Florida News That Impacts You – May 25th, 2023
Bottom Line: Your daily recap of the biggest news from around the state that impacts you in South Florida.
- Governor DeSantis signed 20 bills into law on Wednesday in advance of announcing his presidential bid. They included the Domestic Violence bill, known as Greyson’s Law, which requires threats by ex-partners and domestic violence be considered when shared custody of children is considered. The Venomous Reptiles bill, which increases penalties for handling, possessing or releasing reptiles which aren’t authorized under FWC’s guidelines. The Catalytic Converters bill, which bans the purchase of detached catalytic converters unless the product is purchased directly from a registered parts recycler. The Interscholastic Extracurricular Activities bill, which enables charter school children and Florida Virtual School children the opportunity to play sports at private schools. The Proceeds Funding Motorcycle Safety Education bill which redirect Motorcycle license fees to non-profits to administer motorcycle safety education programs within communities and the bill necessary for DeSantis to have made his official entrance into the presidential race...
- The Elections bill is now law. The new law calls for six significant changes to Florida election law policy impacting new voter registration identification, 3rd Party voter registration groups, signature verification processes for vote-by-mail ballots, protections for election workers, public notice requirements and campaign finance disclosures. Specific to Governor DeSantis – the new law also changed Florida’s resign-to-run provision to allow for any elected official to run for president or vice-president without having to resign from their current office to do so. DeSantis immediately filed his federal paperwork to run for president upon signing the bill into law.
- DeSantis also announced the 2023 Python Challenge. The competition, which will include over $30,000 in prizes, will take place August 4th-13th.
- Gas prices dropped a penny over the past day. Statewide the average price for regular unleaded is $3.38 per gallon – six cents lower than a week ago. In Palm Beach County the average price remains $3.62 per gallon, which is the 2nd highest price in the state.