May 22, 2013
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Two constitutionally questionable measures are among about 150 new Florida laws going into effect Sunday.
One permits inspirational messages in public schools that could include prayers. The other bans state and local governments from hiring companies doing business in Cuba and Syria.
A federal judge already has at least temporarily blocked the Cuba-Syria law. But legal action may not be necessary to negate the inspirational message statute.
Wayne Blanton, executive director of the Florida School Boards Association, says he doesn't expect any districts to risk a lawsuit by implementing it.
Other new laws crack down on no-fault auto insurance fraud and enlarge the governor's power over state rule-making.
