User:Starrfruit/sandbox/1998-2000 Florida Legislature

The 1998-2000 Florida Legislature was the legislature of the U.S. state of Florida following the 1998 general election, occuring primarily during the first two years of Governor Jeb Bush's first term. (It began in the final weeks of Lawton Chiles' second term, and then the 25-day governorship of Buddy MacKay after Chiles' death.) It was the 16th legislature convened under the 1968 Constitution and the 79th since statehood in 1845.

In the November 3, 1998 elections, the Republican Party maintained their 25-15 Senate majority, with no seats changing hands, and increased their majority in the House of Representatives to 73-47, with Republicans capturing eight seats and Democrats one. These continued Republican majorities, combined with Bush's election, meant that this legislative term was the first since Reconstruction with unified Republican control over the two political branches of Florida's government.

The legislature met in four sessions: a one-day organization session on November 17, 1998; the 1999 regular session from March 2 to April 30; a special session held from January 5–7, 2000; and the 2000 regular session from March 7 to May 5.

Senate
Membership changed with two resignations and two subsequent special elections, but the chamber's party balance remained constant.

House of Representatives
Membership and party composition fluctuated with seven resignations, one death, and three party switches. Republicans netted two seats over the course of the term.

Major legislation and events
Following Jeb Bush's election as governor in 1998, Republicans had unified control over the Legislature and governor's mansion for the first time since Reconstruction. Republican control prompted a number of notable new laws.
 * The "10-20-Life" Law, which imposed stricter sentencing penalties for violent crimes involving a firearm