Sen. Garrett Richter discusses the opening of the 2014 legislative session

On this week’s “Florida NewsMakers” program produced by Sachs Media Group, Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter sits down with Trimmel Gomes to discuss the opening of the 2014 legislative session.

 Noting the Senate’s swift passage of bills to strengthen sexual predator laws, Richter said, “As part of the work plan that both the (Senate) President and the (House) Speaker defined for this session, the first item on that work plan was to protect Florida’s vulnerable citizens – the young, the elderly and disabled – so we went right to work,” the Naples Republican said. Because of a looming deadline for a new gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Richter – who is also chair of the Senate’s Gaming Committee – says overhauling the state’s gambling laws is a top priority.

“We’ve got some components of this compact that need to be renegotiated, so what better time to take a look and address this patchwork of regulations that has developed and expanded over the years with inconsistencies and inaccuracies.” Richter also discusses the need for additional litigation reform, along with new efforts to make Florida the most military-friendly state through the Florida GI bill.