2017 Florida Legislative Session

Week 7 of 9

Week 7 was a difficult week in Tallahassee.  Emotions were raw following the deaths of 17 students and teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida last week.  Several legislative leaders traveled to Parkland to speak with victims and their families, and upon returning were clearly impacted by the loss.  Legislative leadership, including Speaker Corcoran, Senate President Negron and Governor Scott have been working to draft legislation intended to thwart shootings like this at schools in our state.  This, along with passing a balanced budget, will be the priority as we close the 2018 Session.

Budget negotiations are slowly getting started.  In order to end the Session on time the state budget would need to be placed on legislator's desks in 12 days, a tall order under normal circumstances.  It looks likely they will, at a minimum, need an extended session to complete their work.  Progress made on the budget during Week 8 will decide if they need to extend session or call a special session later in the year.

UF/IFAS Geomatics Education - state budget

HB 5001 - not included in Senate budget

HB 5001 includes $636,120 in nonrecurring state funds to the UF/IFAS Geomatics Education Program. 

DSL Funding - state budget

HB 5001 - SB 2500

Both House and Senate spending plans include $500,000 for restoration of corners under line item 1543 on contracted services.

Licensure Fees for Veterans and Surviving Spouses (includes changes to 472)

HB 29 by Rep. Ponder (R-Destin) - SB 1884 by Sen. Broxson (R-Pensacola)

This legislation changes requirements in specific professions for veterans and surviving spouses.  Section 6 and Section 7 of this legislation opens Chapter 472.015 & 472.016 to waive initial license fees for surviving spouses, current members of armed forces or their spouses or a surviving spouse of a veteran who died in active duty.

HB 29 passed the House by a vote of 115-0.  SB 1884 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by unanimous vote and is on the Senate 2^nd Reading Calendar.

Deregulation Legislation

HB 15 by Rep. Beshears (R-Monticello) - SB 526 by Sen. Brandes (R-St. Petersburg); SB 1114 by Sen. Brandes on Professional Regulation

The bill removes hair braiders, hair wrappers, body wrappers, nail polishers, makeup applicators, boxing announcers, and boxing timekeepers from DBPR regulation.  Additionally, the bill reduces some licensing, training and scope of practice for specified professions.  The bill does NOT include surveying and mapping.  Section 34 of the bill does open up Ch. 287.055 to a conforming change.

HB 15 has passed the House and been referred to committees in the Senate.  SB 536 is stuck in the Senate Commerce Committee but the deregulation language has been included in SB 1114 by Sen. Brandes which is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee during Week 8.    

BILLS ON LIFE SUPPORT

Statewide Procurement Efficiency Task Force

SB 368 by Sen. Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) - HB 111 by Rep. Albritton (R-Wauchula)

The bill would create a 14-member Statewide Procurement Efficiency Task Force to evaluate the effectiveness and value of state and local procurement laws and policies.  Members are to be appointed by July 31, 2018 with a final report to the Governor, President of the Senate and Speaker by July 1, 2019.  The Task Force would terminate December 31, 2019.   

Veterans Identification (includes changes to 472)

HB 107 by Rep. Williamson (R-Pace) - SB 328 by Sen. Baxley (R-Ocala)

This legislation would create a veteran identification card to be used as proof of veteran status.   Section 2 of this bill makes changes to Chapter 472.015 on licensure to allow for use of a veteran identification card.