Tallahassee Update for February 28, 2022

by Peter Schorsch
Sixty Days Newsletter
March 1, 2022

At a news availability with Democratic leadership, Rep. Fentrice Driskell laid out concerns that a bill advanced by the House Redistricting Committee (HB 7503) takes a risky approach. Specifically, she’s concerned that the House seems poised to attach two maps to a bill that could go to the Governor. The two-map solution will set out a fallback plan if the courts say maps must retain a configuration similar to Florida’s 5th Congressional District. In that event, the bill offers a secondary map (H 8015). Driskell doesn’t know if this strategy will cut it. But the Senate appears willing to entertain the path when reapportionment leaders in both chambers come together in conference. Here’s your nightly rundown.

Homefront. Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried called for Florida to divest from Russian investments.

‘Don’t Say Gay.’ A controversial parental rights bill (HB 1557) that would limit classroom instruction on LGBTQ matters is ready for the full Senate.

Elections police. A voting bill (HB 7061) that would establish an election crimes investigations unit is ready for the House floor.

Protect and serve. The Senate advanced a House bill (HB 3) that would provide incentives for new and relocating law enforcement officers.

Name change. The Senate wants to spoil House Budget Chief Jay Trumbull‘s fun with an amendment to rename the proposed “BIDEN” inflation fund (HB 5011).

More bite. A bill (SB 1476) that puts teeth into Florida’s pharmacy benefit management laws cleared its last Senate committee.

Visiting hours. Hospitals, nursing homes and ALFs would not be able to close families out of their facilities under a bill (HB 987) that cleared its final House panel.

Confirmations, Part I. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee advanced Todd Inman’s confirmation as Department of Management Services Secretary.

Confirmations, Part II. The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee recommended the chamber confirm Melanie Griffin as Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary.

Buzzkill. Bills (SB 348/HB 193) that would have launched a study into the use of psychedelic substances for mental health treatment are officially dead.

Making bank. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ political committee has collected at least $11 million so far this year.

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Mark Tomes
Mark Tomes(@mtomes)
2 years ago

The problem with attracting police officers who is quit or are laid off or even fired in other states is that we’re potentially attracting a lot of bad apples: cops that won’t follow rules, have histories of unnecessary violence, are racists or fascists, and worse. Most police officers have integrity, intelligence, and the desire to serve the public. However, not all of them do, and Florida should not be attracting those others.