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On Tap in the Capital Wednesday, April 5, 2017

By The News Service of Florida

Legislature:

EMERGING LEADERS EVENT HELD: Rep. Al Jacquet, D-Lantana, will host an "Emerging Future Leaders Summit" for students from 10 high schools. Also expected to take part is Rep. Ramon Alexander, D-Tallahassee. (8 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

HOUSE BUDGET CONSIDERED: The House Appropriations Committee will take up the House's proposed budget (PCB APC 17-01) for the fiscal year that starts July 1. (9 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

NURSING HOME GROUP BACKS SENATE PLAN: The Florida Health Care Association will hold a media availability to discuss its support for a Senate plan about what is known as a "prospective payment" system. Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, is expected to take part in the media availability. (9 a.m., fourth floor, the Capitol.)

TAX CUTS ON THE TABLE: The House Ways & Means Committee will consider bills (PCB WMC 17-04 and PCB WMC 17-06) that would lead to a series of tax cuts. One of the bills seeks to raise the homestead exemption, while the other includes cuts to a tax on commercial leases. (9 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE BUDGET CONSIDERED: The Senate Appropriations Committee will take up the Senate's proposed budget (SPB 2500) for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Also, it is slated to consider a number of other bills, including a major water bill (SB 10) that is a priority of Senate President Joe Negron, R-Stuart. (10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

DEMOCRATS CRITICIZE 'STAND YOUR GROUND' BILL: Sen. Perry Thurston, D-Fort Lauderdale, Rep. Kamia Brown, D-Orlando, and other Democrats are expected to take part in a news conference to criticize a bill (SB 128) that would shift a burden of proof in "stand your ground" self-defense cases. (11:30 a.m., fourth floor, the Capitol.)

RELIGIOUS FREEDOM DISCUSSED: Rep. Robert Asencio, D-Miami, and Muslim leaders will hold a news conference to discuss religious freedom and encourage civic engagement. (12:15 p.m., fourth floor, the Capitol.)

GAMBLING, 'STAND YOUR GROUND' ON THE AGENDA: The House will hold a floor session and take up numerous bills, including a proposal (SB 128) that would shift a key burden of proof in "stand your ground" self-defense cases. Also, it will consider a proposal (SB 8) that focuses on reaching a new gambling agreement, known as a compact, with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. (2:30 p.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

RED MASS CELEBRATED: State leaders will take part in the annual Red Mass at a Catholic church in Tallahassee. Participants in the service are expected to include Rep. Kathleen Peters, R-Treasure Island, and Rep. Danny Burgess, R-Zephyrhills. (6 p.m., Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More, 900 West Tennessee St., Tallahassee.)

Also:

NURSING HOME PAYMENTS AT ISSUE: LeadingAge Florida and other groups will hold a news conference to oppose a potential "prospective payment system" for nursing homes. (8:30 a.m., Room 333, the Capitol.)

CABINET AIDES MEET: Aides to Gov. Rick Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater will discuss issues in advance of an April 11 Cabinet meeting. (9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

LAWYER REFERRALS CONSIDERED: The Florida Supreme Court will take up four cases, including changes proposed by The Florida Bar about for-profit lawyer referral services. (9 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)

BOARD OF PHARMACY MEETS: The Florida Board of Pharmacy is scheduled to meet in Hillsborough County. (9 a.m., Sheraton Tampa East, 10221 Princess Palm Ave., Tampa.)

CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS HONORED: Attorney General Pam Bondi will host a National Crime Victims' Rights Week ceremony. Gov. Rick Scott is expected to take part. (10 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

LAWSON FORMALLY JOINS SUPREME COURT: An investiture ceremony will be held for Justice Alan Lawson, who was appointed late last year by Gov. Rick Scott to the Florida Supreme Court. Lawson joined the court Dec. 31. (3 p.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)