In many cases, doctors would still be able to ask patients questions about whether they have guns under a measure approved by a Senate committee on Monday, a result of a compromise between gun rights groups and the medical establishment.

The National Rifle Association and other gun rights groups had pushed for a much stronger bill that would have precluded doctors, in many cases, from asking patients about whether they own guns. Backers of the measure, sponsored by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, had said patients were being harassed over gun ownership.

In an effort to show the state and perhaps the rest of the country that Florida no longer will tolerate pill mills, Gov. Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi teamed up Monday to announce the state's new Statewide Drug Strike Force.

The force will consist of targeted efforts of local law enforcement officials, and coordinated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The force will be given $800,000 for the task, funded by unused residual grants, FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey said.

Brushing aside pointed criticism of a renewable energy bill, the Senate Committee on Communications, Energy and Public Utilities gave preliminary approval to the measure on Monday.

Proponents say Senate Proposed Bill 7082 would increase Florida's use of alternative energy at a modest cost to consumers -- estimated by committee staffers to run an additional $1.40 to $2.60 per household per month.

A Senate committee on Monday moved forward Art Graham's appointment as chairman of the Public Service Commission, but blistered him for having a chance meeting with representatives of a water company seeking a rate increase.

Graham encountered tough questioning at the Committee on Communications, Energy and Public Utilities over his interaction with the regional president and regulatory counsel of Aqua America Utilities.

"People are tired of seeing what's happening at the PSC," said Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey. "This looks like the same game in town."