The Florida House passed a legislative package authorizing professors and university appointees to carry firearms on campus. This measure extends the School Guardian Program to public colleges. Lawmakers resolved a dispute regarding private religious school security by focusing exclusively on higher education. The bill mandates university threat-management teams and faculty training for behavioral warning signs.
Don Gaetz
Florida Senate Unanimously Passes Public Registry for Animal Abusers
The Florida Senate unanimously passed a bill to create a public registry for individuals convicted of animal abuse, maintained by the Department of Law Enforcement. The legislation also aims to crack down on puppy mills by introducing consumer protections, eliminating limits on recoverable veterinary costs, and establishing a voluntary best-practices program for dog breeders. A companion bill is currently advancing through the Florida State House.
Name-Calling on Florida Senate Floor Further Divides Republicans Over Leadership
Referring to Sen. Jack Latvala, Sen. Don Gaetz said, “when a bully throws a sucker punch, you hit back and never give in.” The fight is over the Senate’s helm.
An Ethics Bill Negotiated in Secret Heads to Gov. Scott, Preserving Lobbying Perks
The ethics bill approved by the Florida House dropped a two-year prohibition on legislators taking quasi-lobbying jobs with firms trying to influence the Legislature; it would increase the amount that each contributor can give to candidates during an election, and unlimited donations could go to political committees.