| | | | |  | | By Gary Fineout | Presented by the University of Central Florida | Good Tuesday morning. Let's go — The 2023 regular session kicks off this morning in the state Capitol, where Gov. Ron DeSantis will give one of his most highly anticipated State of the State speeches since was first elected five years ago. Here are five big questions to ask about the next 60 days: Will Ron DeSantis get everything he wants? — During his senior year at Yale, DeSantis batted .336 as captain of the baseball team. His average will likely be much higher than that when this session is over. DeSantis has always had a robust agenda, but this year his list of asks is quite long: Death penalty changes, new immigration measures, higher education changes, restrictions on teacher unions, fresh tax cuts, a big infrastructure package, lawsuit limits, another swipe at tech companies, changing libel laws, and more. Right now legislators don’t appear likely to say no to much. Both Senate President Kathleen Passidomo and House Speaker Paul Renner have some big ideas of their own, including a significant attempt to address the state’s affordable housing crisis and a major expansion of school vouchers. But a great deal of attention will be on what the guy with the first floor office in the Capitol wants. Will legislators pass additional abortion restrictions? — In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision that rescinded Roe v. Wade, several Florida Republicans, including the governor, expressed support for going beyond the state’s current ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Various ideas have been floated, such as having the state enact a ban after 6 weeks. But then some GOP leaders suggested waiting until the Florida Supreme Court rules on the legal challenge to Florida’s existing law. A bill backed by GOP leadership has yet to emerge. What gun measures will actually pass? — Measures to scrap permits for concealed weapons have been on a fast track, but gun rights supporters have begun applying pressure on lawmakers that they also authorize the open carry of guns in the state. Late last week, DeSantis was caught telling a gun rights supporter that he would back open carry if the Legislature would pass it. Meanwhile, Republicans have also introduced a bill to lower the age to buy a rifle from 21 to 18, reversing a restriction that was enacted after the Parkland massacre. Are Republicans just trolling? — Whether it’s a bill to effectively outlaw the Democratic Party or force “bloggers” to register with the state, there are several measures that have been introduced that appear to be more about messaging and bogging down the process. Of course, a tried and true strategy is to propose something over the top then have a lawmaker graciously scale it back. There are several bills proposed this year that are designed to trigger lawsuits that could eventually lead all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. There are others that appear destined to get sidelined in committee and never pass. Can Democrats change anything? — Democrats, who lost up and down the ballot in November, are now so small a minority that they can’t even procedurally slow anything down. They can debate of course and question GOP priorities. But will they have any strategy beyond that? Or will they just focus on getting local budget projects and local bills passed? — WHERE'S RON? — Gov. DeSantis will be at the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee where he is scheduled to give his State of the State speech to the Legislature. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for Playbook? Get in touch: gfineout@politico.com
| | A message from the University of Central Florida: UCF is unleashing the potential of people and ideas to positively change the world. With our research, innovative approaches and powerful talent pipeline, we’re focused on solving the state’s problems in engineering, immersive technologies, energy, and healthcare by meeting the demand for Florida’s critical jobs and attracting new industry. That’s why UCF has been ranked a “Top 20 Most Innovative University” (U.S. News & World Report) for 5 years. See how UCF propels Florida’s prosperity. | | | |  | ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... | | HAND-IN-HAND — “Legislature to push DeSantis ‘freedom’ agenda, which critics decry,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Jeffrey Schweers: “Florida’s “Blueprint for Freedom” touted by Gov. Ron DeSantis as he crisscrosses the nation and weighs a run for president in 2024 has been embraced by Republican lawmakers for the lawmaking session that begins Tuesday. The Republican-controlled Legislature and its leaders have committed to getting DeSantis’ agenda across the finish line, and several members have already filed bills that embrace his goals, expanding on ground laid down during the past two years.” |  SIMI VALLEY, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 05: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks about his new book ‘The Courage to Be Free’ in the Air Force One Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library on March 5, 2023 in Simi Valley, California. Gov. Ron DeSantis is considered to be one of the GOP frontrunners in the 2024 Presidential Election. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images) | Getty Images |
QUESTION — “Florida nursing homes want money and leeway from lawmakers. Will residents be safe?” by South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s Cindy Krischer Goodman: “An AARP report issued Monday shows Florida’s legislative changes over the last few years in staffing requirements at nursing homes and assisted-living facilities have eroded the quality of care for the vulnerable residents who live in them. The report comes at a pivotal time for the industry whose lobbyists are asking for even more leniency from lawmakers in the legislative session that begins Tuesday.”
FALLOUT — “State senators back plan to change death penalty law after Parkland killer’s life sentence,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders: “After Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz was sentenced to life in prison, the Florida Senate on Monday began moving forward with a proposal that would eliminate a requirement for unanimous jury recommendations before death sentences can be imposed. The Senate Criminal Justice Committee approved a bill (SB 450) that would allow judges to sentence defendants to death based on the recommendations of eight of 12 jurors.” ‘THIS IS A BLUNT AX’ — “DeSantis, Florida GOP, breathing new life into tort reform,” by Wall Street Journal’s Arian Campo-Flores: “At a time when tort-reform efforts around the U.S. have generally slowed from past decades, Florida GOP lawmakers are considering a bill in the legislative session starting this week aimed at reducing what proponents consider frivolous cases, excessive damage awards and high attorney fees.” DETAILS — “As DeSantis, legislature weaponize diversity initiatives, many are enshrined in Florida law,” by USA Today Network-Florida’s Kathryn Varn: “A look through Florida Statutes reveals a number of initiatives that fall under the diversity, equity and inclusion umbrella: the creation of an Office of Minority Health and Health Equity within the Department of Health; a Black business loan program within the Department of Economic Opportunity; a scholarship fund to help students from underrepresented populations become teachers.” — “USF police clash with protesters in march over diversity programs. 4 arrested,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Divya Kumar MORE CONTROL — Florida lawmakers want more oversight for school athletics board, by POLITICO’s Andrew Atterbury: The Florida Legislature is eyeing a shake-up of the state’s high school sports athletic association that would give Gov. Ron DeSantis the power to choose its leadership. The proposal, introduced by the Senate on Monday after an initial February hearing in the House, would grant the governor — and the state Board of Education — greater control of the Florida High School Athletic Association and its bylaws. — “Gingrich joins critics blasting Brodeur’s blogger bill,” by Orlando Sentinel’s Steven Lemongello — “House GOP members want to lower rifle-buying age back to 18,” by News Service of Florida’s Jim Saunders — “Florida lawmakers want to regulate kratom. Here’s what you need to know,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Helen Freund and Kirby Wilson — “Do lawsuit limitations help or hurt small businesses? It depends on whom you ask,” by Florida Politics’ Christine Jordan Sexton — “Judge’s ruling on Florida lobbying ban has Bill Proctor vowing to ‘die in office’ fighting,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s James Call — “‘Teachers Bill of Rights’ sails through Florida Senate committee,” by Tampa Bay Times’ Jeffrey S. Solochek
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president’s ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | CAMPAIGN MODE | | TURNABOUT — Interstate voter list org starts to crack as Florida, other GOP states quit, by POLITICO’s Zach Montellaro and Gary Fineout: A behind-the-scenes organization that helps states maintain their voter lists is beginning to lose members, with three Republican-led states — most notably Florida — announcing that they were departing the organization on Monday. The secretaries of state of Florida, West Virginia and Missouri all said that they were pulling out of the Electronic Registration Information Center, often known as ERIC. “We have lost confidence in ERIC,” Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd said Monday. But wait — The decision by Florida to withdraw from the consortium comes just weeks after Byrd, an appointee of GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, said the partnership had helped the state to identify voters who have voted in more than one state. Byrd told members of a legislative panel that the information was used in the arrest of a woman last November who had allegedly voted in both Alaska and Florida. | 
Then-Rep. Cord Byrd answers a question during a debate on April 23, 2019 in the Florida House of Representatives in Tallahassee, Fla. | Phil Sears/AP Photo |
Reaction — Some officials in the elections sphere expressed shock on Monday at the three states’ abrupt decision to withdraw from the compact. In Florida, local election supervisors learned about the move just minutes before it was announced by the DeSantis administration. “Surprised with the suddenness of the decision to withdraw, but the important question will be what out of state resources will now be available to us to continue to maintain a clean and accurate voter registration database,” Bill Cowles, the supervisor of elections in Orange County, Fla., said in an email.
| | | | A message from the University of Central Florida:   | | | | | DESANTISLAND | | DESANTIS ON 24: ‘WE WILL TAKE A LOOK’ — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was asked about a possible presidential run by Sean Hannity on Fox News on Monday night. DeSantis, in line with other recent statements, said he was focused on the upcoming legislative session and the promotion of his new book. “Give us a few months on that. I think we're going to put up a lot of wins, and then we will be in a better position to make a decision about the future,” he said. Hannity then asked if it was “fair” to say that DeSantis was “thinking” about running. “I think it's fair to say that I have people coming up to me and asking me to do it all the time,” the governor replied. “I'm very good about just putting one step in front of the other and focusing on the task at hand. So I don't get too far down the field with anything. I got to execute the mission right here. And as we get beyond that, we will take a look.” OMISSION — Once an albatross around Trump’s neck, Jan. 6 is now taboo in GOP primary, by POLITICO’s David Siders and Meridith McGraw: Like most politicians considering a White House run, Ron DeSantis published a new book this past week, designed to frame him as an unapologetic truth teller, eager to tackle the hard issues of the day. But as the work came under scrutiny, reviewers pointed out something missing. The Florida Governor had nothing to say about one of the most consequential political moments of the past few years: the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol. — “Politics, not record, is behind DeSantis targeting Miami-Dade School Board member, some say,” by Miami Herald’s Sommer Brugal — “Alabama GOP dinner with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will be closed to press,” by AL.com’s Sarah Swetlik — “Virginia Republican poll shows Ron DeSantis with edge over Donald Trump,” by Florida Politics’ A.G. Gancarski | | TRUMPLANDIA AND THE SWAMP | | UNSOCIAL MEDIA — “Thousands of pro-Trump bots are attacking DeSantis, Haley,” by The Associated Press’ David Klepper: “Over the past 11 months, someone created thousands of fake, automated Twitter accounts — perhaps hundreds of thousands of them — to offer a stream of praise for Donald Trump…When it came to Ron DeSantis, the bots aggressively suggested that the Florida governor couldn’t beat Trump, but would be a great running mate.” — Never Trumpers rally in D.C., trying to find hope and a plan amid despair, by POLITICO’s Ally Mutnick — “2 Capitol riot defendants, including one from Florida, sought by FBI after disappearing,” by The Associated Press’ Alanna Durkin Richer
| | | | DOWNLOAD THE POLITICO MOBILE APP: Stay up to speed with the newly updated POLITICO mobile app, featuring timely political news, insights and analysis from the best journalists in the business. The sleek and navigable design offers a convenient way to access POLITICO's scoops and groundbreaking reporting. Don’t miss out on the app you can rely on for the news you need, reimagined. DOWNLOAD FOR iOS– DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID. | | | | | | | DATELINE D.C. | | EXTENSION — “Biden administration expected to grant protected immigration status for Nicaraguans,” by POLITICO’s Myah Ward: “The Biden administration plans to redesignate Temporary Protected Status for Nicaragua amid pressure from immigrant advocates and Democratic lawmakers, according to three people familiar with the plans. … Immigration groups and Florida lawmakers have pushed the Biden administration to redesignate TPS for Nicaraguans living in the U.S., which would allow them to live and work in the country without fear of deportation.” | | PENINSULA AND BEYOND | | ‘VERY PROUD TO CLAIM HER’ — “‘This is where I got my start.’ Supreme Court Justice Jackson returns home for an honor,” by Miami Herald’s David Goodhue: “Three years ago, Miami-Dade County proposed that the state rename a stretch of U.S. 1 after abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Now, local leaders have renamed a county road after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who grew up in South Florida. The link between the two is more than symbolic.” — “As airport gun discoveries rose 28% nationwide in 2022, Tallahassee International Airport set a record,” by Tallahassee Democrat’s Alaijah Brown — “Food pantry feeds 250 people a day in Liberty City. Why are police shutting it down?” by Miami Herald’s Nicolas Rivero
| | A message from the University of Central Florida: Since 1963, UCF has supported Florida’s crucial industries by solving tomorrow’s problems today. We’re bringing top talent, innovation and ideas to the table — attracting industry and propelling Florida’s prosperity for generations to come.
Today, UCF is the nation’s No. 1 supplier of aerospace and defense talent, Florida’s No. 1 provider of new nurses and a critical source for sustainable energy innovation. What does this mean for our region? We’re fortifying Florida’s cyber infrastructure to safeguard from new threats. We’re reducing the nursing shortage and utilizing advanced technologies and simulation to enhance patient care. And we’re shaping how energy can become more affordable, efficient and reliable for all.
A better, brighter future starts now — and it starts at the University for the Future: UCF.
Find out how UCF grads and researchers are shaping Florida’s future. | | | | | ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN | | — “‘Creature from the Black Lagoon’ actor Ricou Browning dies,” by The Associated Press: “Ricou Browning, a skilled swimmer best known for his underwater role as the Gill Man in the quintessential 3D black-and-white 1950s monster movie ‘Creature from the Black Lagoon,’ has died, his family told various media outlets. He was 93. Browning died Feb. 27 at his home in Southwest Ranches, Florida. In addition to acting roles, Browning also collaborated as a writer on the 1963 movie “Flipper,” and the popular TV series of the same name that followed.” BIRTHDAYS: Former Florida legislator Joe Geller | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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