Erin Grall

It comes as a similar bill, HB 999, is primed to go before the full House.

Judges would still have discretion to sentence defendants to life in prison after receiving jury recommendations of death sentences.

The Senate could also approve a bill that would help shield businesses and insurance companies from lawsuits. The bills would then go to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The Senate version of the measure also no longer includes a ban on majors and minors in critical race theory, intersectionality and certain gender studies. Yet, that language remains in the House version of the bill.

They come after the Republican-controlled Legislature passed a ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy last year.

After the Senate passed measures last month, the House approved two companion proposals Thursday to create a $500 million pot of money the governor can quickly access during a declared state of emergency.

A little more than half of students attending the state’s VPK programs are deemed ready for kindergarten.