Latest news with #DarrylRouson
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Is Eight Enough? Sitting and former lawmakers debate term limits in the Legislature
Former GOP state Sen. Tom Lee, Tampa Bay Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson, Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez, and lobbyist Ron Pierce at the Tampa Tiger Bay Club in Ybor City on May 16, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix) Florida voters amended the state Constitution subjecting legislators to eight-year term limits more than three decades ago. But as this year's legislative session continues with no end in sight, the issue of whether term-limits are working for all Floridians was the topic of debate at the Tampa Tiger Bay Club on Friday afternoon. 'I've seen a lot happen,' said Tampa Bay area Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson, the longest-serving member of the Legislature, who was first elected to the House in 2008. 'The downside is the experts become the staff, and to some extent, the lobbyists, and to a larger extent, not so much the legislator … so I think it has its drawbacks.' 'Term limits have completely empowered lobbyists,' agreed Ron Pierce, a lobbyist himself who worked for eight years as a legislative staffer and has headed RSA Consulting Group since 2009. The term-limit law became an issue earlier this year when Brevard County House Republican Debbie Mayfield filed to run for the Senate seat in which she had served from 2016-2024. After she was term-limited from running again last fall, she instead ran and won a seat in the Florida House. But after the newly elected senator in District 19, Randy Fine, quit to run for and win a seat in Congress, Mayfield filed to run for that Senate seat again in a special election. The Florida Division of Elections ruled that she couldn't run again for the seat because of the term limit law. She challenged that ruling, and the Florida Supreme Court ruled for her unanimously in February, stating that her gap in serving in the Senate from November until February allowed her to run again for the Senate seat in a special election (which is slated to take place on June 10). Concurrent to that drama, Hernando County Republican Blaise Ingoglia filed a resolution during the session (SJR 536) that would have clarified that the law imposes a lifetime limit of 16 years in state legislative office — 8 years max in the House, 8 years max in the Senate — with a caveat for senators who serve reduced two-year terms due to redistricting. The measure would have gone to the voters as a constitutional amendment in 2026, but stalled after being approved in one committee stop. 'Let's stop the practice of people continually running for the same office and bouncing back and forth between chambers,' Ingoglia said on X. 'Serving the people of Florida should be a privilege, and an honor, not a career.' The 'Eight is Enough' constitutional amendment in 1992, which passed with 77% of the vote, did not just include eight-year term limits for the state Legislature, but also for members of Congress, former Hillsborough County Republican state Sen. Tom Lee noted on Friday. 'That was the primary motivation behind it, and term limits for Congress was ultimately ruled to be unconstitutional,' he noted. Former Tampa Democratic Sen. Janet Cruz, who served in the Legislature for more than a decade before losing a bid for re-election to the Senate in 2022, asked the panelists whether term limits even matter anymore because of 'gerrymandered districts.' Pierce insisted they absolutely do matter, citing the fact that when Rouson does leave the Senate next year because of term limits, his successor will not be nearly as experienced or have the same amount of influence. 'It has been around forever and isn't going away,' Lee said regarding the issue of gerrymandering. He added that the way that Republicans gained more seats in the Legislature starting in the late 1980s and early 1990s was because they built a coalition with Black and Hispanic Democrats to carve out seats 'to ensure their election in minority-access districts in exchange for the rest of the map looking very Republican. And before you knew it, you had a Republican-dominated Legislature. That's what happened.' Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez, a Democrat, served in the Florida House from 1998 until 2006, when he was term-limited from his seat. He said he could make the argument that the state would be better off if term-limits could be extended to 12 or even 16 years, but it would be 'controversial' for any lawmaker to push for that proposal. 'There have been efforts to try increase term limits to a different number. I don't know what that sweet spot is — 12 years, 16 years. None of those have gone very far within the state Legislature,' Henriquez said. Pierce said he could support getting rid of term limits outright, but added that there's no way that could possibly happen, since it would require getting them repealed via a constitutional amendment. 'You've changed some things in Tallahassee this year, I think, that made it a little more difficult for citizen's initiatives in the future, that's number one,' he said, referring to the legislation signed by Gov. DeSantis that will make the process more difficult to get a measure on the ballot. The second problem, he said, is that it would look 'self-serving' for lawmakers to push the measure. But he added that the biggest hurdle would be finding anyone to educate the public about why term-limits should be repealed. 'Who in the world is going to try to educate the public on why you're trying to change term-limits?' he asked. 'Who's going to pay for that?' The discussion took place just days after Gov. Ron DeSantis travelled to Ohio to give his support for a resolution in that state's Legislature to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot calling for a constitutional convention to impose congressional term limits. The Florida Legislature passed a resolution last year calling for a U.S. Term Limits convention. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida Senate criticizes House for axing Rouson Mental Health Center
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WLFA) — End of session means tensions are high, especially on the Senate floor this week when lawmakers rallied behind State Senator Darryl Rouson (D- St. Petersburg) after the House removed a mental health research center that was supposed to be named after him. In less than a year, a commission for mental health and substance abuse took a deep dive into mental health systems in Florida. From that research, Senate Bill 1620 was created. The bill passed every committee in the Senate, with all lawmakers on board. DeSantis announces joint immigration effort, more arrests to come 'The commission forwarded 30 recommendations to the speaker, the president and the governor. In discussions with stakeholders, I took 10 of those recommendations and put them in the form of a bill, which is the substance of 1620,' Rouson said. An amendment was recently added to the senate bill that would add in a research center at University of South Florida and name it after Senator Rouson. But the House stripped the center, which created tensions within the Senate chamber. 'I was truly touched that every single member present in the chamber, 37 to 0 signed on to co-sponsor the amendment. The establishment of this center means a great deal. To those who believe in advancing mental health care with evidence-based compassion,' Rouson said. According to lawmakers, if the Senate rejected the House's changes and returned the original bill as amended, the entire bill would be in jeopardy. Rouson urged his fellow collogues to agree, emphasizing that their efforts shouldn't go to waste. 'Unfortunately, the House didn't see it our way and for me, it is more important that the work continue, that the work of the commission be honored,' Rouson said. Rouson has been an advocate for addiction recovery based on his personal experience. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate spoke out one by one in support of the research center and its name. 'This was such a good amendment, naming it after such a great man. It is a travesty that the other chamber didn't allow this to go through,' said State Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R- Spring Hill). 'We should turn this around and we should tell them to get their heads straight,' said State Senator Jay Collins (R-Hillsborough). 'You're one of my best friends here in this body and what you've done is absolutely amazing and I'm just really glad that in in a year and a half, we're going to have another speaker who will hopefully support the naming of the program after you,' said State Senator Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples). In response to the senators' remarks, House Speaker Daniel Perez (R-Miami), shared the following statement with 8 On Your Side. 'I have enormous respect for Senator Rouson. I admire his public service, and I would be happy to collaborate with the Senate to honor him. But the action of the Senate today to name a center after Senator Rouson as a means of emotionally blackmailing the House into doing what they want- is unconscionable. The comments of 'or else' were a threat to the Florida House and beneath the dignity of the Florida Senate. The Senate created a backdoor appropriations project. They did so unilaterally, fully aware that the House did not wish to include additional items in the bill beyond the Commission's recommendations. The House version of SB 1620 by Representative Christine Hunchofsky, was filed to enact the recommendations of the Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders. The center in question was not in the Commission report nor was it in the House bill. The Senators were rightfully outraged, but they should direct their outrage at their own chamber who made this move in an attempt to push a backdoor project and used the good Senator's legacy to do so.' House members said there seems to have been a technical challenge with the senate bill and believe both chambers will work this out and honor Senator Rouson and his legacy. 'I'm confident that they'll be able to work something out as Senator Rousan is an institution. He has served in the legislature for nearly 20 years, and when you look at his personal journey, how he overcame substance abuse to go on to become a state senator, it really is quite amazing,' said House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (R-Tampa). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Florida Senate outraged over House dig at senator's mental health facility plan
Sen. Darryl Rouson . (Screenshot/Florida Channel) A Florida House amendment that killed plans for a substance abuse and mental health research center at the University of South Florida to be named after Tampa Bay Democratic Sen. Darryl Rouson infuriated both Democratic and Republican senators Wednesday. Even Gov. Ron DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier used the episode to launch another attack on the House. The legislation (SB 1620), which has passed both chambers in some form now, would make a raft of changes to Florida's Mental Health Act. The original bill included a Center for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Research at USF's Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute. The center would have conducted statewide behavioral health research, promote evidence-based practices, and improved workforce development. An amendment added by Pinellas County Republican Ed Hooper would have named the facility the 'Rouson Center,' after Rouson, who has battled drug and alcohol addiction in his past and had sponsored the measure in the Senate. However, an amendment sponsored by Broward County Democrat Christine Hunschofsky and passed by the House on Tuesday deleted the facility — Rouson's name and all. So when the bill came back to the Senate on Wednesday, Rouson told his colleagues that while he was disappointed about that development, they should still go ahead and pass the measure. 'The establishment of this center means a great deal to those who believe in advancing mental health care with evidence-based compassion,' Rouson told his colleagues. 'Unfortunately, the House didn't see it our way, and for me, it is more important that the work continue, that the work of the commission be honored.' He referred to the Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder. Some senators said that out of respect to Rouson they would still vote for the bill. But others insisted they would not. 'It's not right, it's not fair, it's not appropriate, and it really isn't acceptable,' Tampa Bay-area Republican Jim Boyd said. 'I promise you we will make this right.' 'I'm just glad that in a year-and-a-half we'll have another speaker who will hopefully support the naming of the program after you,' Naples GOP Sen. Kathleen Passidomo said, referring to House Speaker Daniel Perez. GOP Sens. Jay Collins and Blaise Ingoglia both called the House move 'a travesty.' 'I am angry beyond words,' said Ingoglia. 'It hurts. It hurts because I'm somebody in recovery,' said Democratic Sen. Rosalind Osgood, who said she would oppose the measure. The dispute took place just two days before the 60-day legislative session was scheduled to end, but, with the sides still divided on a budget and tax reductions, the session will have to be extended or the Legislature come back before the budget would take effect on July 1 Shortly after the vote, Gov. DeSantis, who has been battling the House for the past month on various issues, including taxes, weighed in, responding on X, 'The Florida House of Pettiness in all its glory…' 'Senator @darrylrouson is a class act,' added Attorney General James Uthmeier on X. The budget fight involves Perez's insistence on lowering the sales tax to the tune of around $5 billion. Senate President Ben Albritton is worried about what happens if a recession hits. According to the original legislation, the purpose of the center was to conduct 'rigorous and relevant research intended to develop knowledge and practice in prevention and intervention for substance abuse and mental health issues, to serve the people and economy in this state in reducing the gap between population needs and the availability of effective treatments and other interventions to improve the capacity of the state to have healthy, resilient communities prevailing over substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges.' The Senate opted to temporarily postpone action on the legislation. They have just two days to decide on whether they want to approve it. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Miami Herald
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Bring back the sunshine: Florida's public records crisis demands action
For almost two years, state insurance regulators sat on a report showing that property insurance companies were raking in billions — even as they lobbied the Florida Legislature for financial relief. Instead of making that information public, officials buried records requests until long after lawmakers approved massive industry bailout packages. When journalists finally exposed the truth recently, legislators were outraged and demanded answers from the insurance industry. But where is the outrage over the government's role in concealing this information? While lawmakers rail against insurers, few seem troubled that state officials deliberately withheld a report that Floridians had a legal right to see. The sad truth? This wasn't an anomaly — it's the new normal. Floridians have a constitutional right to access public records, but in practice, that right has been all but gutted. Agencies routinely ignore requests, impose exorbitant fees and delay responses indefinitely. As secrecy spreads, government officials operate with less oversight. This isn't a partisan issue. Transparency is a foundation of good government, whether you lean Democrat, Republican or somewhere in between. Floridians deserves to know how their tax dollars are spent, how decisions are made and what their leaders are doing behind closed doors. It wasn't always this way. Florida once set the gold standard for open government. Our Sunshine Laws were the envy of the nation — a model for accountability, transparency and public access. These laws were never mere suggestions; they were designed to keep government honest and ensure the public's right to know. Yet today, state agencies — led by the Governor's Office —increasingly treat compliance as optional. Delay, deny, ignore — this is the new playbook for blocking access to information. This obstruction isn't just frustrating — it's illegal. Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes requires officials to provide public records in a timely manner. But delays that once lasted weeks now stretch into months or even years. The government's attitude seems to be: If you want these records, sue us. Meanwhile, lawmakers act as if nothing is amiss. There are now more than 1,200 exemptions to Florida's public records laws on the books. During this 2025 Legislative session alone, more than 130 bills have been filed that would restrict public access or weaken government accountability. The impact is clear: A 2024 study from the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida confirms what transparency advocates already knew — Florida is no longer a leader in open state now ranks 31st in the nation for compliance with public records laws. But as we mark Sunshine Week, March 16-20, a time to celebrate government transparency, there is reason for hope. A new bill — Senate Bill 1434, sponsored by Sen. Darryl Rouson (D-Tampa) — would force agencies to stop stonewalling the public. It's one of the few bright spots in this year's legislative session — a rare, meaningful effort to restore government accountability. If passed, SB 1434 would: Require agencies to acknowledge public records requests within three business agencies from charging fees when they fail to respond in a timely penalties on those who ignore or obstruct public records requests. The bill represents one of the strongest attempts in years to fix Florida's dysfunctional public records system. Yet SB 1434 is far from guaranteed. It currently lacks a House companion bill and faces an uphill battle in Tallahassee. The fact that it's even on the table is a step in the right direction — but it won't pass without public pressure. So, this Sunshine Week, take action. Whether you care about the water quality, how your child's school is funded or what's happening with that vacant lot downtown, make a public record request— your right to know is at stake. Speak out. Call, email and write your state representatives. Demand they support SB 1434 and take a stand for transparency. The information our government holds does not belong to politicians — it belongs to you. Let's fight to bring the sunshine back to Florida. Bobby Block is executive director of the First Amendment Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1985 to protect and advance the rights of free expression, protest and the press, as well as to promote open government and access to public records. Visit
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Florida lawmakers propose safeguards after Times report on worker heat deaths
Florida Democratic lawmakers are proposing statewide heat protections for outdoor workers, months after a Tampa Bay Times investigation found far more Florida workers have died of heat illness than authorities know. 'It's an atrocity, and it's a tragedy,' said Sen. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, who filed the bill in the Senate on Wednesday. 'There's a need to put these types of regulations in place.' Four other Democrats filed a companion bill in the House. Florida is one of the nation's hottest states, with punishing humidity that can make it difficult for the body to cool down. Currently, neither the state nor federal government has heat safety standards to protect workers from high temperatures — despite Florida requiring similar safeguards for high school athletes. Some of the legislators co-sponsoring the heat protection bill are also calling for a repeal of a law passed last year that blocks local governments from creating their own oversight for workers exposed to heat. House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, is also in favor of repealing the preemption law. 'This is an issue that has been brought into sharp relief by the number of deaths — both that are known, and now these that have been unreported,' Driskell said. 'This lax regulatory environment is empowering employers to try to get away with this, and to not do the right thing and protect their workers.' Proponents of the ban at the time said businesses and federal regulators could keep laborers safe. But the Times found authorities have missed more than half of all heat-related deaths of workers statewide in the last decade — because Florida companies failed to report them as required by law. Neither Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed the prohibition measure last April, nor its Republican sponsors responded to requests for comment. No lawmaker has yet filed a bill to repeal the 2024 legislation. 'The federal government is used as an excuse,' Rouson said. 'I understand that employers want a standard and don't want it to change from location to location — making hodgepodge regulation — and this is why we need a statewide standard.' The proposed heat safety bill would create a program to train businesses and outdoor employees on signs of heat illness. It would require employers to provide water, as well as shade and 10-minute breaks every two hours on hot days. The push for statewide protections is not new. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have sponsored bills with nearly identical language for years, the Times previously reported, with little traction. But Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, said the Times' findings 'emphasized the urgency' of this year's legislation. 'I think that this issue often gets tied up in the interests of big businesses, and they brand it as burdensome,' said Eskamani, who is co-sponsoring the House bill filed by Rep. Michael Gottlieb, D-Davie. 'I would argue that you save money when you have a healthy work environment, because you avoid things like worker's comp, you avoid litigation.' Extreme heat is more deadly than any other natural disaster plaguing the U.S., killing more people annually than hurricanes, tornadoes and floods combined. Employers are supposed to notify the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which oversees worker safety, about employee deaths within hours. But the Times identified 19 additional heat-related deaths that were kept from the agency, more than doubling the official number of worker heat fatalities in Florida. Many were young. At least a handful died during their first week on the job, unaccustomed to Florida's stifling heat and humidity. Roughly half were immigrants.
