Sen. Tony Hill, head of the legislative black caucus, is working with Senate President Ken Pruitt on a resolution to have the Legislature apologize for the history of slavery in Florida.

Hill said the move is inspired in part by the 2006 film "Amazing Grace," a story based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, who fought in the British Parliament to end the slave trade in the British Empire.

Other states have made such apologies, but this would be a first attempt for Florida. And it's notable because the Senate leadership is involved, and is in talks with House leaders.

"Sen. Hill and Sen. Pruitt have been working together on this issue, which is very important to Sen. Hill," said Kathy Mears, Pruitt's spokeswoman. "We are also working with Speaker Rubio and his office on this matter. The resolution is a work in progress and under review."

Meanwhile, Sen. Gary Siplin might have beat Hill to the punch. He filed a proposed apology resolution (SB2808) late Monday "apologizing for the wrongs of slavery and expressing profound regret for Florida's role in slavery."