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Sending nude or semi nude photos to someone has become a trend that both kids and adults are doing. The “sexting” is meant to remain private.  If a vindictive ex posts the photo online for others to see without consent – an act known as revenge porn – there is no penalty in Florida. Sen. David Simmons bill would criminalize revenge porn.

“There are going to be a lot of people that are going to think twice about publishing these types of intimate photographs,” said Sen. Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs).

Some lawmakers are concerned that the bill is too harsh on 18 year olds in high school that are sending pictures back and forth. An 18 year old found posting a picture of a victim younger than 16 could face a first degree misdemeanor. Senator Audrey Gibson is concerned it could leave a permanent mark on a high school senior’s record.

“I think we need to make sure it’s harassment and it rises to the level of harassment and the level of being vindictive,” said Sen. Gibson (D-Jacksonville).

The bill had originally carried felony charges but has been amended down to misdemeanors.  The message from Florida remains the same: don’t press send.

The Florida Sheriff’s Association had pushed for stiffer penalties, but is still supporting the bill. Only California and New Jersey have revenge porn laws on the books.

More than a thousand people marched on the state Capitol today demanding a repeal of Stand Your Ground legislation. When they left, they left with a threat.

Led by the Reverend Al Sharpton, police estimate 1200 people came from as far as Miami with a common goal.

“We’re trying to amend the Stand Your Ground law,” said Virginia Lawrence of College Park, GA. “Can you imagine all the injustice?”

On stage, Congresswoman Corrine Brown (D-Jacksonville) called the state and Stand Your Ground “stuck on stupid.”

Trayvon Martin’s mother said she would not let her son die in vain. “Right is right and wrong is wrong,” said Trayvon Martin’s mother Sybrina Fulton. “Stand Your Ground is absolutely, positively wrong. And it has to be changed.”

And the mother of the Jacksonville teen killed over loud music said change must come. “It was a shady law known as Stand Your Ground that robbed his father and I of any hope for justice,” said mother of Jordan Davis, Lucia McBath.

The Reverend Al Sharpton told the crowd that Florida is “standin’ on shaky ground.” He said he’s here because this is where Stand Your Ground began. “It started in Florida. And we’ve come to start the ending of it in Florida.”

The biggest surprise came at the end: A call for boycotting two of Florida’s largest companies, Disney and Tropicana. That’s because the two support the group that pushed Stand Your Ground.

“And the small world is gon’ start crumblin’ down,” said Rev. Jamal Bryant. “And Tropicana, you gon’ feel the squeeze.”

As this was wrapping up, organizers say this was more than a march, this was a launch.

Organizers say they’ve given the companies until April 4th to help support the repeal or face the consequence. They chose that date in particular because it’s the day Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated.

Strict Federal and State laws ban guns by anyone who is not a cop in school zones. But a proposal to allow principals to pick a teacher or staff member to carry a gun on campus is gaining traction at the Capitol.

“We’ve absolutely made students a target, we didn’t plan on it that way, but that’s the way it’s turned out,” said Rep. Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala)

The hope is that arming  a teacher could prevent a tragedy like Sandy Hook from happening in Florida.

“We have a lot of people; national guard men and women, people that are in school andministration and school instruction that are perfectly equipped if we can empower them,” said Rep. Baxley.

The selected gun carrier would have to meet training requirements. The candidates would be former members of the military, police force, or anyone with a concealed weapons permit.

The bill isn’t getting any support from the Florida School Board Association.

“It allows young people to say ‘if my teacher has a gun or my coach has a gun why can’t I carry a gun?’ That is the wrong message for impressionable young students,” said Florida School Board Association Executive Director Wayne Blanton.

A bill from Rep. Baxley touts common sense punishment for kids who make guns out of pop tarts moved through the Capitol last week. Blanton says putting a real gun and not a pastry around kids could lead to more problems.

“I think that there would be more instances of things that would happen and could go wrong when more people have guns on campus,” he said.

Blanton’s solution: a school resource officer in every school in Florida.

Everyone running for office and everyone already elected would be subject to mandatory drug testing under legislation filed in Tallahassee. The idea is a direct outgrowth of a Florida Congressman who was caught with cocaine.

Trey Radel’s career was short and ended traumatically after he was caught with cocaine. After the bust in Washington, Radel’s constituents went to their State Representative, Dane Eagle (R-Cape Coral). He’s filed the Drug Free Public Officers Act.

The legislation requires everyone elected to Federal, state or local office, including judges, to submit a drug test within 60 days of the election. And failure to get a drug test is an automatic resignation.”

Eagle says he was surprised when he wasn’t tested after being elected. “When I was running for high school class president, I had to get drug tested,” Eagle said. “I worked at Walgreens, I was drug tested. I worked in the Governor’s office, I was. Now that I represent 160,000 people, I’m not?”

Governor Rick Scott is no stranger to drug tests. He’s pushed them for state employees and welfare recipients. He was even spoofed by a fake news crew from Comedy Central.

In December 2011, a Comedy Central reporter asked the Governor, “Would you be willing to pee into this cup to prove to Florida taxpayers that you’re not on drugs…”

We asked the Governor what he thought of the latest drug testing proposal. “I haven’t reviewed the bill, but look I think everybody in our state that’s running for or in office, should be held accountable,” the Governor said.

Eagle filed the bill on the last day to do so. “But I don’t think when it’s in front of them they would vote it down,” Eagle said. “I don’t know how they could.”

No hearings are scheduled and the bill has yet to be assigned a committee.

The bill specifically covers those in Congress, but it is unlikely it could be enforced. Courts ruled against the state when it wanted to impose term limits on Congress, saying state law could not take precedence over the US Constitution, which sets the qualifications for holding federal office.

The Dream Defenders were back at the Capitol for the opening of Legislative session, but none brought sleeping bags this time.

Group members made the Capitol their home from mid July to Mid August of last year. They were protesting the Trayvon Martin Verdict and Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law.  Now the Governor signed off on a new security plan that prevents similar sleepovers.

“The security plan was worked on through FDLE and Capitol Police, they’re responsible for this and it was a proposal they made and I signed off on it,” said Gov. Rick Scott (R-Florida).

Dozens of Dream Defenders slept outside the Governor’s office last summer, but under the new rules, the public will have to be out by 5 p.m.

Reverend RB Holmes was the vice chairman for the Governor’s Stand Your Ground task force. He supports the Dream Defenders and says the plan to ban overnight protests oversteps its bounds

“It sends a bad message that we’re going to try to settle or to cripple folks right to express their concerns as it relates to public policies,” said Rev. Holmes.

Even though they can no longer spend the night, the Dream Defenders plan on being very active for the 60 day legislative session.

“We feel like people need to have their voices heard during legislative session, so we’re bringing people here for legislative session,” said Ciara Taylor who runs the groups political affairs.

The House Speaker and Senate President have also signed off on the new security plan.  The public will be allowed at the Capitol after 5 p.m. if there are special events going on or if they are accompanied by someone with a Capitol Access Card.

Legislation inspired by a Maryland boy who was suspended from school for chewing his Pop-Tart into the shape of a gun has cleared the Education Committee of the Florida House. Students can wear gun related shirts but they still can’t threaten anyone.

A Maryland second-grader is the catalyst for Florida legislation after he chewed a pop tart into the shape of a gun. State Representative Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) says his bill isn’t about guns, but common sense.

“And hopefully it will be good guidance that will be helpful to them as they build their school policies,” said Baxley.

The legislation unanimously cleared the House Education Committee with no one testifying against it. Baxley says it will let kids be kids.

“It’s not hurting anybody, it’s just kids being kids and being at school,” said Baxley. “Those things are not disruptive and we shouldn’t overreact.”

The legislation lists a host of items that kids can have or do and not be suspended. Among them, young kids will be able to point their finger and go ‘bang’ and not get suspended.

Others include using a pencil to simulate a gun, wearing gun related non-offensive clothing, building blocks shaped like a gun, a toy gun that’s smaller than two inches, or drawing or having a picture of a gun.

School districts say there have been no instances of zero tolerance going too far in Florida, but the NRA says otherwise.

“A lot of parents don’t want the publicity, don’t want the embarrassment,” said Marion Hammer of the NRA. “And we’ve heard from folks who’ve had situations but said you can’t tell my story…”

In the legislation, schools retain the ability to discipline students who disrupt learning, cause actual harm, or make students afraid for their safety.

The technology that was once only seen in futuristic movies is here. Palm readers are being used in some schools in Florida, and lawmakers think the machines have to go.

“Your palm scan is something where we don’t know how that it can be used against you,” said Rep. Jake Raburn (R-Hillsborough County).

Rep. Raburn’s bill bans the use of things like palm readers in schools. The legislation wants to protect student privacy and prevent a scenario where someone could hack into a school and get children’s data.

The technology is already in use at some schools to speed up the lunch line.

Frances Gilbert of the Florida School Nutrition Association says the technology has successfully been used to expedite payment in packed cafeterias.

“If you’ve got 1700 students that you’re trying to move through a lunchline in 30 minutes or less and you’re taking 4 or 5 seconds per student it can eat up that time,” said Gilbert.

The school districts that use it are worried that if the bill becomes a law, they won’t have any time to implement something in place of the biometrics.

“We have to get rid of the old system, buy something new or do something different, train everybody and get started to do it the right way,” said Steve Swartzel who represented the Pinellas County Schools.

Giving schools more time could be on the table as the bill continues its move through the Capitol.

“We have one school district that’s using a system that collects biometric information, seeing if there’s a way to be able to logistically move forward,” said Rep. Raburn.

Florida’s department of education is supporting the effort to protect children’s privacy. The biometric ban would go into effect the day the bill becomes a law if it gets to that point. School districts requested at least until the start of next school year to implement something new.

Legislation moving through the capitol would make the Concealed Carry Weapon Permitting process faster. Representative Jamie Grant’s bill would allow local tax collectors to process applications, moving the responsibility from the Department of Agriculture.

“It just simply allows me to go to a tax collector and do it in person there rather than mailing it in, so no I don’t think it makes it any easier, it does make it more efficient,” said Rep. Grant.

Applicants right now have the option of mailing their application in or going to one of 8 regional department of ag locations in the state. The bill expands licensing to 67 tax collector offices.

The house bill would allow tax collectors to process the applications, but only if they choose to.

Indian River County Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan says the majority of tax collectors love the idea. She doesn’t see this as an easing up on the permitting process.

“Well I think that’s simply not true. The requirements are certainly the same as they’ve always been; we’re merely filling out an application making sure it’s done correctly,” said Indian River Tax Collector Carole Jean Jordan.

Florida has more than 1.2 million concealed carry licenses. The demand can be so high that the 8 regional locations can get bogged down, but the only dissenting vote for the bill in Wednesday’s committee Rep. Mark Pafford said he doesn’t think Tax Collectors need to step in.

“At least in Palm BeachCounty I’m not hearing that there is necessarily a problem in getting these. So I’m going to respectfully not support your bill,” said Rep. Pafford.

The NRA is supporting the legislation. The program would carry about $800 thousand dollars of start up costs funded by concealed carry license fees.

Legislation to make bullying a crime was approved by a Senate Committee today. Under the proposal, a first conviction would likely draw counseling from a judge, but a second bullying conviction could send someone to jail for a year.

Rebecca Sedwick jumped to her death last September after being severely bullied. Two teens were charged with aggravated stalking… but the charges were later dropped.

Now legislation moving at the state Capitol, likely to be named for Rebecca, will close the loophole that let those accused of bullying off, making it a misdemeanor to bully someone.

“People need to know that there are boundaries,” said Sen. David Simmons (R-Altamonte Springs). “And right now, there are a group of people who simply don’t believe that they have any boundaries, particularly on the internet.”

School districts find themselves in an awkward position. A lawsuit could be threatened against Rebecca’s school and the districts told lawmakers they are already being sued if they act and sued if they don’t.

“People who’ve said, you didn’t do enough to help my child in your school and I’m suing you,” said Robert Harris of the Panhandle Educational Consortium. “And we have cases over here where you have went too far and I’m suing you.”

Senators promised to work on the lawsuit problem, but kept the bill moving.

“Although they’re not following them around like stalking,” said Sen. Simmons. “But they are so abusive to another person that we need to say enough is enough.”

Someone convicted a first time could get 60 days and a small fine, but they are likely to get probation and mandatory counseling. Not so on a second offense. The second time could bring up to a year in jail and a thousand dollar fine.

The Senate bill has one more committee stop: Appropriations, but staff analysis already suggests that it will have little fiscal impact on the state budget.

Governor Rick Scott gave his fourth State of the State address today, pointing out how bad things were when he took office and how much they have improved since 2011. The Governor’s message is one of “Let’s Keep Working.”

Governor Rick Scott entered the State House Chamber to thundering applause, prolonged handshakes, back slapping and even a selfie.

The Governor spoke for 31 minutes, repeating the phrase, “Let’s Keep Working” nine times. As he has in campaign events, Rick Scott stressed how poorly the state was doing when he took office.

“Unemployment was above 11 percent. More than one million people in Florida were out of work,” said Scott. And how much better off Florida is today. “Jobs are coming back, career opportunities are growing, home values are improving.”

The Governor promised the keep college affordable. “We will hold the line on tuition,” he said.

And he told his life story of growing up in public housing. Reaction to the Governor’s speech was predictable based on your party afiliation.  Fellow Republican and Senate President, Don Gaetz, was supportive

“I think the state of the state is good and improving, we’re headed in the right direction, and I think this Governor deserves a lot of the credit for it,” said Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Niceville).

But many Democrats weren’t so kind. “When you look at the unemployment rate drop,” said Carl Zimmerman (D-St. Petersburg), “the number one complaint I get in my office is that the website is not working and I wonder how many of numbers are real and how many of those numbers are people that have just been forgotten.”

The watchwords of this sixty-day election year: keep controversy to a minimum.

Governor Rick Scott gave his fourth State of the State address today, pointing out how bad things were when he took office and how much they have improved since 2011. The Governor’s message is one of “Let’s Keep Working.”

Governor Rick Scott entered the State House Chamber to thundering applause and prolonged handshakes back slapping and even a selfie.

He spoke for 31 minutes, repeating the phrase “Let’s Keep Working” nine times.

As he has in limited campaign events, he stresses how poorly the state was doing when he took office.

Governor Rick Scott entered the State House Chamber to thundering applause, prolonged handshakes, back slapping and even a selfie.The Governor spoke for 31 minutes, repeating the phrase

“Let’s Keep Working” nine times.

As he has in campaign events, Rick Scott stressed how poorly the state was doing when he took office.

“Unemployment was above 11 percent. More than one million people in Florida were out of work”

And how much better off Florida is today.

“Jobs are coming back, career opportunities are growing, home values are improving” reiterated the Governor

And rick Scott promised the keep college affordable, telling lawmakers “We will hold the line on tuition.”

And he told his life story of growing up in public housing.

Reaction to the Governor’s speech was predictable based on your party afiliation.  Fellow Republican and Senate President, Don Gaetz, was supportive

“I think the state of the state is good and improving, we’re headed in the right direction, and I think this Governor deserves a lot of the credit for it” says Gaetz.

But many Democrats weren’t so kind. State Representative Carl Zimmerman of St. Petersburg says  “When you look at the unemployment rate drop, the number one complaint I get in my office is that the website is not working and I wonder how many of numbers are real and how many of those numbers are people that have just been forgotten”

The watchwords of this sixty-day election year… keep controversy to a minimum.

It was Moral Monday at the state Capitol today. Hundreds of people representing unions, the NAACP, and others voiced concerns about the direction of the state. Their ultimate agenda is change at the ballot box.

There are an estimated 500 people who showed up from all parts of Florida who are concerned about three basic issues: voter suppression and giving convicted felons the right to vote once they pay their debt, they want to repeal stand your ground, and they want to expand Medicaid so working poor have health insurance.

“We, you and I, have learned through experience that what is legal is not always the equivalent of what is moral.” said Bishop AJ Richardson of AME Church. “Slavery was lawful but it wasn’t moral. Jim Crow was legal but it was immoral. And we are still living with the consequences of those laws. The legacy still persists in education and economic achievement gaps.”

The three hour rally voiced concerns about voting rights, medical care and Stand Your Ground.

Leon Russel, from NAACP addressed voting rights, “Every person no matter their previous incarceration, has an opportunity to full citizenship, participation in this state.”

Sen. Chris Smith (D-Broward) addressed medical care, “We no longer have white hospitals and black clinics. We have insured and uninsured.”

US Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Jacksonville) addressed Stand Your Ground, “How can you shoot and kill an African American youth and walk, and do a warning shot and get 60 years?”

One speaker pointed out this would have been the first election Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis could have voted.

“We can help Trayvon Martin get home. We can help Jordan Davis get home,” said Rep. Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee). “The only way we can do that, is by voting.”

Most rallies like this take place on the opening day of the legislative session, but this one jumped the gun by a day. The participants were urged to return to the Capitol often during the 60 day session and to not forget who did what come election day.

Americans for Prosperity also rallied at the Capitol late today and will spend the next three days pushing a conservative agenda.

60 days of bills, meetings, and maybe some new laws await Florida legislators.  The 2014 session starts Tuesday, with everything from Pot to Pensions on the table for lawmakers to consider.

The Senate’s Democratic Caucus laid out its session priorities Monday. The state’s budget is always priority one. Dems will support a proposed rollback for 2009 tag fees, but slammed the “historic education budget” that Governor Rick Scott is touting.

“We have not gotten back to our historical highs of over $7,000 per student,” said Miami Democratic Senator Dwight Bullard.

Medical marijuana will get high consideration from the House and Senate.  A ballot referendum will be decided by voters in November. Something that some members of the legislature view as going too far.

“Those proponents have used children with seizures and dying patients as bait to get folks to vote for a far more permissive and, I think, ill-advised amendment,” said Senate President Don Gaetz.

Red light cameras, gun laws, and gaming will all be dissected by members of both chambers over the next two months.

The Senate Gaming Committee will take a gamble on expanded gaming. A three bill package includes the creation of “the Department of Gaming Control” and would allow Las Vegas style resort casinos that could offer blackjack and other table games.

“Leave it up to the people of the counties to decide whether they want to bring in this new business, or whether they want to expand the gaming that’s already in their county, or they don’t want it at all,” said committee Vice Chair Sen. Maria Sachs.

By the time the hanky drops on the 2014 session, Florida is expected to have more than 200 new laws.