I am appalled to read about SB 1316, proposed by state Sen. Jason Brodeur, which would require bloggers or anyone who receives payment for writing about Florida government officials, to register with the Florida Office of Legislative Services or the Commission on Ethics within five days of publication mentioning that official.
The provision is one clause in a bill that mostly deals with new rules for publishing legal notices. The Governor proudly advertises about Florida being “free” and “open,” while his party stalwarts propose ever more restrictions. This proposal reeks of McCarthyism and the first step toward black lists. Didn’t we learn that lesson 70 years ago? Big Brother will be watching.
Pamela Maldonado, Loxahatchee
