[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6257857,"mediaKeyId","3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543","parentId",3151992,"title","Senate endorses bill allowing gold and silver coin as recognized legal tender pending agency rules","audioSeconds",186,"startMs",3839000,"endMs",4025000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543&start=3839&end=4025","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543/thumbnail_3839000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6257857/Florida/Senate-endorses-bill-allowing-gold-and-silver-coin-as-recognized-legal-tender-pending-agency-rules","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257857-faf7dd54a685c6959ee09f95f92daf2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770954753&Signature=ArRgoy35bbrKTAhyTcXKmmw9KbFjEvC8CBTgDQvD0Zsa11MBnq70t~R1fvPSxp7gafJKvfY8oRvAspSElxu1NCApAd42s9f7ZyzvlbguTByn6dvkuDcz48oOHUQIIGTrzT4XVq-WnqIlqufvCcxPXpQIXG9P5~Mc9xEQTQ5zRfuVZpitgDk-FUqUjXoELSvFeNm2cPVv~PftvZ1xim7TgmqfY2N~tc6wYASPjWxi5jchujK5GQLKJHKaEPF8iJ3kHRjCo3Op4f0J0W~BhCw5py7YcdqKutYdvkwkezazYL0qVZNu6BJOa2HCMDGNMEM05pFqDmeyrIheU41AsOMB1A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Florida State Legislature","date","2025-04-29T00:00:00Z","article","The Senate passed Committee Substitute for House Bill 999 (substituted for Senate Bill 132), which recognizes gold coin and silver coin as legal tender in Florida under a framework that requires regulators to produce implementing rules subject to legislative ratification.

Senator Rodriguez, sponsor of the measure, said the bill recognizes gold and silver coin as legal tender for payment of debts while clarifying that custodians handling gold/silver must be licensed money transmitters and meet consumer‑protection requirements (insurance, separate ledgers, disclosures). The measure also specifies that banks and financial institutions are not required to accept gold or silver deposits and are not liable for refusing services related to them.

Implementation: the bill directs the Chief Financial Officer and the Financial Services Commission to develop rules and submit them to the Legislature by November 1, 2025; those rules must be ratified before taking effect. The bill sets a delayed effective date (July 1, 2026) to allow agencies and the Legislature to act. The Senate adopted the house substitute and passed the bill 38–0.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Senate in Session 4/29/2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","Senators approved House Bill 999 (substituted for SB 132), recognizing gold and silver coin as legal tender under specified conditions and directing the Chief Financial Officer and regulators to draft implementing rules for legislative ratification.","taxTitle","Senate, Legislative, Florida","taxId",25412,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6257862,"Senate OKs 'Spectrum Alert' to help find missing children with autism",331,2438000,2769000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543&start=2438&end=2769","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543/thumbnail_2438000.jpg","/articles/6257862/Florida/Senate-OKs-Spectrum-Alert-to-help-find-missing-children-with-autism","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257862-eac03b803b5ea415128ac42f112051e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770954753&Signature=MdZLatEILSu-5I25rvjviK3zE9D18KwCKwskS-xGFX-G7-BYkF7-bFbKUUk9pgB0RPvmirQZpwb54dy6aXv5wuJxcyaCR2gmfjGatmY190SO3pbKGcQadJeWMZHaYfgjwX3SHTI3hUO37eC1VarHlXWqivS6F63eBD6rA1XppxAK7RqL4XPW9t0hYxR2W5QPDdXWiCw5OzUvnn3ZSSmbbqnr5TRYWTCgJJZ8QmCi26KGhbUUeyv9MvChFQiKgz5W6ZgKSuNl~5wTLVAxzT9fyb0c6zKT5Ed1Ov~wykWtubUb7SiRewT7UK1cNZ7Thbrien3L6DArhwpECAcj5FN8MA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florida Senate unanimously passed House Bill 711 (substituted for CS/CS/SB 500), creating a standardized Spectrum Alert system for missing children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Senator Avila, the sponsor, said the bill requires the Department of Law Enforcement to work with the Department of Transportation, Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles, the Lottery and local law enforcement to establish an alert protocol compatible with existing public alert systems. Agencies must develop a training program that includes crisis intervention team training for law enforcement, to help officers de‑escalate interactions and respond effectively when a reported missing child has ASD.

Senator Berman told the floor the new system expands previous 'purple' alerts to include children, citing data that children with ASD frequently 'elope' and can be at high risk near water or traffic. The Senate adopted an amendment making the house bill identical to the senate bill and adding nonrecurring funds of $190,000 for implementation; the Senate version sets a full implementation date of July 1, 2026. The measure passed the Senate 37–0.","Senators approved House Bill 711 (substituted for CS/CS/SB 500), establishing a 'Spectrum Alert' and training for law enforcement and partner agencies to respond to missing persons with autism spectrum disorder; bill includes $190,000 nonrecurring implementation funds in the Senate version.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6257867,"Senate passes tougher sentencing and searchable FDLE database for aggravated animal cruelty",395,1974000,2369000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543&start=1974&end=2369","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543/thumbnail_1974000.jpg","/articles/6257867/Florida/Senate-passes-tougher-sentencing-and-searchable-FDLE-database-for-aggravated-animal-cruelty","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257867-d596340aaa63760e6bed433bef321044/orig.mp4?Expires=1770954753&Signature=Vw~B1TwUabKrsoKvMSSHiCnBpGEzuCX1Q8Ylhhk6OlPlPhC20WqgiiqkHY6ebQhEiPcNfB1S2kuSIj7iOMiUlhH5wgiWdMmpd2Z2y7PDwCvg6btJorFHwzkEfHHuG-l~G61mnYt9MQAZB9qmrVUCY0FQZ8eH-cww2LU29tW22JTR7g-Q4MNnIsvMnt4XuKD365f4d~tm-npgCdF5PYwVUlnRVZuZlV0Xg2csMw9S21~5cZ6Cj673hvYlqGmc3r9K-6OlBsxBqCI5WOdeDgxg~k2ctnQgbAwU-s928Co-7IeUJvSlpMXZSVGL6Kc4O3LrLCcEHnx6~x2mF7QECdG9TA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florida Senate passed Committee Substitute for House Bill 255 (substituted for CS for SB 494), increasing penalties for aggravated animal cruelty and adding a publicly searchable database maintained by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).

Sponsor Senator Leake explained the bill increases the sentencing score for aggravated animal cruelty by applying a 1.25 multiplier, moving the offense from 28 to 35 points on the criminal punishment code score sheet so that judges have a higher minimum sentence threshold. The measure also directed FDLE to post a searchable registry of people convicted of crimes of animal abuse to help animal welfare organizations screen potential adopters and to inform the public.

An amendment offered by Senator Arrington conformed the house and senate versions and specified public access language; senators debated sealing and expungement questions, juvenile exemptions and whether convictions would be permanent. Sponsors said convictions would be treated similarly to other convictions — existing sealing/expungement law would apply. The bill passed the Senate 37–0.

What changes: higher sentencing points for aggravated animal cruelty (1.25 multiplier), a requirement for FDLE to create and maintain a searchable database accessible to the public and animal welfare organizations, and conforming language to ensure the database aids shelters and individuals in vetting potential adopters.","Senators approved a bill raising sentencing points for aggravated animal cruelty and directing the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to maintain a searchable database of animal abusers to assist shelters and the public; amendments clarified public access and sealing/expungement treatment of convictions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6257872,"Senate adopts new rules for mitigation banking and credit accounting amid litigation concerns",366,1577000,1943000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543&start=1577&end=1943","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543/thumbnail_1577000.jpg","/articles/6257872/Florida/Senate-adopts-new-rules-for-mitigation-banking-and-credit-accounting-amid-litigation-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257872-f6a8dcfea0b4b33ae651589f02a5ce10/orig.mp4?Expires=1770954753&Signature=c~FlKmgheSbOCsiDgZUo97OR-aUpNMhgJJq95pR2v14uWKEowaSx0SwrN-d4UvdtXFneVLTsG1RNDjJZFyO~3IwxKPg10r85vSiFsqp~ack-CPlHvz4ZAlJp0h5eYp-mx9vA7uk~jFJNq6HnxbRMfzHdw7vMCzWkrs0yem24ZwBk5c5cMOKnrRtjy76Rns51bfYToCoqR2aRLU4-PIYvZyRLKyaVESMVoS2nbpFcO1v8yigSDrR4HYMqV-KRlfTDXqpQRWdn8iJS29LY4pup16actVv6TPRr~D-9iaQj85EfHLmMS~CM5RhrL6agRYWqk6cWGlANVDLj6Fls-~gHAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senators passed Committee Substitute for Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 492, a land‑development measure that revises how mitigation banks and out‑of‑service credits are handled in Florida's permitting process.

Sponsor Senator McLean said the bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection and water management districts to determine mitigation service areas before out‑of‑service credits are used, prioritizes mitigation banks whose permitted service area includes the impact site, clarifies how proximity factors are applied, and requires DEP or a water management district to contact mitigation banks to get accounting of available credits. The bill also shortens the time frame that applicants may rely on the termination of credit availability.

Senators asked detailed questions about whether credits from far‑away basins (e.g., Panhandle versus Orlando) could be used and whether the changes would invite constitutional litigation. Leader Berman said he had concerns about potential legal challenges; Senator McLean argued the bill’s intent is to keep mitigation credits available near impact sites and to avoid litigation by ensuring credit availability in basins.

Floor action: amendments were adopted (including language addressing phosphate mining lands and a process for landowners to record notice and receive a radiation survey), and the bill passed on the floor with a recorded vote of 35 yeas and 3 nays. Sponsors said the measure aims to protect both development needs and environmental outcomes.","Senate Bill 492, affecting mitigation banking and use of credits across basins, passed with amendments and drew bipartisan questions about constitutionality and legal challenges; the bill passed 35–3.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6257877,"Senate approves requirement for statewide comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan",150,1415000,1565000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543&start=1415&end=1565","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151992-41950d5fa891ed1fd9f09042d61dc543/thumbnail_1415000.jpg","/articles/6257877/Florida/Senate-approves-requirement-for-statewide-comprehensive-waste-reduction-and-recycling-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6257877-19b311f0a77cff2faa061f7e96dfd66f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770954753&Signature=WuMpYR3XtAus9~B1flgi5XS0nEtbb882-igzPmNvTa50dJzgAh1Ij~Gm~7xvuE7OZxDgCev2iI6rWWtsGj9eE2KyRhM74SUOlz6ewK0~4pWpWxafJI2w6RP5r~59UAIcOHPUSyck-ZjgkVnvitLJx7kOVIm3stE7Hq39X29Q42T-gHVbuTpORJvpRXDNHvmmxdfsK3KgW9Jj5CoBUH8jr0eQp8dvxxtypaUFVLpsR7d7TZnElZcfFUcHXPfZROAUnaMVpaBW6h~tBBfadO4nMviob9tbBaqTPl9beeXMKZgAlMptX9Wug7k91RExH3ADu9yUi7HGDmJzprBGZPW~Ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Florida Senate on a unanimous vote adopted House Bill 295 (substituted for Senate Bill 200), directing the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan and submit it to the Legislature by 2026.

Senator Berman, sponsor in the Senate, told colleagues the bill requires DEP to convene a technical assistance group made up of the Florida recycling work group, local governments and other stakeholders to build on the department's 2020 recycling goals report. The plan must include updated recycling goals grounded in sustainable materials management and a three‑year implementation roadmap that emphasizes education, market development for recyclable materials and evaluation of state recycling grant programs.

Supporters argued the bill aims to save local and state costs, protect the environment and provide consistent, accountable recycling goals. There was no recorded floor opposition. The Senate substituted the house companion, read the bill a third time and recorded 38 yays, 0 nays; the measure passed the Senate.

What it means: DEP will now lead a coordinated effort with local and industry partners to produce a statewide plan that identifies measurable goals and implementation steps. The legislation sets a statutory deadline for completion and requires the plan to be delivered to the Senate president and House speaker.

Votes at a glance: Senate — House Bill 295 (substituted for SB 200) — Passed 38–0.","The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 295 (substituted for SB 200), directing the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a statewide comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan, including updated goals and a three‑year roadmap by 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Senate endorses bill allowing gold and silver coin as recognized legal tender pending agency rules

Senate OKs 'Spectrum Alert' to help find missing children with autism

Senate passes tougher sentencing and searchable FDLE database for aggravated animal cruelty

Senate adopts new rules for mitigation banking and credit accounting amid litigation concerns

Senate approves requirement for statewide comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan