The Florida Senate approves $800 million to hire and train more doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The plan includes millions of dollars in tuition assistance for medical, nursing, and dental students and loans to build clinics. It also creates a statewide health screening portal.

High School Sports Athletes Cashing in On Their Likeness

Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) does not allow participating athletes to make money from name, image, and likeness deals, but that could change down the road. State Lawmakers will be hearing from those looking to change the system on whether high school athletes can cash in on their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

Abortion Lawsuits

Some Republican state lawmakers are looking at legislation that would give parents the green light to take up civil lawsuits and collect damages for the wrongful death of an “unborn child” when a person’s death is caused by such things as wrongful acts or negligence.

Bigger Criminal Penalties For Smash and Grab Crimes

A new state proposal targeting ‘porch pirates,’ ‘smash-and-grab’ criminals would make it third-degree felony to steal property if property valued at $100 or more, but less than $750,” is taken. Also, these criminals would be charged as felons if they steal a delivery worth as little as $40.

Limiting School Voucher Purchases

State Rep. Josie Tomkow wants to restrict the purchase of materials to only expenses associated with language arts and reading, mathematics, social studies and science courses. The bill was filed because of concerns that parents benefiting from school voucher money might use the funds on items not directly tied to education.