Page 6 - Bobby Block News Today

One of the big things Gov. Ron DeSantis said he wanted died this legislative session: a change in Florida’s defamation laws.

An “extreme” bill in Florida is aimed at making it easier to sue the news media for defamation — and it's alarmed First Amendment advocates across the country.

The measure would have made sweeping changes to Florida’s libel and defamation laws, taking aim at the 1964 New York Times v. Sullivan Supreme Court decision. First Amendment advocates hail that landmark case as a cornerstone in protections for freedom of the press.

Details of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' travel and costs could soon be permanently sealed after the legislature approved a bill exempting travel records.

The exemption would apply whether the governor was traveling, in his office or at the Mansion

Viral misinformation on social media about the bill initially falsely claimed that it would be illegal to call someone homophobic or transphobic.

A pair of bills in the Florida legislature make it easier to sue journalists and harder to get public records.

The measure, which would impose the first-ever public records exemption for the transportation records held by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, would be retroactive.

HB 991 is being sold as an attempt to rein in evil "legacy media." But it really strikes against the right of all Floridians to speak their minds.

Controversial proposal would make it easier for people to sue news organizations for defamation