By Times staff writers, Associated Press
Published April 21, 2004
A bill that would give a liquor license to an exclusive hunting club in Gilchrist County was unanimously approved by the Senate Finance and Tax Committee Tuesday.
Sen. Rod Smith, D-Alachua, sponsored the bill for the 23,000-acre Gilchrist Club, owned by Bankers Financial Group of St. Petersburg.
The hunting club has a restaurant but cannot sell alcoholic beverages without a state license. Smith's bill, and a similar one moving in the House, would allow the club to sell liquor from 5 p.m. to sunrise.
The bills could be heard by the full House or Senate in the final 10 days of the session.
- LUCY MORGAN
Library porn filter mandate advances
The Senate Comprehensive Planning Committee unanimously passed a bill Tuesday to strengthen computer filtering rules at public libraries to prevent children from looking at pornography.
The bill would force libraries to conform to a federal standard by purchasing software to filter out sexual images and text. It would cost about $1.6-million, according to a state analysis.
Libraries that don't comply could be sued, according to the bill. And library administrators are required to assure the state the library is complying with the law. Also, it requires libraries to make sure the filter software is maintained and monitored so it can be turned on for minors.
Librarians oppose the bill, saying the mandate would take money away from more pressing concerns like buying books.
- JENNIFER LIBERTO
Panel approves gas tax holiday
Floridians could get a dime-a-gallon break from the state's gas tax in August under a bill approved Tuesday by the House Appropriations Committee.
The bipartisan measure has overwhelming support in the House, where it is a top item on Speaker Johnnie Byrd's wish list. It's now ready for a vote by the full House.
The Senate has been skeptical, mainly out of a concern that the savings might not filter down to Floridians at the pump because the tax is paid by suppliers. But the measure has a provision that essentially orders suppliers, wholesalers and retailers in turn to pass it on to drivers.
Senate President Jim King said Tuesday his chamber might take up the bill.
The month-long break from gas prices, currently at record highs, would amount to $8 for someone using 20 gallons a week.
No state money for Marlins this year
It appears a $60-million state subsidy sought by the World Series champion Florida Marlins to help offset the cost of building a new stadium won't be awarded by lawmakers this year.
Senate President Jim King has already made known his adamant opposition to budgeting the money, and House Speaker Johnnie Byrd said Tuesday he has decided not to support the plan.
"I don't believe that's an appropriate way to invest taxpayer dollars," Byrd said.
The Marlins want $2-million annually over 30 years to help pay for a planned $325-million, 38,000-seat, retractable-roof stadium they want to have ready in time for the 2007 season.
"Our quest for state financing is far from over," Marlins president David Samson insisted Tuesday night. "There's 11 days left in the session and a lot of things can change in 11 days."
