Senate budget writers are considering a larger education spending increase than Gov. Rick Scott sought, though lawmakers are still considering how to offset an increase in local property taxes that helps pay for the historic number.

The initial proposal from the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee would boost funding for the main public-school spending formula by almost $650.6 million in the year beginning July 1, more than the $507.3 million increase that Scott has touted as record-breaking.

Immigrant groups are on the edges of their seats this week as a bill which could significantly impact their way of life makes its way through the Florida House of Representatives.

The investigation at the Arthur W. Dozier School for Boys may be over, but Florida lawmakers want to make sure the state doesn’t forget the boys who lost their lives at the Marianna reform school decades ago.

A key Senate budget chairman will recommend that Gov. Rick Scott get his wish for $250 million to recruit businesses to Florida.
 
Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Chairman Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, said Monday he will ask that the incentive money be included in his panel's proposed budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The subcommittee's proposal is due Thursday.
 

The Nation magazine chose Monday -- the day of the CNN Democratic presidential debate -- to unveil its February edition, in which editors announced the magazine is endorsing Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders for president of the United States.

An amendment to legalize medical marijuana is likely to make the 2016 ballot in Florida, according to the latest petition numbers from the Florida Division of Elections. 

Florida State University has agreed to pay Jameis Winston's accuser $250,000 in a nationally publicized sexual assault case, in exchange for her agreement to drop a Title IX lawsuit against the university.

Legislation to legalize open carry in Florida may be steadily making its way through the Florida Legislature, but some of the mayors of the state’s largest cities are speaking out against the proposal, saying it would create a dangerous environment for area residents.

Florida health officials lack the authority to issue final licenses to the state's first medical marijuana businesses, but an administrative law judge can't do anything to stop them, according to an order issued Friday. 

Administrative Law Judge John G. Van Laningham refused to allow Plants of Ruskin -- a nursery that lost out to a competitor in an attempt to get one of five coveted licenses to grow, process and dispense low-THC marijuana -- to take the depositions of health officials. 

When lawmakers return to Tallahassee every year for the legislative session, they are usually more or less proactive, passing legislation and holding committee hearings that shape the news that comes from the Capitol.

Every so often, though, outside events tend to shape what goes on in the Legislature more than the members of the House and Senate do. This week was one of those periods.