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• As Florida’s 2019 legislative session gets underway, arts and cultural organizations are working to persuade lawmakers to reinstate funding. After several years of decline, funding for the Division of Cultural Affairs took a nosedive in 2018 when lawmakers slashed it by 90 percent.
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• Bills in committee this session could change this by introducing protections for 786,000 LGBTQ adults.
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• Florida lawmakers want to repeal a state statute leftover from the Defense of Marriage Act.
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• A veteran’s ID measure is on its way to its final House committee. The bill gives Florida veterans the option to purchase a $10 identification card for proof of military service.
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• A $1.3 million budget cut to the Orange and Osceola state attorney’s office took effect this month. It’s the latest move in a legal rift between state attorney Aramis Ayala and Florida Governor Rick Scott over the death penalty. The money was originally appropriated as special funding to combat human trafficking and domestic violence. Victims’ rights advocates are concerned.
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• First Amendment Foundation president Barbara Petersen says Governor Rick Scott should veto the budget- because of how it was crafted. Just how much sunshine beams down on the legislative process in Tallahassee, and is it enough?
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• Is Florida’s no-fault auto insurance on the way out? There’s legislation this year that could spell the end of PIP insurance. We weigh the pros and cons of removing Florida’s no fault auto insurance insurance industry consultant Lisa Miller and personal injury attorney Daniel Fernandez.
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• Mass shootings in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale have brought conversations about gun rights and restrictions front and center this legislative session: Lawmakers will consider more than 18 proposals dealing with guns.
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• The Florida Senate has voted on a plan that will bring sweeping changes to the state’s higher-education system. It’s called the “Excellence in Higher Education Act.”
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• Senate President Joe Negron put the finishing touches on his leadership team this week, handing out committee assignments to all 40 members. One key committee chairmanship went to new state Senator Greg Steube, who received the gavel for the Judiciary Committee.
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