WFSU News
This black, armored police truck is one of several parked behind City Hall in downtown Tallahassee on Saturday, September 5, 2020 ahead of planned protests following a grand jury report on the use of force in three officer-involved shootings.
The Senate Appropriations Committee has cleared a bill targeted at protests that turn violent. The measure is a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis who announced it in the middle of social justice protests during the Summer.
The Florida House has already approved its version of the bill, but the senate version stalled for more than a month after Democrat and Criminal Justice Committee Chairman, Sen. Jason Pizzo refused to hear it. Senate President Wilton Simpson used a procedural move to break the log-jam, sending the House version bill to the chamber’s appropriation committee, where Democrats presented more than a dozen amendments in an effort to defang the bill.
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A measure to limit the scope of executive orders by local leaders is garnering support in the Senate, with some lawmakers saying it will prevent local governments from stepping on personal freedoms. The bill recently passed it’s second committee stop on a party line vote with Democrats in opposition.
Under the measure executive orders would be reviewed after ten days by local city and county commissions. Those groups would have to vote on whether to continue the order. According to bill sponsor, Sen. Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens), the proposal is meant to protect local residents from mayors or city managers who enact long-lasting executive orders that some say could infringe on personal rights. The measure is a response to local orders during the pandemic. Democrats worry the bill takes power away from local governments when they may need it the most, but Diaz said the measure is meant to act as a check on a local leaders power.
OPENING DAY
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 marked the opening day for
the
2021 Legislative Session for the
House and the Senate. Senate President Wilton Simpson, House
Speaker Chris Sprowls, and Gov. Ron DeSantis addressed both
chambers with a level of hope and optimism as the state is doing
its best to function in what is now a year-long pandemic.
President Simpson and Speaker Sprowls provided their thoughts on
the COVID-19 pandemic and commended the leadership of Gov. DeSantis
and his efforts to maintain the safety of Floridians while focusing
on the economy and keeping businesses open.
President Simpson urged his colleagues to be mindful and
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Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, spoke Tuesday to the Senate to help open the 2021 legislative session. Here are his remarks, as prepared for delivery.
This is an opening day like none other. Fewer people. Less ceremony. But all hands on deck to tackle the needs of our state. And there are many needs. Before I talk about the issues, I want to express my thanks.
To all first responders, front-line medical professionals, farmers, truck drivers, teachers, families, and businesses who have been struggling and succeeding against all odds. Thank you for what you are doing to keep Florida open.
I want to especially thank outgoing Director Jared Moskowitz for your incredible service to our state. He is here today with the “other Jared” and I would like them both to stand and be recognized.