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Lobbyists' suit against new rules in federal court
Today is Day 52 of the 60-day session of the Florida Legislature.
By Times staff writer, Associated Press
Published April 27, 2006
A federal judge in Gainesville will decide a lawsuit filed by lobbyists challenging a new law that requires them to reveal their fees.
U.S. District Judge Stephan Mickle ruled Tuesday that the lobbyists' complaint should be consolidated into one case to be tried in federal court. Lobbyists filed their suit in state court, but an attorney for Senate President Tom Lee petitioned to move it to federal court.
At issue is a law passed by the Legislature in a December special session that bars lobbyists from buying drinks, meals and gifts for lawmakers and many state employees. To many lobbyists, a more objectionable part of the law requires them to report lobbying income for the first time. The first reports are due next month.
The Florida Association of Professional Lobbyists and lobbyists Ron Book and Guy Spearman claim the law violates their rights to free speech and to petition the government to redress grievances.
Mickle, 61, was appointed by President Bill Clinton to the federal bench in 1999. He became the first black judge to serve on the Northern District of Florida.
-STEVE BOUSQUET
House votes tax break for Holy Land Experience
The Holy Land Experience biblical theme park near Orlando wouldn't have to pay property taxes under a bill (HB 7183) passed Wednesday by the House, 93-25.
The operators describe the 5-year-old Holy Land Experience as more of a Bible-based history museum aimed at religious education. Visitors can enter a replica of Jesus' tomb, or see Jesus heal a blind man, climb the stairs of a faux Herod's Temple and travel down a re-creation of the Via Dolorosa.
The park has battled tax officials in Orange County over whether it is required to pay local taxes. The Internal Revenue Service considers it exempt from federal taxes as a religious institution.
The bill is meant to clarify that the nonprofit park is exempt from local property taxes as well, said its sponsor, Rep. Fred Brummer, R-Apopka.
It still needs Senate approval.
Funds would aid efforts for affordable housing
Floridians who struggle to find affordable homes came a step closer to receiving nearly more than half a billion dollars in state help.
The House approved a bill (HB 1363) by Rep. Mike Davis, R-Naples, to fund programs totaling $637-million that could help middle-income earners like teachers, firefighters and nurses live where they work. The bill could also allow local communities to meet housing needs by getting creative, for example by building teachers housing above a school parking lot.
The bill includes suggestions for dealing with mobile home park closings, but they are not binding.
A Senate bill (SB 132) sets aside $550-million for affordable housing programs.
Schools would be required to act against bullying
House lawmakers unanimously passed an antibullying measure requiring school boards across the state to establish their own bullying prevention policies.
The bill (HB 535) prohibits a school bully from pestering anyone in the classroom, on the bus or by using school computers to send intimidating messages.
The legislation follows the death of 15-year-old Jeff Johnston, who killed himself in June. His mother has said she thinks he committed suicide because of torment by other students.
As the bill journeyed through committees, some legislators worried that it didn't specify groups that should be protected. But the sponsor, Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, said the bill protects all students equally.
The bill goes to the Senate.
$15-million would sweeten spring training deals
A bill designed to help Florida retain the 18 Major League Baseball teams with spring training facilities here sailed through the House on a 117-0 vote Tuesday.
The legislation (HB 7089) would provide up to $15-million over a 30-year period to refurbish team facilities for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates, who have agreements expiring in the next five years. A similar program is already in place for five other teams that train in Florida.
-ASSOCIATED PRESS
[Last modified April 27, 2006, 07:47:44]
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