florida legislature

Legislators seek to ban lawsuits by workers who get COVID-19 on the job

By Billy Corriher

May 20, 2020 - At the state and federal level, lawmakers are pushing legislation that would prevent some people from suing their employers if they contract the novel coronavirus at work. Labor leaders call the proposals an "outrage" and an attempt by businesses to skirt responsibility.

Politics

INSTITUTE INDEX: Florida court could block progressive amendments in 2020

By Billy Corriher

December 18, 2019 - Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' appointments have transformed the Florida Supreme Court, which will soon review nine constitutional amendments — including a $15 minimum wage — that were proposed by citizens.

Florida assault weapons ban amendment faces high hurdles

By Billy Corriher

August 12, 2019 - A group of activists is working to amend the Florida constitution to ban rifles and shotguns that hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. But it's gathered only a fraction of the signatures required to get the ban on the ballot, and it's facing burdensome new rules for citizen amendments.

INSTITUTE INDEX: The persistence of unconstitutional poll taxes

By Sue Sturgis

August 2, 2019 - Though an amendment added to the U.S. constitution during the height of the civil rights movement prohibits poll taxes, many states continue to effectively impose them by requiring people who've completed felony prison sentences to pay fines and fees before they can register to vote.