The state still faces financial fallout due to the coronavirus pandemic despite receiving a huge influx of federal money.

Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, said he worries the measure cracks down on dissent — a tenant of American democracy — and does so in a way that would hurt Black and minority voices.

Lawmakers have roughly three weeks to reach agreement on a budget, a period coinciding with an expected increase in Medicaid funding from the federal government.

It would require out-of-state retailers to collect and remit Florida’s sales tax, producing an estimated $1 billion a year in revenue.

House Speaker Chris Sprowls calls the measure "one of the most robust and bold proposals in the entire United States of America." It awaits Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature.

Sen. Wilton Simpson's strongest comments on the issue so far come amid calls from the cruise industry to require proof of vaccination after ships have been docked more than a year because of the pandemic.

The original plan drew bipartisan pushback.

The bill would measure whether “competing ideas and perspectives” are fairly presented and encouraged during class lectures.

It includes increased money to address affordable housing, as well as funds to repair the former Piney Point processing plant.

The Senate will consider a budget amendment to fund the complete cleanup and closure. It's estimated to cost $200 million.

A group of lawmakers in the state House of Representatives from both parties stood together and said they want to extend the 60 days of Medicaid coverage after birth.

It would provide another proposed end point for the Suncoast Parkway extension.