User:Starrfruit/sandbox/2008-10 Florida Legislature

The 2008-10 Florida Legislature was the legislature of the U.S. state of Florida following the 2008 general election, occurring during the final two years of Governor Charlie Crist's term. It was the 21st legislature convened under the 1968 Constitution and the 84th since statehood in 1845.

In the November 4, 2008 elections, the Democratic Party captured two seats in the House of Representatives while the Republicans gained one, resulting in a Republican majority of 76-44. No seats changed hands in the Senate, so the Republicans continued their 26-14 majority.

The legislature met in six sessions: a one-day organization session on November 18, 2008; a special session ("A") from January 5 to 16, 2009; the 2009 regular session from March 3 to May 8; a special session ("B") from December 3 to 11, 2009; the 2010 regular session from March 2 to April 30; and a special session ("C") from July 20 to 23, 2010.

Senate
There were two resignations, one death, and two subsequent special elections during the course of the 2008-10 term, but the party balance was not affected.

House of Representatives
Membership changed with nine resignations, two deaths, and ten subsequent special elections. Democrats lost one seat due to a party switch weeks after the 2006 elections, but picked up two seats in special elections.

Major legislation and events
Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Ray Sansom called a special session ("A") for January 5–16, 2009, to revise the state budget and adopt an economic stimulus package in response to the 2007-08 financial crisis.

The 2009 regular session resulted in several major pieces of legislation: Atwater and Speaker Larry Cretul called a second special session ("B") for December 3–11, 2009, to adopt legislation regarding passenger rail.
 * Law 1
 * Law 2

During the 2010 regular session, the legislature passed several significant new laws: Governor Charlie Crist called a special session ("C") for July 20–23, 2010, so that the Legislature could place a constitutional amendment banning oil drilling in Florida waters on the November 2010 ballot. The session ended without a resolution being passed, however.
 * Law 1
 * Law 2

Ray Sansom scandal
Speaker Ray Sansom was involved...