Jeff Brandes

Bill sponsor Sen. Jennifer Bradley, R-Orange Park, says it doesn’t make sense that utilities are required to purchase the extra energy at the full retail rate.

This year, the legislation to set term limits has more momentum due to backlash over issues like school mask mandates, and teachings regarding LGBTQ kids and race and history.

The "rape loophole" bill would increase the penalty for raping a woman while intoxicated to a first-degree felony with up to a 30-year prison sentence, up from a second-degree felony and as many as 15 years in prison.

A Senate subcommittee passed the measure that would prohibit school instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grade levels. It now goes to a full Senate vote.

Outgoing state Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-Pinellas County, talks about his bill that recently passed in the Senate that would allow applicants for university president to keep their names confidential. And his expectations for a new University of South Florida president.

Host Steve Newborn talks with Senator Jeff Brandes, who serves most of southern Pinellas County, and Representative Michele Rayner, who serves parts of Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee counties.

Recruiters have complained about the difficulty in getting sitting presidents to apply for jobs elsewhere.

The bill is aimed at reducing the number of Citizens policies, thus making it easier for private companies to come into the state.

According to a presentation, many employees are leaving state government jobs because they’re overworked and underpaid.

DeSantis initially pitched the emergency fund last year when outlining how he’d like to see legislators allocate billions of dollars received through the American Rescue Plan Act federal stimulus law.

Brandes said employees of other institutions outside Florida are fearful of applying because they know their application will be made available to their current employer.

Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, has also filed a proposal to rescind the designation of the mockingbird as the state bird.