Jim Saunders - News Service of Florida
Jim Saunders is the Executive Editor of The News Service Of Florida.
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With a Friday deadline looming, Speaker Paul Renner said that he and Gov. Ron DeSantis are trying to work out difference on a bill aimed at keeping children under age 16 off social media platforms.
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The Senate passed a plan that would designate at least four behavioral health teaching hospitals as lawmakers look to improve care for people with mental health and substance abuse issues.
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Supporters say the proposals in the "Live Healthy" package will expand access to care as the state's population continues to increase. The bill is a priority of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo.
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The bill seeks to prevent kids from creating accounts on “addictive” platforms. Sen. Erin Grall likens social media use to drug use. Opponents express concern about First Amendment rights.
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Changes pertained to the criteria for determining which platforms would be subject to the restrictions. House Speaker Paul Renner has argued that social media is harming the mental health of children.
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The $114 million plan designates four pilot facilities linked to medical schools in Tampa, Jacksonville, Miami and Gainesville to address a state shortage of mental health professionals.
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The request comes after a three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by a minor seeking a waiver from a parental notification and consent requirement in state law.
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Bill supporters say that social media platforms are addictive and harmful to the mental health of children. Critics are concerned about the First Amendment and parental rights.
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A former sergeant for the state Department of Corrections was approved by a doctor to use medical marijuana but failed a random drug test and was fired under a "zero tolerance" policy.
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A day after the House passed the measure, which seeks to prevent children under 16 from having social media accounts, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said the chamber will start moving forward with it.