now the Senate is doing the same, but with less enthusiasm. Though it cleared the Education Committee, several Senators expressed concerns that allowing players to profit would erode the integrity of college sports or damage ties between universities and athletic conferences. Despite the apprehension, the panel sent the bill to the Innovation, Industry, and Technology with a unanimous vote. Here’s your nightly rundown.
More term limits. A Senate panel greenlit a bill that would impose term limits on the Office of Public Counsel despite outcry from Democrats and environmentalists.
Testing funds. The House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee greenlit a bill that would direct $3.8 million toward creating a new standardized test for pre-K students.
E-Verify edits. An amendment to the Senate E-Verify bill that would carve out agricultural employers was filed ahead of the bill’s debut committee hearing.
Drones soar. A proposal to let law enforcement fly drones for surveying purposes cleared its penultimate committee Monday.
Water appointments. A Senate panel moved forward the confirmation process for Drew Bartlett and “Alligator” Ron Bergeron to serve on the SFWMD Governing Board.
Uber ads. The Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology committee greenlit a bill that would allow ride-share companies to use digital advertising on top of vehicles.
School silence. Legislation that would require schools to offer nondenominational “moments of silence” advanced in the House.
Title tweak. The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability advanced a bill that would tag the Secretary of State as the “Chief Arts and Culture Officer.”
More term limits. A Senate panel greenlit a bill that would impose term limits on the Office of Public Counsel despite outcry from Democrats and environmentalists.
Ready to sign. Gov. Ron DeSantis has received four billsfrom the Legislature.
Pot appeal. The 1st District Court of Appeals tossed a lawsuit filed by a Tampa orchid grower’s challenging the state’s decision to deny him a medical-marijuana license.