Tallahassee update for February 21, 2022

By Peter Schorsch
Sixty Days Newsletter
February 22, 2022

Only one more vote stands between a proposal that would ban abortions in Florida after 15 weeks of pregnancy and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk. The bill (HB 5) is among the most restrictive proposals in the nation and arguably one of the most divisive endeavors of the 2022 Legislative Session. Dominated by Republican lawmakers, the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced the bill Monday on a party-line vote after a lengthy exchange of questions and debate. It now awaits the Senate’s full consideration, where passage is almost inevitable. However futile, Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book — who was absent with COVID-19 — has vowed to fight the proposal. Rank-and-file Democrats made good on that promise Monday by re-proposing a handful of amendments their House colleagues previously tried and failed to pass. Here’s your nightly rundown.

Step down. Senators amended a controversial “net metering” bill (SB 1024) to alleviate concerns of rooftop solar companies and other interested groups.

To review, or not to review? Attorney General Ashley Moody and Senate President Wilton Simpson have taken opposing positions on whether the failed North Florida casino initiative should still be reviewed by the state Supreme Court.

Spill it. An amendment to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill (HB 1557) would seemingly require schools to inform parents within six weeks about changes to a child’s “mental, emotional, or physical health.”

Crackdown. A bill (HB 1511) that would stiffen penalties on retail theft crime rings is on its way to the House floor.

Papers, please. The DCCC is seeking public records on more than a dozen Republican leaders involved in Florida’s redistricting process.

‘Pretty sh*tty.’ At the start of a week in which senators will consider a series of hot-button issues, Senate Democratic Leader Book says the 2022 Session is one of the worst she’s seen yet.

On your mark. A late push (HB 1269) to give a new chance to Standardbred harness horse racing in Florida cleared a second House committee.

Train the trainer. A House panel advanced bipartisan legislation (HB 1315) that could address the ongoing problem of veteran suicide.

Costly claim. The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a claims bill (SB 70) to pay $3.18 million to a Monticello woman permanently injured in a grisly highway crash with a state employee.

Costlier claim. Legislation (SB 80) authorizing a $7.5 million payment to a mother whose three children suffered life-altering injuries in a crash with a state trooper cleared its final Senate committee.

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Mark Tomes
Mark Tomes(@mtomes)
2 years ago

Definitely one of the most intrusive and corporate-friendly legislative sessions Florida has seen in a long time. The Republican “leadership” believe in “freedom” only when it is their brand of freedom. These fear-mongering proto-fascists want to control every aspect of our lives. They are hypocrites to the hilt. Get involved and vote them out.

Robert Warner
Robert Warner (@guest_64052)
2 years ago
Reply to  Mark Tomes

Mark – We are also seeing what happens when local control of land use matters goes down the tubes with the tree cutting issues now ongoing in our local area by State “preemption”.