Sen. Jeff Brandes

A Senate bill that would have disbanded TBARTA didn’t get through the Florida legislative session -- this time. Organization officials are pleased about that, and some non-recurring funding the legislature provided them.

The bill would have shielded the identities of anyone applying for a job as a state university or college president.

Among other things, the Senate proposal would make it harder for voters to request mail-in ballots or change their party affiliations.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has made a priority of the issue after decisions by Twitter and Facebook to block former President Donald Trump from their platforms in January.

Law enforcement agencies could use drones to survey crowds, assist in traffic management, and collect evidence at a crime scene or traffic crash. That's under a proposal that passed a Senate vote and is heading for a House vote. But some lawmakers have raised concerns over how the bill could impact someone's privacy.

It would provide a tax break to property owners who elevate homes to address potential flooding and could go on the ballot in 2022 as a constitutional amendment.

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.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said legislation that would allow for adult recreational marijuana would help struggling farmers.

State senators Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland each are seeking state money to build new courthouses in their respective counties.

Bill sponsor Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, says it denies "the people of Florida the opportunity to hold these individuals accountable.”

The Senate bill includes a limit on the amount homeowners could receive for roof damage.

Democratic Florida legislators say they are receiving emails from their constituents opposing a suite of bills that would give the state control of climate change initiatives over local governments.