Page 7 - Bobby Block News Today

A House panel on Tuesday approved a controversial proposal that would make it easier for people to sue news organizations for defamation.

News Service of Florida

First Amendment advocates urged state lawmakers to abandon rewriting Florida’s defamation laws but failed to win them over.

The measure limits the “actual malice” standard that for decades has protected journalists writing about powerful government officials.

Advocates for open government are ringing alarms about plans by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration that could make it harder to learn what public officials are doing and to speak out against them.

Advocates for open government are ringing alarms about plans by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration that could make it harder to learn what public officials are doing and to speak out against them.

Florida has long been known for sunshine -- not only the warm rays that brighten its beaches but also the light of public scrutiny afforded by some of the nations strongest meetings and records laws.

A dozen members of the public — including defense attorneys, free press advocates, and LGBTQ activists — all rose to speak against the controversial Florida bill, warning that it likely contravenes long-standing Supreme Court precedent.

First Amendment advocates urged state lawmakers to abandon rewriting Florida’s defamation laws but failed to win them over.

Open government advocates are ringing alarms about plans that could make it harder to learn what Florida's public officials are doing and to speak against them.