Supporters say the proposal could prevent shady insurance claims. Opponents say it would hurt small businesses.

But after a lengthy debate Wednesday, a House panel approved a bill (HB 323) that would prevent auto-glass shops from offering cash, gift cards and other incentives to motorists to attract windshield-repair work.

House Insurance & Banking Chairwoman Cyndi Stevenson, R-Saint Johns, pointed to concerns about “bad behavior” that can result from such incentives. That includes unnecessary insurance claims that could lead to higher premiums for motorists.

One of the cochairs of the Florida delegation in the U.S. House will be taking on a leadership role with the House Democracy Partnership (HDP) for the next two years in Congress. 

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., announced on Wednesday that he will pair up with U.S. Rep. David Price, D-NC, in leading HDP, a group of 20 members of the House who work with “partner countries around the world to support the development of effective, independent, and responsive legislative institutions.” 

A couple of high school buddies -- one white, one black -- dress up as each other in stereotypical attire for homecoming. They're immature, inappropriate showoffs looking for a laugh. 

I'm sorry, but that's what kids do. Dumb, inappropriate things. Sometimes things that don't make their mothers proud. Especially teenage boys who mature slower than girls.

While crowing about the gains realized in Washington, D.C., and in select state legislatures and capitals, Democrats and left-wing groups seem bothered that Florida bucked that trend by becoming decidedly redder after the midterm elections. This has not apparently quelled the lust for bigger government in the Sunshine State.