Session preview: Legislature may look at lawyers for pets, Rush Limbaugh tribute, left lane driving

Amid Gov. Ron DeSantis’ rise to political superstardom, there’s been national attention on the state’s Legislature and the proposals he is championing: A proposed rollback of protections for media outlets against defamation suits, a full-out assault on illicit immigration, an anti-‘woke banking’ bill, to name a few. 

But for a moment last week, a different type of “Bill Would” story – so called because the key phrase is “the bill would” – was seized upon by national media.

Related coverage – Session preview: Housing, education, cultural battles atop conservative agenda in Florida

Legislation filed by Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book would ban dogs (see how it works?) from sticking their heads out of car windows and provide penalties for declawing cats, among other things. It was covered by NPR, the New York Post and the Hill, for example. 

Book’s bill, however, isn’t the only makes-you-go-hey-now piece of legislation filed for the 60-day legislative session, which starts March 7. Here are five other, not-yet-prime-time bills that might get some airtime this year: 

Pets need lawyers, too

Just when you thought all the “pet legislation” for the year had been filed, here’s another one: How about giving animals the ability to have an attorney?

Sponsored by GOP Sen. Jennifer Bradley (who’s a lawyer) and Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross, bills (SB 1006, HB 989) would allow courts to order a separate advocate to be appointed to represent the “interests of justice” in any civil or criminal proceeding regarding the welfare or custody of an animal. It aims to allow the appointed advocate to monitor the case, aid in fact-finding, attend hearings, and present recommendations to the court.

Cross said it’s a necessary step to protect animals that have been subjected to abuse or neglect. “For many of us, our pets are family. However, there continue to be horrific instances of animal mistreatment and neglect in our state. These animals deserve a voice and this bill will ensure that there is a trusted advocate that can represent the interests of justice,” she said in a statement.

It’s the ‘Rush Limbaugh Way’

It’ll be “Rush’s Way” in Florida if Sen. Blaise Ingoglia gets his way. His bill (SB 982) would change the name of the portion of Cortez Boulevard between State Road 50 and U.S. 41 in Hernando County to “Rush Limbaugh Way.” 

Limbaugh, an iconic conservative radio talk show host for over 30 years, has no personal connection to Hernando County, though he did call Palm Beach home for decades. He died in 2021. Ingoglia, a Republican who lives in Hernando County, told WFLA that Limbaugh still had a significant influence on the area. 

“He left an imprint on the people in Hernando County. … WWJB in Brooksville carried Rush Limbaugh for many, many years, so even though he didn’t live in Hernando County, he was a staple in Hernando County,” explained Ingoglia, who was also chair of the Republican Party of Florida.

What’s the matter with kratom?

Lawmakers for years have had a problem with kratom, an “herbal substance that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In 2017, the late Rep. Kristin Jacobs, a Coconut Creek Democrat, tried to add it to the state’s controlled substances list, famously using the term “just like Hitler” to refer to the kratom lobby. And it’s been targeted by the DEA. 

Now, bills (SB 136, HB 179) sponsored by Sen. Joe Gruters and Rep. Alex Andrade, both Republicans, would limit the sale of products that contain the Southeast Asian tropical tree to people over the age of 21. Several states already have age restricted it or banned it altogether. 

Kratom has no medical uses approved by the FDA, though some people use the herb to manage drug withdrawal symptoms and mental health problems, which has prompted research into its medicinal potential. 

If you’re a highway commuter, you’ll either love or hate this one

Proposed legislation would finally ban drivers from hogging the left lane on Florida’s Turnpike and other thoroughfares – but it doesn’t stop there.

Bills (SB 464, HB 421) by Sen. Keith Perry and Rep. Jenna Persons-Mulicka, both Republicans, ban driving in the left lane on roads, streets or highways with two or more lanes and that have at least a 65 mph speed limit. Use of the left lane would be permitted only when drivers are trying to pass, exit a highway, or are told to do so by road signs.

Eight other states already ban driving in the left lane on highways. Supporters of the legislation argue that it would promote safety; detractors say it will further congest Florida’s cramped roads.

A citizen’s arrest could get you arrested

There’s no law on the books in Florida allowing citizen’s arrests. And now a bipartisan bill filed for this session would actually outlaw the practice altogether.

Sen. Corey Simon and Rep. Christopher Benjamin filed matching bills (SB 812, HB 25) that would allow Floridians to detain someone for a suspected crime, but only if they are a law enforcement officer or on their property. The law is meant to settle any common-law confusion about citizen’s arrests, they say. 

Benjamin, a Democrat, has tried several times and failed to get the legislation passed. But each time, his Senate cosponsor was a member of his own party. This time he got Simon, a Republican, to sign on. And he’s in good with his chamber’s leadership: Even though he’s brand new, having just been elected for the first time in November, he received a chairmanship, usually reserved for senior members.