Sansom House hearings pushed back

House hearings into Rep. Ray Sansom's dealings with Northwest Florida State College will not begin until August and could be put off even longer as a criminal trial awaits.

Rules chairman Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, originally wanted to hold an organizational session later this month but is now looking at the first week of August. The reason: members of the panel have been traveling. Galvano said today that the first day will be informational only, with the panel reviewing the process and options. It is unclear when actual work could begin, Galvano said, because of the trail and a pending Commission on Ethics review.

Sansom's lawyers could seek a delay out of concern that Sansom could make statements that affect his trial, tentatively scheduled to begin Sept. 29. "In order for us to do a complete investigation, we would need his cooperation, but his attorneys may raise a Fifth Amendment issue," Galvano said.

In other matters, the State Attorney's Office on Friday got a search warrant approved to look at Sansom's state-issued laptop (background here). The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will examine the computer for e-mails and other records related to his dealings with the college.

Sansom's legal woes have cost him in the smallest of ways. Because he missed numerous days last session, he must "repay" the state $281 in per diem expenses. In order to qualify for the full $4,256, a legislator must be in Tallahassee at least 32 days. Sansom was around for 26 days, according to records.

But the Destin Republican will not have to write a check. The money would be deducted from his next per diem advance. The practice is not unheard of as some legislators get sick or have extended absences.