The Ten Worst Bills On Their Way to Rick Scott's Desk This Year
Categories: Politicks
5. School Prayer
Tim Tebow, eat your heart out. Florida high schools will soon be chock full of more prayers than Sun Life Stadium on a Sunday. If Rick Scott signs Senate Bill 98 into law, it would allow any student responsible for organizing a portion of any school event, including mandatory assembles, to deliver an "inspiration message." School officials can not "monitor or otherwise review the content of a student volunteer's inspirational message."
4. Look Ma, No Hands!
If there is anything that Floridians of political persuasions should be able to agree on, it's that people who ride their bikes without using their hands are annoying. Yet, apparently, some of those annoying a-holes have clout in Tallahassee. A law sponsored by Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff -- of purple puppy fame -- allows cyclists to peddle hands-free without penalty. Keep the gems coming, Ellyn!
3. No Food Stamps In The Champagne Room
A controversial bill blocking Floridians from using welfare debit cards at liquor stores or strip clubs could yet sneak through the legislature today. Again, however, HB 1401 could be solving a problem that doesn't exist. According to the Department of Children and Families, just .03% ($63,000) of $202 million in welfare debit transactions was withdrawn at establishments with liquor licenses over a two-year period.
2. High School Free Agency
As anyone in Miami already knows, high school sports in South Florida are a messy affair. Recruiting takes place left and right. But legislation soon to be signed by Gov. Scott will make it easier for high school students to transfer from one school to another in pursuit of sports trophies. For the first time, HB 1403 will put the burden of proof on high school administrators to prove wrongdoing if they suspect athletic recruiting. Expect Miami Heat-like superteams to pop up all over the state.
1. Political Redistricting
Florida politicians don't always follow their constituents' wishes. But rarely do they disregard them as blatantly as they did when drawing new congressional districts this year. Despite two constitutional amendments specifically demanding that they make districts fair, compact, and respectful to minorities, the new map looks as gerrymandered as the old one. The Florida Sureme Court is currently hearing arguments on the issue. If it strikes down the map, we could be in for a special legislative session. Joy!
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
Tim Tebow, eat your heart out. Florida high schools will soon be chock full of more prayers than Sun Life Stadium on a Sunday. If Rick Scott signs Senate Bill 98 into law, it would allow any student responsible for organizing a portion of any school event, including mandatory assembles, to deliver an "inspiration message." School officials can not "monitor or otherwise review the content of a student volunteer's inspirational message."
4. Look Ma, No Hands!
If there is anything that Floridians of political persuasions should be able to agree on, it's that people who ride their bikes without using their hands are annoying. Yet, apparently, some of those annoying a-holes have clout in Tallahassee. A law sponsored by Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff -- of purple puppy fame -- allows cyclists to peddle hands-free without penalty. Keep the gems coming, Ellyn!
3. No Food Stamps In The Champagne Room
A controversial bill blocking Floridians from using welfare debit cards at liquor stores or strip clubs could yet sneak through the legislature today. Again, however, HB 1401 could be solving a problem that doesn't exist. According to the Department of Children and Families, just .03% ($63,000) of $202 million in welfare debit transactions was withdrawn at establishments with liquor licenses over a two-year period.
 |
| High schoolers across the state could be making "decisions" of their own on where to transfer |
As anyone in Miami already knows, high school sports in South Florida are a messy affair. Recruiting takes place left and right. But legislation soon to be signed by Gov. Scott will make it easier for high school students to transfer from one school to another in pursuit of sports trophies. For the first time, HB 1403 will put the burden of proof on high school administrators to prove wrongdoing if they suspect athletic recruiting. Expect Miami Heat-like superteams to pop up all over the state.
1. Political Redistricting
Florida politicians don't always follow their constituents' wishes. But rarely do they disregard them as blatantly as they did when drawing new congressional districts this year. Despite two constitutional amendments specifically demanding that they make districts fair, compact, and respectful to minorities, the new map looks as gerrymandered as the old one. The Florida Sureme Court is currently hearing arguments on the issue. If it strikes down the map, we could be in for a special legislative session. Joy!
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.
<< Previous Page | 1 | 2
Email to Friend
Write to Editor
Print Article
