Florida Politics

1 day ago | floridapolitics.com | Andrew Powell

The Senate has unanimously passed a measure that would implement labeling requirements for specific foods containing vaccines or vaccine materials. Sarasota Republican Sen. Joe Gruters presented the bill (SB 196), which received unanimous support during its passage through committee hearings. The bill’s analysis states that the regulation of drugs and cosmetics is intended to protect public health and public welfare by protecting consumers against any injuries or merchandising deceit.

1 day ago | floridapolitics.com | Andrew Powell

The House has unanimously passed a measure that would require all public school campuses to have at least one operational automated external defibrillator (AED). Hialeah Republican Rep. Alex Rizo and Clermont Republican Rep. Taylor Yarkosky presented the bill (HB 1607). Yarkosky detailed the statistics on cardiac arrests in schools, and how low the survival rate becomes if an AED is not available. “Sudden cardiac arrest is the No. 1 killer on school campuses,” Yarkosky said.

2 days ago | floridapolitics.com | Andrew Powell

The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee has unanimously passed a measure that seeks to expand career and technical education programs. Tallahassee Republican Sen. Corey Simon presented the bill (SB 742) and explained that charter schools would be able to access direct funding for programs that lead to industry certifications. “This bill allows charter schools to directly access funding through the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive (CAP) Grant Program,” Simon said.

2 days ago | floridapolitics.com | Andrew Powell

The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee advanced a measure that seeks to diversify Florida’s energy sources, including renewable natural gas. But it could pass costs on to customers. St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Nick DiCeglie presented the bill (SB 1574) and explained that there needs to be a push for Florida to be more energy resilient. The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s most recent data shows that Florida is the second-largest producer of electricity in the nation after Texas.

3 days ago | floridapolitics.com | Andrew Powell

The Senate Rules Committee unanimously passed a measure Monday that seeks to improve the safety and preparedness of public and charter schools when responding to medical emergencies like anaphylaxis. Orlando Democratic Sen. Carlos Smith presented the bill (SB 1514) that is focused on ensuring that school personnel are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis and administer epinephrine during emergencies that happen on school campuses.