TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Florida legislators hope quick passage of bills that are high priorities for the House and Senate leaders signals an improved working relationship after last year's session meltdown.
The House Thursday passed a major water bill to protect and restore springs and waterways and a package of bills for educational and career aid for the intellectually disabled. The water bill was a priority of House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, and the disability package is the signature issue of Senate President Andy Gardiner.
The bills passed the Senate Wednesday, so they'll now go to Gov. Rick Scott for signature. Meeting reporters together after the session, Gardiner and Crisafulli said the action sets the tone for a harmonious session. Acrimony between the two houses led to several legislative failures last year.
