The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee advanced Sen. Tom Lee’s E-Verify bill, but not before tacking on amendments that led Lee to disavow the proposal. Though the bill no longer has a carveout for the agriculture industry, it allows for the development of an alternative to the federal employment eligibility check. That was a bridge too far for Lee, who said if the bill passes in its current state that Gov. Ron DeSantis should veto it. Here’s your nightly rundown.
Alyssa’s Law. A bill that would require schools to install panic alarms was postponed by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education pending an amendment.
Test and treat. A bill that would allow pharmacists to diagnose and treat the flu and strep throat was OK’d by the Senate Health Policy Committee.
Foreign interference. UCF’s Vice President for Compliance explained to the House Select Committee on the Integrity of Research Institutions how the school handles incidents of faculty researchers partnering with foreign entities on research.
Clinic oversight. A bill seeking to increase fertility clinic regulations sailed through the Senate Criminal Justice Committee with unanimous support.
Consent matters. The Senate Health Policy Committee advanced a bill requiring informed consent before physicians or medical students can perform gynecological exams on unconscious patients.
Timber talk. The Senate Agriculture Committee learned more about the continuing reforestation efforts following Hurricane Michael.
Ocoee massacre. A Senate panel passed a bill that woulddirect the state to examine how the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots could be taught in schools and encourage museums to promote educating the public on the even through exhibits and educational programs.
No-fault repeal. A bill to repeal the state’s no-fault car insurance system didn’t make the agenda for the final Senate Committee on Insurance and Banking meeting, but Lee, the bill sponsor, said: “it’s too early to write the obituary for the bill.”
Finning carveout. A Senate panel passed a bill banning the shark fin trade after amending it to exclude commercial fishermen for five years.