ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN The Florida Supreme Court, on a 4-1 vote, has ruled that the proposed language of a constitutional amendment banning assault rifles does not meet requirements to go before the voters in 2022. The summary language, according to the majority, misleads voters on the true intent of the amendment.
RODMAN DAM A federal judge has upheld his decision to dismiss a plaintiff request to remove the Rodman Dam and restore the Ocklawaha River. The judge ruled that the court had no authority over permitting decisions of the U.S. Forest Service.
SEXUAL OFFENDER STATUTE A convicted child molester uncovered a gaping loophole in Florida’s sexual offender statute. The man, who served a 12-year prison sentence, challenged the state designating him as a sexual offender. The 2nd District Court of Appeal has agreed with a lower court’s decision that since the man has not paid a $10,000 fine, he does not fit the definition of such an offender. A legislative fix will need to be made to correct the statute wording.
PARKLAND MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY Florida’s 4th District Court of Appeal has concurred with a lower court ruling that a mental health facility, which provided services to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooter, be dismissed from a lawsuit alleging negligence.