Two animal cruelty bills, meant to protect animals across the state of Florida, were signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday.

Florida lawmakers have given final approval to creating new hurdles for getting citizen-driven initiatives on the ballot before voters.

Trooper’s Law, inspired by the Florida dog abandoned during Hurricane Milton evacuations and rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, will head to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk.

Trooper’s Law, inspired by the Florida dog abandoned during Hurricane Milton evacuations and rescued by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, moves along in the Florida Senate.

In a state so often divided along partisan lines, Democrats and Republicans alike were moved to tears as they gathered in the Florida capitol Thursday to honor the life and legacy of Democratic state Sen. Geraldine Thompson, a longtime legislator, civil rights legend and educator who died on Feb. 13 at the age of 76.