DCF

Taylor Hatch was expected to appear before the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee earlier this week but was postponed due to time.

Shevaun Harris got through her hearing, but Taylor Hatch's appearance before the Ethics and Elections Committee was postponed because of time constraints.

Members of the Statewide Council on Opioid Abatement said they have raised questions about the spending for more than a year but have received no answers, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

In a class-action lawsuit, the judge barred the state from terminating benefits of people for financial-eligibility reasons unless it provides "adequate notice."

Beginning Jan. 1, SNAP recipients in Florida will no longer be able to use the benefit on soda, energy drinks, candy or prepared desserts like packaged cakes and cookies.

The law will improve access to mental health care in rural and underserved schools.

The "critically missing" youths, ages 9 to 17, are receiving treatment and housing after Operation Dragon Eye, a two-week initiative involving federal, state and local law enforcement and organizations.

Senate Ethics and Elections Chair Don Gaetz said that questions surrounding Hope Florida and its foundation contributed to his decision to hold off on considering the nominations at his committee’s final meeting.

In addition, outgoing DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris introduced the use of enhanced screening tools to assist in recognizing the potential for youth trafficking.

The proposal would result in recruiting case managers, combatting child sex trafficking, and creating a professional foster care pilot program.

Before leading DCF, Harris spent nearly two decades with AHCA in several roles, including acting secretary, administering Florida's Medicaid program.

The state discovered a glitch in its Medicaid eligibility system. The problem, alleged in court testimony, led to new mothers wrongly losing their insurance coverage.