Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University Consider this hypothetical scenario: Two weeks ago, during a vacation in California, you lawfully purchased and consumed marijuana intended for adult use. But now you are back at work in Florida, where recreational cannabis remains illegal,…
Environmental groups are urging Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto legislation they contend will have a “chilling effect” on efforts to limit sprawl in Florida. DeSantis has until Wednesday to act upon a bill (SB 540) that in part allows “prevailing” parties to recover legal fees in comprehensive growth-management plan challenges at the state Division of…
Continuing an effort to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from Florida’s higher-education system, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a measure aimed at prohibiting colleges and universities from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The governor also signed a separate bill that will prevent colleges and universities from requiring “political loyalty” tests…
A federal judge late Monday refused to put on hold a ruling that blocked a new Biden administration immigration policy challenged by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody. Pensacola-based U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell denied a motion by U.S. Department of Justice attorneys for a stay of a temporary restraining order that he issued Thursday…
Saying that social media does “more harm than good,” Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed education changes that include prohibiting students from using cell phones during class time and curtailing use of the social-media platform TikTok on school grounds. Also, DeSantis signed bills creating a “Teachers’ Bill of Rights” and imposing eight-year term limits on…
Black farmers who didn’t make the cut last year could have another opportunity to vie for medical-marijuana licenses, under a bill approved by lawmakers in the final days of the 2023 legislative session. The bill, which awaits a decision by Gov. Ron DeSantis, is part of years-long efforts aimed at giving Black farmers an entry…
Potentially setting the stage for a legal fight, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday signed a bill that will place additional restrictions on public-employee unions, including preventing dues from being deducted from workers’ paychecks. DeSantis signed the bill (SB 256) during an event with other state leaders in Miami. While the changes would affect a variety…
As he opened the 2023 legislative session nearly two months ago, Gov. Ron DeSantis targeted illegal immigration. “We must further strengthen our laws against illegal immigration by enhancing employment verification, increasing penalties for human smuggling and further disincentivizing illegal migration to the state of Florida,” DeSantis said March 7 during his State of the State…
Calling the measure a “game changer,” Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday quickly signed a massive expansion of Florida’s school-voucher programs, while Democrats and other opponents continued to warn about the potential costs of the plan. The Republican-controlled Senate voted along party lines Thursday to approve the proposal (HB 1), a week after the House passed…
Ignoring arguments that the bill is unconstitutional, a House panel on Tuesday approved a controversial proposal that would make it easier for people to sue news organizations for defamation. The measure, sponsored by Pensacola Republican Alex Andrade, seeks to limit the “actual malice” standard that for decades has protected journalists writing about powerful government officials….
