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Starting in September, motorists will save about $25 per vehicle under a roll-back of the state’s motor vehicle fees signed into law today. The 2009 fee hike and today’s rollback are generating some political sniping.

As Governor Rick Scott prepared to sign the vehicle fee roll back, he made it clear who he thought his likely 2014 opponent was responsible for the increase.

“In 2009 Charlie Christ raised this tax on all Florida families that have a car,” said Scott.

But many of those celebrating with Scott, including House Finance and Tax Chairman Rich Workman, were the same people who voted to raise the fees in 2009.

“So, I did what I thought was right at the time,” said Rep. Rich Workman (R-Brevard).

Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) says he held his nose five years ago.

“But we were given a stark choice of closing hospitals, closing schools and placing, we talk about vulnerable Floridians in even more jeopardy,” said Gaetz.

Landscaper Lee Hampton wasn’t aware of the Governor’s pending cut, but when asked how he felt about it, he said, “I feel very good about that. That’s good.”

The new lower fees kick in on September 1st, that’s Labor Day. And tax collectors expect a line around the block the next morning for people who delayed their August renewals.

One hundred eleven thousand people bought a tag last August. If they wait to renew, Santa Rosa Tax Collector Mike Nichols says they risk a ticket.

“Park the vehicle, don’t drive it,” said Nichols. “Come in and renew it in September and then you’re legal.”

People who register late do have a ten-day grace period for paying a late fee. The state says registering online September first will prevent people from being ticketed for an expired tag.

The Governor sent a letter today telling tax collectors not to offer a two year registrations again until after the fees go down. And budget writers called the idea of giving refunds to a half million people who will have a whole year on their tags when the fees are reduced as fiscally irresponsible.

Governor Rick Scott signed four bills this afternoon designed to make Florida the most unfriendly state for sex offenders and predators. It requires even homeless offenders to let police know where they spend their time.

Lauren Book was abused by her nanny, Chris Swinehart by his stepfather.

“My mom told me change the story and I didn’t think that was fair for her and for him to do that to me,” said Chris Swinehart.

Both came to the Capitol to see tough new sex offender legislation signed by the Governor.

“I want to thank you for hearing them. Thank you for hearing us,” said Book.

The legislation makes it easier to keep sex offenders in treatment after serving their prison sentences,

“No one has ever raped a child from the inside of a prison cell,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fort Walton Beach), “and that’s where many of these predators are going to spend a lot more time.”

It keeps them on probation after they are released, and makes them register any cars they might drive, their email addresses before they are used, and where they are living within 48 hours of a change.

“We wanted them to register,” said bill sponsor Sen. Greg Evers (R – Escambia), “we wanted to know even if they’re homeless and livin’ under a bridge. which end of the bridge do you live under?”

Hillsborough Detective Kat Poyner says the registration will make offenders think twice.

“I think that when they come in and they are registering and they realize all the different ramifications and sanctions that they are under,” said Poyner. “I think it makes them behave.”

The current law says the worst sex offenders can be sentenced for 25 years to life, the new law, a minimum of fifty. During the bill signing, a victim’s advocate held a picture of 9-year-old Cherish Perrywinkle who was killed last year. Had the new provisions been law back then, many believe Cherish would still be alive.

One in three sex offenders ends up back in prison within three years… but not necessarily for a sex crime.

A Senate bill allowing for in-state tuition for undocumented students cleared a huge hurdle today.  After barely passing its last committee, the proposal picked up some unexpected votes.

Mizael Huerta has no problem calling America home.

“This is the only home that we know, we grew up here, we weren’t born here but we grew up here,” said Huerta.

Huerta was born outside the US, but spent a majority of his life in Florida. He was one of dozens speaking out about a bill that would grant in state tuition to undocumented students. Opposing testimony got personal.

“They should return home and finish their education and help build a vibrant economy so their two main exports in the future are not just drugs and people,” said private citizen George Fuller.

The comment was too much for Senator Jeremy Ring. Ring called for the chairman to take control of the meeting. Ultimately, in-state tuition arguments are not what got the bill to pass.

Provisions capping tuition hikes were enough to sell swing vote Sen. John Thrasher.

“The bill has a number of good things in it. The other arguments about in-state have been made. It’s time to move on,” said Thrasher.

Bill sponsor Jack Latvala hopes the legislation opens the door for thousands of students in Florida.

“And maybe give them something better to do than being a dishwasher or a maid or something like that in a hotel. They can do anything,” said Sen. Latvala.

The bill passed with just two no votes. The Governor’s office is supporting the Senate version of the bill which caps tuition hikes. The House version still allows for 6 percent tuition increases, down from the current 15 percent.