The plan would allow students who have never been enrolled in public schools to participate in the tax-supported program. The expansion would include students who attend private or religious school or are homeschooled.
Florida Legislature
Setting Privacy Rights Aside, Florida Senate Considers Allowing Police Drones Over Crowds of 50 or More
With some lawmakers expressing concerns about privacy rights, the Florida Senate could be poised to consider allowing law-enforcement agencies to use aerial drones to help with traffic management, collecting crime-scene evidence and eyeing large crowds.
Divided Party Line Vote Pushes Florida House Bill Cracking Down on Violent Protests
Critics maintain that the proposals would have a chilling effect on participation in peaceful protests, violate free-speech rights and allow people who plow vehicles into crowded protests to avoid civil penalties if they injure or kill someone.
A Tax Break for Residents of Flood-Prone Areas? Florida House Floats Sea Rise Proposals
Floridians would be asked to approve a tax break for people who elevate their homes to avoid the threat of flooding, while up to $100 million a year would be set aside to help local governments combat rising sea levels, under proposals announced Friday by House Speaker Chris Sprowls.
Florida Senate Veers Right on Reams of Controversial Bills, Isolating Democratic Minority
The November elections, the coronavirus pandemic and an expanded GOP caucus have emboldened Senate leaders to embrace what may be the most conservative agenda in recent years as they prepare for the 2021 legislative session that begins Tuesday.
From Regulating Elections and Protests to Expanding School Vouchers and Taxing Web Sales: 10 Issues to Watch
The 2021 legislative session will start March 2, with Gov. Ron DeSantis giving the annual State of the State address. Here are 10 big issues to watch during the session.
Renewing Assault on Transgender Rights, Florida Rep. Sabatini Will Seek to Criminalize Certain Procedures
Florida Rep. Anthony Sabatini announced he will again try to criminalize gender-altering surgery and medical treatments performed on minors who want it, even when their parents approve.
Republicans in Florida and Elsewhere Respond to Black Lives Matter with Anti-Protest Bills
Republican legislators in Florida and 21 other states are considering tough new penalties for protesters who break laws. As in Florida, some of the bills also would prevent localities from cutting police budgets and give some legal protection to people who injure protesters.
Florida’s Black Lawmakers Call for Mandatory Body Cams, De-Escalation Training and Use-of-Force Database
Following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in May and the ensuing summer of nationwide protests, the Florida Legislative Black Caucus is pushing a slew of bills for the 2021 legislative session that members say “promote fair and just” police reforms.
Renner Warns of ‘Massive Shortfall’ in State Budget Even as He Projects a Stronger Economy in Flagler
While he warns of a nearly $3 billion state budget deficit, Paul Renner, the Palm Coast Republican and chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, said Flagler is running out of houses to sell and the arrival of two universities and Boston Whaler will significantly improve the local economy.