News from the South - Florida News Feed
Corrections bill passed along party lines advances to House
by Mitch Perry, Florida Phoenix
April 2, 2025
Legislation authorizing the Department of Corrections to find alternative means of imposing the death sentence and limiting inmates’ ability to sue over conditions has cleared its second and final committee hearing Wednesday and is headed for the House floor.
The bill by Pinellas County Republican Berny Jacques (HB 903) addresses a variety of issues involving inmates in Florida’s corrections system, including what happens if acquisition of the drugs needed to put inmates to death becomes “impossible or impractical.” (Some manufacturers have stopped supplying these drugs for executions.)
The state would use by any method not considered unconstitutional.
The bill would require inmates to exhaust all internal administrative remedies before they could sue over conditions. They’d have to show they’d suffered a physical injury or sexual act to bring claims alleging mental or emotional injuries.
Additionally, the bill extends the period for which a court may authorize an inmate to be involuntarily treated from 90 days to six months.
And it exempts from criminal prosecution a prison or jail employee who installs a tracking device on an inmate. The Phoenix reported last year that inmates in at least one correctional institution were required to wear electronic bracelets to monitor their movements.
During a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, the measure drew criticism from Broward County Democratic Rep. Mike Gottlieb, who objected to language requiring adjudication of indigent inmates’ claims for damages over a negligent or wrongful act or omission to be completed in just one year.
Gottlieb questioned what would happen if the administrative process took longer than a year. “How does that person not lose their ability to sue under this statute?” he asked.
Jacques responded that it was “highly unlikely” the process would take as long as a year. The committee rejected Gottlieb’s subsequent amendment that would have “tolled” or suspended that one-year time limit.
Gottlieb later said he had to vote no on the measure, saying he couldn’t support provisions like placing liens on prisoners who initiate challenges to prison disciplinary reports and the different methods of execution provision.
Orange County Democratic Rep. Johanna López also objected to the execution language.
Jacques replied that the provision would simply allow the state to continue to carry out other constitutionally allowed forms of execution if for whatever reason lethal injection could not be applied.
The measure passed 16-5, along party lines. A companion bill (SB 1604) sponsored by Lee County Republican Jonathan Martin has two more committees to move through before reaching the floor.
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SUMMARY: The Orlando Dreamers have secured nearly $1.5 billion in funding to pursue a Major League Baseball team, marking a significant step for the initiative. Co-founder Jim Schnorf announced that investors have provided preliminary commitments, signaling serious intent to bring baseball to Central Florida. This funding is separate from the $1 billion earmarked for a proposed stadium near SeaWorld. As the Tampa Bay Rays struggle with their current stadium situation, Dreamers are watching closely, confident that Orlando is a prime location for an MLB franchise, whether through relocation or expansion.
The Orlando Dreamers have secured nearly $1.5 billion in investor commitments to bring a Major League Baseball team to Central Florida.
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News from the South - Florida News Feed
Tax Cut Disagreement Threatens to Extend Florida’s Legislative Session
SUMMARY: As Florida’s legislative session nears its end, lawmakers are at an impasse over a tax cut package, with only seven days remaining. The main issue revolves around budget negotiations, specifically the details and extent of tax cuts. Both Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Danny Perez acknowledge philosophical differences in their approaches. The House proposed a cut to the sales tax while concerns arose about reallocating tourism funds. Governor Ron DeSantis favors property tax reductions. Despite tensions, leaders are hopeful for an agreement before the new budget deadline of July 1.
The post Tax Cut Disagreement Threatens to Extend Florida’s Legislative Session appeared first on www.abcactionnews.com
SUMMARY: A Florida woman, Amanda Clark, was arrested for allegedly starting multiple fires during a burn ban. While the Forest Service was working to contain an existing fire near Oberry Hoover Drive, a worker witnessed Clark igniting new flames and instructed her to stop, but she continued. A nearby resident called 911 after seeing heavy smoke. Concerns grew in Palm Bay as additional fires emerged, prompting police to monitor the area. Assistant Fire Chief John Ringleb noted that multiple smoke columns appeared too dispersed to be linked. Palm Bay has since implemented a burn ban and plans to enforce it.
A woman was arrested Wednesday in Orange County for allegedly setting multiple fires during an active burn ban, according to deputies. Forestry officials say they witnessed Amanda Clark starting fires near a residence and recorded video evidence before she was taken into custody. She was booked into the Orange County Jail on charges of unlawful land burning, with bond set at $2,500. Her initial court appearance is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.
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