Florida lawmakers want to restrict an abortion procedure that’s typically done in the second trimester. Judges in other states have struck down similar laws as unconstitutional. But Kate Payne reports legal concerns are not slowing the bill down. A note to our listeners, this story may be distressing to some. Lynn Hatter was following the opening arguments today as the Florida Supreme Court considered a challenge to the state’s anti-hazing law. As more and more bike sharing companies pop up

The Florida legislature is again considering banning fracking—the process of extracting oil and natural gas underground. Lynn Hatter reports lawmakers have tussled over the issue in recent years, but proposal sponsor Dana Young says the process is too dangerous to allow in Florida. Florida lawmakers want to expand the use of digital voting and tallying machines. Many of the state’s election managers are behind the plan. But Kate Payne reports others don’t want to leave the paper ballot behind.

With an amendment heading for the November ballot that would give future gambling decisions to voters, Florida lawmakers are pushing a raft of measures to overhaul the industry. But Regan McCarthy reports not everyone is on board. Florida lawmakers want to weigh in on who really has access to Florida’s beaches. Kate Payne reports a bill moving in the House is meant to settle a long-running dispute between private landowners and the public. Back in 2015, the “Every Student Succeeds Act” – “ESSA”

Reform-minded Florida lawmakers are having some disagreements over how to address sexual harassment. House Republicans have significantly expanded their measure. Kate Payne reports that could make it more difficult for the two chambers to agree. Sexual assault survivors are speaking out more and more, from the #MeToo movement to the heart-wrenching testimony of 150 young women who testified at the sentencing hearing of USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar. The media’s been covering more and more

A proposal tightening regulations on nursing homes in the wake of more than a dozen deaths of residents in a South Florida facility following hurricane Irma has been watered down. And as Lynn Hatter reports a slight change its sponsor says would have benefitted elderly residents, was rejected Thursday. In the wake of natural disasters, stagnant wages and a growing inequality of wealth, Florida is suffering from an affordable housing catastrophe. Shawn Mulcahy reports concern is growing statewide

President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address is getting approval from Florida Republicans who say he struck the right tone, especially when it comes to immigration and infrastructure. But will that translate into something real for voters. Lynn Hatter spoke with Republican National Committee spokes-woman Taryn Fenske who says, she certainly hopes so. It seems many Florida Democrats weren’t exactly jumping with joy over President Trump’s State of the Union speech. Florida Public

Some 47,000 Florida students are being bullied or have been in some sort of violent situation—be it school fights, or harassment. And a priority of House Speaker Richard Corcoran is getting those kids some help. But as Lynn Hatter reports a proposal allowing those kids to transfer to other public and private schools is making its way through the legislature but critics say it’s not a solution to the problem. It seems that’s not the only school-related bill ruffling legislative feathers… House

About five million dollars separates the Florida House and Senate’s criminal justice budget. But, as Sascha Cordner reports, while there are some differences, there are areas where both chambers agree. Home rule is a growing subject of debate in the state of Florida as local government leaders fight against preemption and a House many say is particularly aggressive in its efforts to dismantle local rules that it sees as crossing the line. Now as Regan McCarthy reports the issue is before the

Florida voters could be asked to reconsider a long-standing ban on public funding to religious organizations. The proposal passed a key education committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission Friday. Lynn Hatter explains what the Blaine Amendment is, and its impact on education in the state. The journey for Florida felons to regain their right to vote recently overcame its largest hurdle, as the grassroots citizen’s initiative received enough signatures to place the issue on the 2018

With a new change, a bill has narrowly passed its first Senate committee giving religious institutions the right to allow guns on their property, if they’re attached to a school. As Sascha Cordner report, that’s after it’s failed twice before in that same committee for the 2018 legislative session. Florida lawmakers want more people to be able to report a drug or alcohol overdoses without fear of retaliation. The effort comes after the high-profile death of a college student, and as the state’s