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Florida Legislature 2004
  During the 2004 Legislature, lawmakers filed 2,610 bills and sent 481 bills to the governor. But tracking how lawmakers voted can be a daunting task. To make it easier for voters to get an idea of how lawmakers voted, the St. Petersburg Times chose 20 issues and tracked the votes.
You can see how a single lawmaker voted on all 20 bills, or you can see how all lawmakers in the greater Tampa Bay area voted on one of those bills.
The issues include the state budget, legal immunity for gun ranges and parental notification for minors seeking abortions. In some cases, only one chamber -- the House or Senate -- voted on a particular bill. In most cases, however, votes were cast in both chambers. Some votes were not recorded because lawmakers were not in the chamber at the time.
Many votes are lopsided, partly because of agreements reached in committees before a bill was taken up on the floor of the House or Senate.
Track the votes of Tampa Bay’s lawmakers
Select a legislator or an issue and then click the appropriate button.
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The Buzz: Florida Politics 2004
December 19, 2004
GOP's holiday tidings fill filmmaker's inbox
By Times staff writers
THE SEASON FOR GLOATING: If you're a Republican wondering how to send holiday tidings to liberal filmmaker Michael Moore, a Miami Beach Web site, www.MerryChristmasMichaelMoore.com might be for you. Thousands of people already have visited to attach personal messages to an e-mail to Moore depicting a joyously dancing holiday elephant.
December 12, 2004
Don't waste stamps on electors
By Times staff writers
Try as they might, Democrats unlikely to sway the state's electors with impassioned prose.
December 5, 2004
Gubernatorial prospects snap up domain names
By Times staff writers
POLITICAL CONFLICT: Scott Maddox appears likely to be re-elected as state Democratic chairman Dec. 12, even as he struggles to avoid perceptions of a conflict of interest.
November 21, 2004
It's been 2 years - time for the mighty to fall again
By Times staff writers
Fame is fleeting in the Florida Legislature.
November 14, 2004
Largest lobbying firm adds another veteran to its ranks
By Times staff writers
The lobbying firm of Smith & Ballard is expanding.
November 7, 2004
Bush wears out another communications chief
By Times Staff Writer
Look for a few changes around the office of Gov. Jeb Bush.
October 31, 2004
Did Kerry get a vote from GOP fixture?
By Times staff writers
Some Republicans say J.M. "Mac" Stipanovich, chief of staff for former Gov. Bob Martinez and a key adviser to former Secretary of State Katherine Harris during the 2000 presidential recount, voted for John Kerry for president.
October 24, 2004
Martinez aide listens in on call for Castor
By Times staff writers
An aide to U.S. Senate candidate Mel Martinez listened in on a phone conference call with reporters, which was set up by the campaign of opponent Betty Castor.
October 17, 2004
Governor on ABC-TV, says brother will win
By Times staff writers
Gov. Jeb Bush makes a rare national media appearance this morning on ABC News' This Week with George Stephanopoulos, defending the fairness of Florida's election system, predicting victory for his brother and dismissing talk of his own presidential ambitions.
October 10, 2004
Senate race still neck and neck
By Times staff writers
Everyone knows the presidential race in Florida is too close to call.
October 3, 2004
Is Obama's influence rubbing off on Castor?
By Times staff writers
Betty Castor took her campaign to Philadelphia on Monday, where she raised money with two other Democratic Senate hopefuls, Ken Salazar of Colorado and Barack Obama of Illinois.
September 26, 2004
Cleared for takeoff, Nader swings through Florida
By Times staff writers
The scourge of the Democratic party, Ralph Nader makes his first campaign swing through Florida since making the ballot as the Reform Party nominee. Nader will campaign in Jacksonville and Gainesville on Monday, West Palm Beach on Tuesday and Orlando and Tampa on Wednesday. He hits Miami on Thursday as Bush and Kerry arrive for a debate, which excludes Nader. The 8 p.m. Tampa Bay event is set for Centro Asturiano at 1913 Nebraska Ave.
September 19, 2004
Political events casualties of Ivan
By Times staff writers
HURRICANE IVAN SHELVED plans for President Bush to visit Snell Isle in St. Petersburg this week.
September 12, 2004
Bird is the word for Bush opponent
By Times staff writers
Soccer moms, move over. One Florida homeowner is organizing birders as the next powerful voting bloc.
September 5, 2004
Jeb enthusiasts draw unwanted attention at RNC
By Times staff writers
HURRICANES CHARLEY AND FRANCES kept Gov. Jeb Bush away from the Republican National Convention in New York City. But he was there in spirit. Among the signs spotted among Florida delegates: a professionally printed red and white, "JEB '08."
August 22, 2004
Deutsch's attacks not helping his Senate bid
By Times staff writers
First, U.S. Senate candidate Peter Deutsch criticized fellow Democrat Alex Penelas. Then he turned his sights to frontrunning Betty Castor. But those attacks may be hurting him, instead of helping him.
August 8, 2004
For Pinellas candidate, 'jihad' is a touchy subject
By Times staff writers
J.J. Beyrouti, a Pinellas County Commission candidate, talks on the campaign trail about coming to America 30 years ago from Beirut. One detail he does not talk about is the name his father gave him: Jihad Jean Beyrouti.
August 1, 2004
Castor picks up Jewish paper's endorsement
By Times staff writers
U.S. Senate candidate Betty Castor has been trying to convince Jewish voters she was right to not fire Sami Al-Arian from the University of South Florida when he was under investigation for allegedly raising money for terrorists.
July 25, 2004
Checkbooks start opening for Kerry
By Times staff writers
IT DIDN'T TAKE LONG for several of Florida's top Democratic fundraisers to jump into helping John Kerry after he locked up the nomination. Among the recent additions to Kerry's so-called "vice-chairs" who raised at least $100,000: Miami lobbyist and former Bob Graham supporter Chris Korge; former Joe Lieberman backer Mitchell Berger of Fort Lauderdale; Tampa attorney Barry Cohen; Orlando trial lawyer John Morgan; and Fort Lauderdale lawyer Alex Heckler.
July 18, 2004
McCollum reception hints at stronghold
By Times staff writers
Mel Martinez, by most accounts, is the party establishment's choice in the crowded Republican U.S. Senate primary. Three former state Republican Party chairmen drove that perception home last week in endorsing the former U.S. housing secretary from Orlando.
July 11, 2004
Graham just missed joining Kerry's ticket
By Times staff writers
When the newly minted Democratic duo of John Kerry and John Edwards zipped through Florida last week, one prominent face conspicuously absent from the stages in St. Petersburg and Fort Lauderdale was Sen. Bob Graham.
July 4, 2004
Clinton tome gives Graham glowing praise
By Times staff writers
A veepstakes endorsement? Not quite. But Bill Clinton touts Bob Graham in his memoir, My Life. Of all of the most commonly mentioned contenders for John Kerry's running mate, Graham is the only one who rates glowing words from the former president.
June 27, 2004
Bush no fan of Moore's movie, Clinton's book
By Times staff writers
Gov. Jeb Bush won't read former President Clinton's new book, and he's not going to see Michael Moore's new movie, Fahrenheit 9/11, either.
June 20, 2004
Gallagher ad could pose relative harm to brother
By Times staff writers
It's hard to think of anyone in Florida who's more deserving of the label "career politician" than Tom Gallagher. He served 12 years in the Legislature and was state insurance commissioner, education commissioner and a two-time candidate for governor. He's now the state's elected chief financial officer.
June 13, 2004
Inmate's schedule booked up on primary
By Times staff writers
The Pinellas teachers union last week endorsed Rep. Charlie Justice for a third term in the state House, but the union couldn't find Justice's only challenger.
June 6, 2004
Senate hopeful taps call crasher
By Times staff writers
Every three weeks, Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mel Martinez makes a point to meet with key fundraisers and strategists through an invitation-only conference call.
May 30, 2004
Betty into Margaritaville, not Neverland, blog fans
By Times staff writers
BETTY'S BLOGGERS: Betty Castor might not be the fiery Howard Dean type, but she's ripped a page from his campaign playbook to position herself as the grass roots favorite in Florida's U.S. Senate race.
April 18, 2004
GOP leaders not expecting to win in Davis' district
By Times Staff Writers
Looks like Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Davis of Tampa can keep his eyes on the 2006 gubernatorial race without worrying about re-election this year. With less than a month before the filing deadline, no heavyweight Republican has emerged to take him on.
April 11, 2004
Mirror of Florida's electorate right here
By Times staff writers
Keep an eye on how the Tampa Bay area votes.
April 4, 2004
National Democratic Party high on Castor
By Times staff writers
Betty Castor's fundraising gets kudos despite lagging behind two rivals for state Senate.
March 28, 2004
Republicans honor major fundraiser with big 7-0 party
By Times staff writers
FLORIDA'S PREMIER Republican fundraiser, developer Al Hoffman, thought he and wife Dawn were going to a nice, quiet dinner with Gov. Jeb Bush and first lady Columba Bush on March 20. Instead, about 500 of Hoffman's closest friends jammed a ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples for a surprise party celebrating Hoffman's 70th birthday.
March 21, 2004
Gov. Bush fills another post with another lobbyist
By Times staff writers
GOV. JEB BUSH HAS once again turned to a prominent lobbyist to fill an appointment: Paul Bradshaw, 45, president of Southern Strategy Group, to the board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.
March 14, 2004
Martinez makes rounds with party honchos
By Times staff writers
IS U.S. SENATE CANDIDATE Mel Martinez poaching on Republican rival Johnnie Byrd's turf?
March 7, 2004
Graham, Nelson hope for a spot on Kerry's ticket
By Times staff writers
BILL NELSON OR BOB GRAHAM as John Kerry's running mate? Both of Florida's U.S. senators (Nelson subtly, Graham blatantly) have expressed interest. Graham offers gravitas, Nelson the astronaut thing. (He flew on the space shuttle).
February 29, 2004
This guy won't support the other team
By Times staff writers
AS A PROMINENT LOBBYIST in Tallahassee, Sam Bell gets a lot of phone calls to raise money for candidates. But the one he got the other day was a doozy.
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May 29, 2004Bush slashes budget 'wants'
By ALISA ULFERTS
The savings from the governor's record vetoes will go into a reserve fund, to the disappointment of many.
May 29, 2004Bush signs agency for disabled into law
By Associated Press
ORLANDO - A new agency for the developmentally disabled will be created under a bill Gov. Jeb Bush signed into law Friday, taking over services the Department of Children and Families now provides for 30,000 people.
May 29, 2004Local projects vetoed from the state budget
By Times Staff Writer
Wesley Chapel Campus of Pasco-Hernando Community College, $500,000
May 28, 2004Middle schools get reading help
By Associated Press
Bush signs a law to provide reading coaches to train teachers in low-performing schools, and tosses in extra funds.
May 27, 2004Loophole on political donors closed
By Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE - Certain political committees must disclose the names of their largest donors under a bill Gov. Jeb Bush signed into law Wednesday.
May 26, 2004New laws help military community
By Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Jeb Bush signed several bills Tuesday meant to make military families' lives easier.
May 21, 2004Bush okays summer gas, sales tax holidays
By ALISA ULFERTS
TALLAHASSEE - A little relief at the gas pump is on the way, courtesy of the Florida Legislature and Gov. Jeb Bush.
May 15, 2004Law helps protect migrant farm workers
By Associated Press
Penalties are now steeper, and pesticide notices are made easier for foreign laborers to understand.
May 14, 2004Bills ban gun range lawsuits, gun owner lists
By Associated Press
The two bills were pushed by the National Rifle Association and signed by Gov. Jeb Bush on Thursday.
May 13, 2004Computer vendor can't force Byrd to testify
By Times Staff Writer
TALLAHASSEE - House Speaker Johnnie Byrd cannot be forced to testify in a lawsuit brought by an unpaid computer vendor, a judge ruled Wednesday.
May 10, 2004Tuition relief remains elusive
By SAUNDRA AMRHEIN
A bill to grant illegal immigrants in-state college tuition rates dies when the Legislature recesses.
May 9, 2004For Byrd, an ignoble House exit
By STEVE BOUSQUET and LUCY MORGAN
Johnnie Byrd's final day as speaker of the House mirrored much of his term: contentious, erratic - and in the end, alone.
May 8, 2004Bill launches a new wave in water planning
By DAN DeWITT
If signed by the governor, the new law will push communities to consider water resources when setting course for the future.
May 8, 2004Fair land deal dies again in Tallahassee
By STEVE BOUSQUET and JEFF TESTERMAN
The House speaker held up a bill allowing the State Fair to buy nearby land. A local lawmaker suggests it was payback.
May 6, 2004Bill curbs authority of Weeki Wachee
By ROBERT KING
A city spokesman says the mayor is comfortable with the legislation of limits, passed unanimously in both chambers.
May 5, 2004Legislature lets mentor program die
By REBECCA CATALANELLO
Now, with no funding in sight to mentor teachers, the school district has to end the pilot program just months after realigning its staff.
May 5, 2004Legislators forgo funding for new judges
By JENNIFER LIBERTO
The Florida House wanted to pay for 51 new judges but also wanted a new appeals court in the deal, which the Senate wouldn't agree to.
May 2, 2004Winners and losers
By Times Staff
Each year, the St. Petersburg Times summarizes the fate of major bills at the end of the regular legislative session.
May 2, 2004Legislative session succeeds at being low key
By ADAM C. SMITH
Even where the lawmakers took on volatile issues, they did so subtly in an attempt to curtail controversy in an election year.
May 2, 2004Amendment push falls short of goal
By JONI JAMES
TALLAHASSEE - By Florida political standards, it was a dream team: Gov. Jeb Bush, Senate President Jim King, Florida's influential Chamber of Commerce and an assortment of politically savvy groups.
May 2, 2004Lawmakers approve 14 open records exemptions
By JENNIFER LIBERTO and ALISA ULFERTS
Among the items to be kept secret: medical errors and Social Security numbers of government employees, which could lead to credit mixups.
May 2, 2004Senate's King will have a new view
By Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE - Jim King's portrait will look down at the Senate for the next 100 years, an honor extended to every outgoing chamber president.
May 2, 2004Tampa legislator Crist released from hospital
By Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE - Sen. Victor Crist was released from a hospital after physicians determined he became ill with a hypoglycemic reaction brought on by not eating during the final day of the 2004 legislative session, an aide said Saturday.
May 1, 2004A budget and time to spare
By STEVE BOUSQUET, JONI JAMES and JENNIFER LIBERTO
Lawmakers finish their work and adjourn about 20 minutes before midnight, leaving some pet projects on the table.
May 1, 2004Abortion bill for minors goes to voters
By JENNIFER LIBERTO
The House caved to Senate pressure by including a judicial waiver allowing girls, primarily in cases of rape or incest, to bypass parental notification.
May 1, 2004Law helps those who watch for crime
By SAUNDRA AMRHEIN
The new measure makes it a misdemeanor to harass members of neighborhood watch associations.
May 1, 2004Pre-K program wins approval
By ANITA KUMAR
After days of wrangling, the House and Senate agree on a plan to provide prekindergarten to all Florida 4-year-olds.
May 1, 2004Anesthesiology assistants win right to practice
By Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE - Anesthesiology assistants will be allowed to practice in Florida, helping doctors put people under for surgery, if Gov. Jeb Bush signs a bill sent to him Friday by the Legislature.
May 1, 2004Bill tightens reins on amateur fights
By TOM ZUCCO
The legislation, named for a late Bradenton woman, prohibits Toughman-style events unless they meet state safety standards.
May 1, 2004Medicaid pilot site still to be chosen
By Times staff writer, Associated Press
Yesterday was the final day of the 60-day session.
May 1, 2004Specialty tags must sell or lose out
By LUCY MORGAN
While adding choices for an even 100, lawmakers also set standards that could weed out some of the plates.
April 30, 2004Gov. Bush begins Medicaid test
By ALISA ULFERTS
An effort to transform the $14-billion program starts with items scattered in this year's budget, which surprises some.
April 30, 2004Lawmakers wait to see who blinks
By LUCY MORGAN
On the last day of the session, almost every piece of major legislation is being held hostage by a House-Senate standoff.
April 30, 2004U.S. flag may adorn every state classroom
By ANITA KUMAR
A bill would spend $2.8-million to make Old Glory standard equipment in Florida classrooms.
April 30, 2004Agency for disabled to become reality
By Times Wire Reports
Today is the final day of the 60-day session.
April 30, 2004Bill easing manatee rules on path to passage
By CRAIG PITTMAN and JONI JAMES
Gov. Bush may be urged to veto the bill because it could cause federal officials to take over protection of the creatures.
April 30, 2004Measure to finance courts approved
By JENNIFER LIBERTO
Lawmakers agree on a measure mandated by voters that shifts most of the burden for the courts to the state.
April 29, 2004Byrd plans get funds; rate freeze foes don't
By JENNIFER LIBERTO
Republicans who voted against a phone rate freeze had their local water projects killed.
April 29, 2004Compromise puts pre-K bill nearer to approval
By ANITA KUMAR and LUCY MORGAN
However, Gov. Bush said he plans to veto the measure, saying it falls short of what voters want.
April 29, 2004For some lobbyists, a quixotic pursuit
By LUCY MORGAN
They work long hours to catch lawmakers' attention. Even advocates for cities and counties seek respect.
April 29, 2004Proposal could switch Medicaid patients to HMO
By ALISA ULFERTS and STEPHEN NOHLGREN
Senators react angrily when the plan, thought to be dead, shows up in the state budget.
April 29, 2004Budget includes funds for road work
By BILL VARIAN
An improvement grant for 22nd Street, site of a fatal hit-and-run accident, are among several county projects.
April 29, 2004Budget tags $50-million for bay area projects
By JENNIFER LIBERTO
Local lawmakers now must wait to see if their plans will escape the governor's veto.
April 29, 2004Bill consolidates cemetery, funeral rules under board
By Times staff writer, Associated Press
Today is the 59th day of the 60-day session.
April 29, 2004Bill protects teachers' information
By STEVE BOUSQUET
Educators seek a law that would restrict the state's release of their Social Security numbers.
April 29, 2004House votes to hide malpractice
By STEVE BOUSQUET
Secret records mean corrected procedures and fewer malpractice suits, the bill's supporters say.
April 28, 2004Senate approves limits on viatical regulation
By JONI JAMES
TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Senate approved legislation Tuesday that would fundamentally rewrite oversight of the controversial viaticals industry, drawing sharp rebuke from state regulators.
April 28, 2004Tax breaks survive, but shrink a little
By ALISA ULFERTS, ANITA KUMAR and JENNIFER LIBERTO
Schools in Hillsborough and Pasco will get more money while Pinellas will get less. It's the first time since 2001 the Legislature agreed to a deal without a special session.
April 28, 2004Medicaid HMO bill back in play
By STEPHEN NOHLGREN and ALISA ULFERTS
TALLAHASSEE - Elderly Medicaid clients in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties would be required to join HMOs under a proposal resurrected Tuesday in the Legislature.
April 28, 2004Phone rate freeze finds new life
By STEVE BOUSQUET
The issue has become part of the last-minute horse-trading as the 2004 session winds down.
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