Advocacy Feed

Post-Session Advocacy Tip

Kathy Till — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 17:54:00 GMT

If you've not already done so, it's time to have "the meeting" with your legislator(s) to talk about their voting record during session. Schedule a one-on-one visit as soon as possible so you can talk privately. While this can be an awkward conversation, you CAN DO IT effectively without damaging your relationship. Here's how...

Public Private Partnerships - Urge Gov. Scott Veto HB 85!

David Cruz — Thu, 30 May 2013 20:39:00 GMT

The League strongly supports Public Private Partnerships (P3s), but oppose a state mandatory framework that preempts local flexibility. Click here to read the letter from the Florida League of Cities to Governor Scott requesting that he veto CS/CS/HB 85 (Steube) regarding Public Private Partnerships (P3). We are asking cities to contact Gov. Scott and request that he veto HB 85. Read more for additional details and contact information.

Live at the Capitol - Week 8

Scott Dudley — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 19:09:00 GMT

Watch our informative legislative session update video, Live at the Capitol, to find out what happened in Tallahassee each week of 2013 legislative session. We’ll produce a new Live at the Capitol video each week during regular legislative session, so check the website often for the most up-to-date information!

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Watch)

Ryan Matthews — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:47:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 375 (Roberson) and CS/SB 1160 (Bullard) extend local government building permits, permits issued by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a water management district, as well as any local government development order for a period of three years, if the permit has an expiration date of January 1, 2012, through January 1, 2016, and was issued for areas within the Florida Keys area of critical state concern.

FEDERAL FUNDING WORKSHOP

Allison Payne — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:53:00 GMT

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Federal Advocacy

Allison Payne — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:13:00 GMT

Click here for the 2012 Federal Action Agenda.

Policy Committee Packets for August 23, 2012

Rachel Busick — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:30:00 GMT

Through the League’s leadership, an inclusive council process develops an annual legislative action agenda of legislative priorities. The Municipal Home Rule Powers Act and the Florida Constitution provide that cities in Florida have the authority to govern themselves locally, independent of state control. Preserving Home Rule, educating citizens on this valuable right, and maintaining a focus on those issues that directly affect self-governance, service delivery and the quality of life of each municipality are essential goals of the Florida League of Cities. Read more to view the Policy Committee Packets for August 23, 2012.

FLC Proposed Resolutions for 2012

Allison Payne — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:46:00 GMT

Click here to view the Resolutions that we adopted by the FLC membership at the League's Annual Conference on August 25, 2012.

Our Team

Our Team — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:55:00 GMT

Calling All Advocates

Our Team — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:55:00 GMT

Monthly Advocacy Tips

Scott Dudley — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 19:44:00 GMT

Advocating for Home Rule is a key focus for the Florida League of Cities. The League has legislative advocates fighting for Home Rule daily, but nothing can replace the voice of our members. That's why the League has put together this list of monthly advocacy tips to help city officials advocate effectively.

2012 Legislative Session Final Report

Scott Dudley — Thu, 24 May 2012 20:42:00 GMT

This document summarizes key issues that the League tracked this session. Please feel free to contact the League should you require further information on these or any other bills for which you have an interest. To read the "2012 Legislative Session Final Report" click here.

2012 Federal Action Agenda

Allison Payne — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:32:00 GMT

For the Florida League of Cities 2012 Federal Action Agenda, please click here.

Energy

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:48:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 2094 (Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee) and CS/CS/HB 7117 (House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee) alter review of a utility’s 10-year site plan by the Public Service Commission by including the amount of renewable energy resources the provider purchases or produces, as well as the amount of renewable energy resources the provider plans to produce or purchase over the 10-year planning horizon. The bills offer a tax exemption on renewable materials (biodiesel, ethanol and renewable fuels) to a purchaser only through a refund of previously paid taxes.

Legislative Session Initial Overview

Scott Dudley — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:12:00 GMT

The League's lobbyists were successful in substantially mitigating the impacts of a number of bills that either preempted our home rule authority or imposed unfunded mandates on Florida’s cities. Thanks to all of you for your help in advocating on behalf of the League’s priorities. Your tireless efforts truly made the difference. The following is a brief synopsis of the key bills that were considered during the 2012 session.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:29:00 GMT

CS/HB 365 (Costello), CS/SB 910 (Hays) and CS/SB 2088 (Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee) provide the following reforms to city police and firefighter pensions: The bills amend Chapters 175 (fire pensions) and 185 (police pensions), Florida Statutes, to provide that the provisions of an agreement relating to retirement benefits or use of insurance premium tax revenues are deemed to comply with the provisions of Chapters 175 or 185 for all purposes.

Key Background Information on Federal Judge Ruling on EPA Florida Water Mandates

Ryan Matthews — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 17:01:00 GMT

Click "more" to find a memorandum from attorney David Childs, with the Hopping Green & Sams law firm in Tallahassee, regarding the Februay 18, 2012 ruling by Federal Judge Robert L. Hinkle related to the EPA's water mandates.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:30:00 GMT

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:09:00 GMT

Police and Firefighter Pension and Disability Presumption Reforms (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:14:00 GMT

HB 365 (Costello) and SB 910 (Hays) provide the following reforms to city police and firefighter pensions and disability presumptions: cities and police/fire are to collectively bargain for retirement benefits and use of the insurance premium taxes under Chapters 175 or 185, Florida Statutes

Police and Firefighter Pension and Disability Presumption Reforms (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:40:00 GMT

Legislative Session Initial Overview

Scott Dudley — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:54:00 GMT

FLC Legislative Text Alerts

Rachel Busick — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:36:00 GMT

To help city officials stay better informed on important legislative calls to action during session, the Florida League of Cities has implemented a legislative text alert program. This texting program will alert FLC members (who sign up) on important legislative alerts during session.

Police and Firefighter Pension and Disability Presumption Reforms (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:40:00 GMT

365 (Costello) and SB 910 (Hays) provide the following reforms to city police and firefighter pensions and disability presumptions: cities and police/fire are to collectively bargain for retirement benefits and use of the insurance premium taxes under Chapters 175 or 185, Florida Statutes;

Bills of General Interest

Scott Dudley — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:41:00 GMT

Each Friday during session, the Florida League of Cities publishes the Legislative Bulletin, which reports on our priorities and other key issues moving through the Legislature. The bulletin is emailed to League members and is posted online. Click here to read the most recent issue.
However, there are many others bills the League’s legislative advocates are “monitoring.” Click here for a list of those bills. If any are amended to have a more direct impact on cities or are scheduled for a hearing, they will be included in future issues of the Legislative Bulletin.

Meet the League's Legislative Team

Scott Dudley — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:46:00 GMT

Your League lobbying team will continue to advance the Legislative Action Agenda that you established for us concerning PROTECTING HOME RULE, pension reform, water quality and quantity, energy and a host of other issues that are important to Florida's cities. Read more to learn what issues each advocate handles.

Police and Firefighter Pension and Disability Presumption Reforms (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:01:00 GMT

Words from Scott Dudley, Legislative Director

Scott Dudley — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 20:59:00 GMT

The 60-day legislative session begins this year on Tuesday, January 10. Because 2012 is a reapportionment year, a significant amount of time and energy will be focused on redrawing the current legislative boundaries. The legislature will also be working to plug an estimated $1.5 billion budget hole and rebuild Florida's economy. Your League lobbying team will continue to advance the Legislative Action Agenda that you established for us concerning PROTECTING HOME RULE, pension reform, water quality and quantity, energy and a host of other issues that are important to Florida's cities.

2013 Issue Briefs

Scott Dudley — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:28:00 GMT

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Environmental Regulations Commission Approved Amended Rules for Numeric Nutrient Standards

Scott Dudley — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:47:00 GMT

STATEMENT FROM DEP SECRETARY HERSCHEL T. VINYARD JR. REGARDING OUTCOME OF ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS COMMISSION ADOPTION HEARING FOR NUMERIC NUTRIENT STANDARDS: “Today, the Environmental Regulation Commission unanimously approved amended rules for numeric nutrient standards for Florida, which will serve to protect our rivers, lakes, streams, springs and estuaries..."

FAST Fly-in to Washington, D.C. on May 8-9 2012!

Allison Payne — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:19:00 GMT

The FAST Fly-in is a federal advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., where attendees meet with members of Florida’s Congressional Delegation to discuss key federal issues that affect municipalities. The first scheduled event is a federal briefing at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8 at the Hotel Helix in Washington, D.C. Please respond via e-mail to Allison Payne by April 6, 2012 to let the League know if you can attend in order for us to coordinate meetings with your Member of Congress.

More Info

Beth Dolan — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 20:40:00 GMT

According to the Census Bureau report, “Federal Aid to States for Fiscal Year 2010,” released in September 2011, Florida ranks 48th in federal spending per person. Nevada ranks 49th and Virginia 50th.
The five states receiving the most federal spending per person are Alaska, Wyoming, Delaware, New Mexico and Vermont. The federal aid includes agriculture, education, transportation, housing and urban development, and other programs. Visit the Census Bureau website to read more.

More Info

Beth Dolan — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:53:00 GMT

Based on estimates from the Tax Foundation that combine state-local tax burden shouldered by the residents of each of the 50 states, Florida ranks 31st with a burden of 9.2 percent as a percentage of Florida personal income. The U.S. average is 9.8 percent of U.S. personal income.

For almost two decades, the Tax Foundation has published the “Residents’ State and Local Tax Burden” estimate. For each state, they calculate the total amount paid by the residents in taxes, and divide those taxes by the total income in each state to compute a “tax burden” measure.

On Tap at the Cap

Scott Dudley — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 21:12:00 GMT

The Environmental and Preservation Committee in the Senate met Wednesday, September 21 to discuss two very important issues pertaining to our members.

Who’s Really in Control of City Police and Fire Pensions?

Mike Sittig — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 19:11:00 GMT

Recently, in an article on pension reform, the Sun-Sentinel reported “Union leaders say administrators and elected officials have mismanaged (the city’s) funds and are trying to punish those who serve the city (police).” The clear implication from this is that the city somehow mismanaged or improperly invested the police pension and other assets, and is now trying to shift the blame for these bad investments to the police force. To that I say FOUL! Believe it or not, under current state law, the city has no authority to manage or invest the pension plan’s assets for police and fire employees.

League Legislative Conference

Rebecca O'Hara — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 14:34:00 GMT

Legislative Policy Committee meeting reminder:

Friday, September 16, 2011.

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

6000 W. Osceola Parkway

KIssimmee, FL 34746

2011-12 Legislative Policy Process

Rachel Busick — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:41:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities announces the start of its legislative policy process for 2011-12. In an effort to get more cities involved, the League is requesting that each city be represented on one or more of the League's legislative committees.

FLC Annual Conference

Scott Dudley — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 18:09:00 GMT

Plan on attending a regional league breakfast at the FLC annual conference? FLC legislative advocates are looking forward to greeting you!

Federal Action Strike Team - Legislative Alert!

John Thomas — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:49:00 GMT

FCC Notice of Injury Regarding Barriers to Broadband Deployment

Legislative Alert - Immediate Action Requested

Kraig Conn — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:53:00 GMT

Local regulation of firearms and ammunition: Penalties for violating state preemption CS/CS/CS/HB 45 (Rep. Gaetz) imposes a financial penalty on governments, elected officials, or staff that adopt policies or take enforcement action violating the existing state law preemption of firearms and ammunition regulation.

Gov. Scott signs budget, vetoes $615 million

Rebecca O'Hara — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:06:00 GMT

Read Gov. Scott's veto message here.

View Gov. Scott's complete list of vetoes here.

Legislative Links

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 16 May 2011 20:46:00 GMT

Legislative Links

Legislative Bulletin

Rebecca O'Hara — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:39:00 GMT

The Legislature adjourned sine die at 3:35 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2011. For more information, please refer to the Legislative Bulletin here. Also, be on the lookout for the Final Report, which will be published at the end of the month. Please call the Florida League of Cities if you have questions on any bill. Thank you for your advocacy!

2011 Legislative Session Adjourns

Rebecca O'Hara — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:05:00 GMT

The Legislature adjourned sine die at 3:35 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2011. For more information, please refer to the Legislative Bulletin, which is being updated with the most current information. Also, be on the lookout for the Final Report, which will be published at the end of the month. Please call the Florida League of Cities if you have questions on any bill. Thank you for your advocacy!

State Budget Summary

Mandy Stark — Sat, 07 May 2011 01:19:00 GMT

The Florida Legislature has passed the nearly $70 billion budget. The Legislature swept almost $530 million to close the $3.8 billion shortfall, including $194 million from what currently remains in the Sadowski Trust Fund. The House and Senate have also agreed to permanently redirect documentary stamp tax revenues from the Sadowski Trust Fund to the state’s general revenue. The agreement includes $308 million in tax relief, but most of it is in property tax. The largest piece of tax relief would come at the expense of the state's five water management districts. Their property taxes would be cut by $210.5 million. The budget includes a $1.4-billion cut to public schools and $700 million in cuts to Medicaid reimbursements. A three-day back-to-school sales tax holiday that would set the state back $25.6 million is also included.

Words from the Legislative Director

Mandy Stark — Fri, 06 May 2011 21:52:00 GMT

This is the final edition of the Legislative Bulletin for the 2011 session. The Legislature adjourned sine die at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7. Bills reported in this edition that remain pending will be updated by the lobbyists by Monday. Please check the Legislative Bulletin Monday for updates on pending bills. For a comprehensive summary of bills that passed or failed, please stay tuned for the League’s Final Report on the 2011 session. It will be published in late-May. Please contact the League if you have questions about the status of any bill.

Legislative Alert

Kenneth Pratt — Wed, 04 May 2011 13:51:00 GMT

Attention: Cities in Senator John Thrasher’s District!
The House amended SB 1546. Urge Sen. Thraser & the Florida Senate to remove this amendment from the bill.

Department of Agriculture (Oppose – Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:19:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 2076 (Senate Agriculture Committee) and CS/CS/HB 7215 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) address a variety of issues relating to agriculture and certain powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). Among other things, the bills track language from HB 475 that preempts local governments from regulating the sale, composition, formulation and distribution of commercial fertilizers. The bills include a grandfather provision for counties that have existing ordinances regulating the sale of urban turf fertilizers.

Updates from the Capitol

Amber Hughes — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:34:00 GMT

April 28, 2011

HJR 381 by Representative Dorworth was amended by the House on second reading. The joint resolution now changes the non-homestead assessment cap from ten to five percent with a sunset in 2023. The joint resolution also modifies the first-time homesteader exemption. The League still opposes this bill. It is now on third reading.

Comparing the House and Senate Pension Bills

Kraig Conn — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:56:00 GMT

CS/HB 7241 is now available for full House consideration, and CS/CS/SB 1128 is now available for full Senate consideration.
While the League supports both bills, CS/HB 7241 is more beneficial to cities. For a look at the two bills compared side-by-side, please click here.

Water Management Plans and Programs (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:18:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 389 (Glorioso) and CS/CS/SB 934 (Storms) authorize a local government that has created a community redevelopment area (CRA) or an urban infill and redevelopment area to develop and adopt a stormwater adaptive management plan that addresses the quantity and quality of stormwater discharges for the redevelopment or infill area. The bills also establish a process for the local government to obtain a conceptual permit from the water management district or Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Updates from the Capitol

Kenneth Pratt — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 19:15:00 GMT

April 21, 2011

HB 7129, the comprehensive growth management bill, passed the House of Representatives on final reading today by a vote of 86-31.

Police/Fire Pension Reform (Support – FLC Priority)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:08:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1128 (Ring) and HB 7241 (Patronis) address increasing costs associated with local government pension plans, primarily police and firefighter pension plans. The bills amend various sections of law in Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes. The bills are not identical, and HB 7241 is more beneficial to cities..

Medical Expenses for Inmates (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:06:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 257 (Hooper) and CS/SB 490 (Jones) require that the responsibility for paying the expenses for medical care for a person who is ill, wounded or otherwise injured during or as a result of an arrest for a violation of a state law or local ordinance is the responsibility of the person receiving the medical care. The bills reduce expenditures of cities and counties to 110 percent of the Medicare reimbursement rate for inmate medical care, treatment, hospitalization and transportation when no contract exists between a local government or detention facility and a third-party provider.

Department of Agriculture (Oppose—Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:55:00 GMT

CS/SB 2076 (Senate Agriculture Committee) and HB 7215 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) address a variety of issues relating to agriculture and certain powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). Among other things, the bills allow the lead land manager, instead of the Department of Environmental Protection, to receive the proceeds from the sale of easements for the construction of electric transmission and distribution facilities on Board of Trustees-owned lands; allow the DACS to enter into agreements for the exploration and sale of oil, gas and/or other mineral interests on Board of Trustee lands managed by the DACS; and change the Office of Agricultural Water Policy to the Office of Energy and Water, and expand the duties of the office to include energy matters that affect agriculture. The bills preempt local governments from regulating the sale, composition, formulation and distribution of commercial fertilizers.

Consumptive Use Permits and Mandatory Reuse Zones (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:48:00 GMT

HB 1001 (Williams, T.) and CS/CS/SB 1514 (Latvala) require consumptive use permits (CUP) to be issued for a period of 20 years and retain the authority for the governing board to issue a 50-year permit if bonds have been issued for the infrastructure relating to the transfer, storage or distribution of the water, or the project is related to an alternative water supply source. HB 1001 and CS/CS/SB 1514 eliminate requirements for permit compliance reports to be submitted every five years and repeal the authority of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and water management governing boards to modify or revoke consumptive use permits.

Weekly Video Update

Rebecca O'Hara — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The League will be providing weekly video updates during the 2011 legislative session. Please check back each week as the Florida League of Cities goes live at the Capitol!

Department of Agriculture (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:07:00 GMT

Department of Agriculture (Watch) CS/SB 2076 (Senate Agriculture) and HB 7215 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) address a variety of issues relating to agriculture and certain powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). Among other things, the bills allow the lead land manager, instead of the Department of Environmental Protection, to receive the proceeds from the sale of easements for the construction of electric transmission and distribution facilities on Board of Trustees-owned lands; allow the DACS to enter into agreements for the exploration and sale of oil, gas and/or other mineral interests on Board of Trustee lands managed by the DACS; and change the Office of Agricultural Water Policy to the Office of Energy and Water, and expand the duties of the office to include energy matters that affect agriculture.

Water Management Plans and Programs (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 16:03:00 GMT

CS/HB 389 (Glorioso) and CS/CS/SB 934 (Storms) authorize a local government that has created a community redevelopment area or an urban infill and redevelopment area to develop and adopt a stormwater adaptive management plan that addresses the quantity and quality of stormwater discharges for the redevelopment or infill area. The bills also establish a process for the local government to obtain a conceptual permit from the water management district or Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Energy Economic Zones (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:07:00 GMT

CS/SB 1460 (Bennett) and HB 1175 (Pilon) authorize local governments participating in the existing alternative state review pilot program in Chapter 163, Florida Statutes, to designate areas as energy economic zones and establish new tax breaks, exemptions, refunds and credits for businesses manufacturing machinery or equipment used in the production of renewable energy within the energy economic zone. Local governments are required to develop an application form and to review and approve completed applications submitted by eligible businesses.

Stormwater Management Plans and Programs (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:05:00 GMT

CS/HB 389 (Glorioso) and CS/SB 934 (Storms) authorize a local government that has created a community redevelopment area or an urban infill and redevelopment area to adopt a stormwater adaptive management plan that addresses the quantity and quality of stormwater discharges for the redevelopment or infill area and obtain a conceptual permit from the water management district or Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Environmental Permitting (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:03:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 991 (Patronis) and SB 1404 (Evers) address a variety of regulatory and permitting issues. Of primary interest is language prohibiting municipalities from requiring, as a condition of approval for a development permit, that an applicant obtain a permit or approval from any other state or federal agency. CS/CS/HB 991 declares that the construction and operation of a biofuel processing facility or a renewable energy generating facility and the cultivation and production of bioenergy, are considered to be a valid industrial, agricultural and silvicultural use permitted within those land use categories in the local comprehensive land use plan.

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Watch HB 13, SB 130, SB 82 and SB 168. Oppose CS/SB 1698)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:02:00 GMT

HB 13 (Coley), SB 130 (Dean), SB 82 (Lynn), SB 168 (Evers) and CS/SB 1698 (Dean) repeal current law directing the Florida Department of Health to create and administer the statewide onsite sewage treatment disposal systems (septic tank) evaluation program created in 2010. Each of the bills eliminate the procedures and criteria for the evaluation/inspection program and eliminate the grant program established to subsidize the cost of repairing septic systems. CS/SB 1698 also requires local governments to adopt a “model” septic tank inspection program. Local governments outside of a springshed area are authorized to opt out of the mandated inspection program with a majority vote of the governing body. CS/SB 1698 repeals all existing septic system inspection programs and prohibits any new ordinances from being more stringent than the model ordinance.

Consumptive Use Permits and Mandatory Reuse Zones (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:59:00 GMT

HB 1001 (Williams, T.) and CS/SB 1514 (Latvala) require consumptive use permits (CUP) to be issued for a period of 20 years and retain the authority for the governing board to issue a 50-year permit if bonds have been issued for the infrastructure relating to the transfer, storage or distribution of the water, or the project is related to an alternative water supply source. HB 1001 and CS/SB 1514 eliminate requirements for permit compliance reports to be submitted every five years and repeal the authority of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and water management governing boards to modify or revoke consumptive use permits.

Weekly Video Update

Rebecca O'Hara — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 17:44:00 GMT

Rentals of Vacation Property (Oppose – Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:27:00 GMT

CS/SB 476 (Evers) and CS/HB 883 (Horner) combine establishments that were formerly classified under state regulations as resort condominiums and resort dwellings into “vacation rentals.” A vacation rental is any unit or group of units in a condo, cooperative or timeshare plan, or any individually or collectively owned single-family, two-family, or four-family house or dwelling unit that is also a transient public lodging establishment (rented more than three times per year for less than 30 days at a time) or that is advertised as a rental property.

Legislative Action Alert - Immediate Action Requested

Amber Hughes — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 15:23:00 GMT

Assessment Caps on Non Homestead Property up Monday, April 4th.

Oppose SJR 658

The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider SJR 658 on Monday at 3:15 p.m

Take Action Now!

Stormwater Management Plans and Programs (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:26:00 GMT

2011 Issue Brief: Consumer Fertilizer Preemption

Scott Dudley — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:29:00 GMT

Background:
The federal Clean Water Act establishes requirements for the amounts of various pollutants that may exist in water bodies. A water body is deemed “impaired” if it has too much of any given pollutant. State and federal law requires entities that might have contributed to the impairment to take steps to reduce the level of pollution.

2011 Issue Brief: Traffic Enforcement

Casey Cook — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 15:29:00 GMT

Position:
The Florida League of Cities will oppose legislation that removes the authority of municipalities to enhance the protection of life and property by authorizing the use of electronic traffic infraction detectors at traffic intersections.

2011 Issue Brief: Regulatory Reform

Scott Dudley — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:19:00 GMT

Background:
In Florida, various state agencies and the five water management districts have statutory authority to issue permits for a variety of issues including but not limited to, coastal construction, the use of sovereign submerged lands, consumptive use permits relating to groundwater, well construction, management and storage of surface water, pollutant discharge and domestic wastewater discharge, drinking water facilities, and pollutant discharge permits. Additionally, under their home rule power, counties and cities have the authority to regulate development and other activities within their jurisdictional boundaries, including issuing permits and development orders, and imposing impact fees.

Emergency Medical Services (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:27:00 GMT

HB 589 (Hooper) authorizes counties to adopt ordinances that set standards for certificates of public convenience and necessity (COPCN) for advanced life support nontransportation services. The county may not prohibit a city or special district within its jurisdiction from receiving its COPCN if the fire department meets or exceeds the requirements mandated by state law. The bill requires the county to grant the COPCN within a reasonable time after receiving the request. Temporary licenses may be granted if the county issues the licenses on an annual or biannual basis. HB 589 is in the House Health and Human Services Access Subcommittee. (Cook)

Injunctions for Protection Against Violence (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:26:00 GMT

HB 563 (Jones) and SB 438 (Hill) require the sheriff, after serving an injunction for protection against domestic violence, to notify the petitioner of the respondent being served if that person has registered with the law enforcement agency. The bills also require that the law enforcement agency enter certain information into the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system. SB 438 is in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. HB 563 is in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. (Cook)

Firearms (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:24:00 GMT

Firearms (Oppose) HB 517 (Dorworth) and SB 234 (Evers) limit the places where persons with a concealed weapons permit may not carry a firearm. The bill would eliminate college and university facilities and career centers from the list of prohibited places. In addition, the bill provides that concealed carry licensees shall not be prohibited from carrying or storing a firearm in vehicles for law purposes. HB 517 is in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. SB 234 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on February 22. (Cook)

Concealed Weapons and Firearms (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:23:00 GMT

SB 1304 (Sachs) increases the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon or firearm into certain prohibited places from a 2nd degree misdemeanor to a 3rd degree felony. The bill also reenacts provisions relating to the possession of weapons or firearms on school property. The bill has not been referred to a committee. (Cook)

Public Safety Telecommunicators (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:21:00 GMT

HB 783 (Passidomo) and SB 890 (Dean) exempt law enforcement officers who serve as 911 public safety telecommunicators to be exempt from certification requirements currently in state law. HB 783 has not been referred to a committee. SB 890 will be heard by the Senate Community Affairs Committee on March 7. (Cook)

Public Works Projects (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:14:00 GMT

HB 923 (Van Zant) and SB 1352 (Hays) prohibit local governments from requiring contractors hired to complete public works projects to pay employees a predetermined wage rate, provide a specified type or amount of benefits, hire employees from a designated source, designate particular assignments of work for employees, or enter into any type of project labor agreement. In addition, the bills prohibit local governments from requiring contractors to become a party in an agreement with employees or their labor union as a condition of bidding, negotiating, being awarded a contract, or performing work on a public works project. The bills also increase the time in which the notice of protest must be filed from three to seven days after the posting of solicitation. Neither bill has been referred to a committee. (Cook)

Electrical Contracting (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:12:00 GMT

HB 607 (Weinstein) and SB 838 (Wise) revise current law to allow cities to require that at least one electrical journeyman be present on an industrial or commercial construction site over 5,000 square feet when electrical work in excess of 98 volts is being performed. Currently cities can require electrical journeyman on sites over 50,000 square feet when electrical work in excess of 77 volts is being performed. HB 607 is in the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee. SB 838 is in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. (Cook)

Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:11:00 GMT

HB 535 (Frishe) and SB 510 (Latvala) extend the expiration date for the Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program until 2021. HB 535 is in the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and SB 510 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook)

Public Lodging Establishments (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:10:00 GMT

HB 883 (Horner) and SB 476 (Evers) change the definition of “transient public lodging establishment” and “nontransient public lodging establishment.” Under current law, local governments are allowed to inspect public lodging for compliance with the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code. The bills would preempt local governments from treating vacation rentals differently than other residential properties based solely on their classification, use or occupancy. SB 476 has been referred to Senate Regulated Industries Committee; Senate Judiciary Committee; Senate Budget Committee. HB 883 has been referred to House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee; House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. (Cook)

Hoisting Equipment (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:09:00 GMT

HB 1057 (Artiles) and SB 612 (Evers) preempt local ordinances or amendments to the local building code that relate to the regulation of hoisting equipment and people operating said equipment in the state. HB 1057 has not been referred to committee. SB 612 has been referred to Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Military Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee; Senate Budget Committee. (Cook)

Residential Building Permits

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:05:00 GMT

HB 407 (Perry) and SB 580 (Oelrich) make it illegal for a building code administrator to require the inspection of a building, structure or property that is not directly related to the construction, alteration, repair or demolition of the building or real property for which the permit is sought. HB 407 is in the Community & Military Affairs Subcommittee. SB 580 has been referred to Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Regulated Industries Committee; Senate Budget Committee. (Cook)

Building Construction and Inspection (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:03:00 GMT

Building Construction and Inspection (Watch) HB 849 (Davis) and SB 396 (Bennett) amend the definition of “sustainable building rating” to include the International Green Construction Code. Currently, local governments must construct buildings to comply with a sustainable building rating system, and this bill expands that definition. HB 849 has not been referred to committee. SB 396 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Regulated Industries Committee; Senate Budget Committee. (Cook)

Firesafety (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:01:00 GMT

HB 331 (Weinstein) and SB 534 (Wise) abolish the classification of “special state fire safety inspector” in 2013 and require all fire safety inspectors, regardless of experience, to take a certification test. A special state fire safety inspector with less than five years experience in 2013 would be required to take an additional 80 hours of courses and pass the certification test to become a certified fire safety inspector.

Fire-fighting Equipment (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:00:00 GMT

HB 571 (Roberson) and SB 640 (Bennett) exempt firefighting equipment from certain motor vehicle size and weight limit restrictions. SB 640 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Transportation Committee. HB 571 was withdrawn prior to introduction. (Cook)

Driver’s License Fees for Disabled Veterans (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:59:00 GMT

HB 123 (Smith, J.) and SB 368 (Fasano) give disabled veterans meeting certain criteria a discount from driver’s license fees. HB 123 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee and SB 368 is in the Senate Military Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee. (Cook)

Proprietary Business Information (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:57:00 GMT

SB 994 (Latvala) and HB 913 (Horner) create an exemption from public records requirements for proprietary confidential business information submitted by a non-governmental entity to a public airport for the purpose of sale, use, development, or lease of airport land or airport facilities. SB 994 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; and Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. HB 913 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Emergency Notification (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:56:00 GMT

SB 874 (Hays) and HB 597 (Taylor) provide a public records exemption for information furnished by a person to an agency for the purpose of being provided with emergency notification by the agency. SB 874 is on the agenda of the Senate Community Affairs Committee for March 7. HB 597 has been referred to the following committees: House Government Operations Subcommittee; and House State Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Local Inspector Generals (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:54:00 GMT

SB 828 (Bogdanoff) and HB 667 (Clemens) expand an exemption from public records requirements to include certain records relating to investigations in the custody of an inspector general of a local government. SB 828 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Judiciary Committee; Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. HB 667 has been referred to the following committees: House Government Operations Subcommittee; House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee; House State Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Municipal Governing Body Meetings (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:53:00 GMT

HB 65 (Wood) and SB 298 (Alexander) authorize a municipal governing body with fewer than 500 residents to hold meetings up to five miles outside of the municipality’s specified boundaries. HB 65 is in the House Government Operations Subcommittee. SB 298 is in the Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Non-Judicial Foreclosure (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:52:00 GMT

SB 1288 (Hays) and HB799 (Young) authorize a foreclosing creditor to appoint a trustee with the authority to initiate a non-judicial foreclosure process on commercial property. The bills also provide that the provisions of the trustee foreclosure procedure do not affect a foreclosing creditor's right to bring a judicial foreclosure action. SB 1288 has not been referred to a committee. HB 799 has been referred to House Civil Justice Subcommittee; House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee; House Judiciary Committee. (Pratt)

State Apartment Incentive Loans (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:51:00 GMT

HB 757 (Nehr) provides additional purposes for which state apartment incentive loans may be used and specifies the percentage of State Apartment Incentive Loan funding to be awarded as subordinate loan financing for new construction of affordable rental housing developments. HB 757 has not been assigned to a committee. (Pratt)

Neighborhood Improvement Districts (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:50:00 GMT

HB 781 (Soto) and SB 1010 (Simmons) provide and revise provisions relating to neighborhood improvement districts. The bills also authorize a municipality to borrow money, issue bonds, collect special assessments and levy ad valorem taxes to pay off bond indebtedness. HB 781 has not been referred to a committee. SB 1010 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Judiciary Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

State Housing Trust Fund (Support-FLC Priority)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:49:00 GMT

HB 639 (Aubuchon) and SB 912 (Bennett) remove the $234 million cap limitation on documentary stamp tax revenues to be deposited into the State Housing Trust Fund. Such deposited funds may be used only for the purpose of financing, rehabilitating or constructing homes/apartments already built and occupied prior to December 31, 2010. The bills also provide that the comprehensive plan may include an element of affordable housing for seniors and that property conveyed to a local government for affordable housing shall be disposed of for other affordable housing purposes. HB 639 has been referred to the following committees: House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee; House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. SB 912 is on the Senate Community Affairs Committee agenda for March 7. (Pratt)

Affordable Housing (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:45:00 GMT

SB 176 (Bennett) and HB 7003 (House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee) reenact several sections of law related to affordable housing that were created by SB 360 in 2009, including a provision allowing a property tax exemption for affordable housing owned by charitable entities. SB 176 is in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 7003 is on the House Calendar. (Pratt)

Seaport Security (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:44:00 GMT

SB 436 (Hill) and HB 755 (Reed) delete provisions requiring the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to establish a statewide seaport access eligibility reporting system and set new standards for obtaining access to secure and restricted areas of a seaport. SB 436 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Military Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee; Senate Criminal Justice Committee; Senate Budget Committee. HB 755 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Voting Audit (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:43:00 GMT

HB 813 (Perman) provides that if a manual recount of votes is conducted, a voting system audit is not required to be conducted. The bill also increases the number of days before an election that a county canvassing board may begin canvassing absentee ballots and processing absentee ballots when electronic tabulating equipment is used. HB 813 has not been assigned to a committee. (Pratt)

Early Voting Sites (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:42:00 GMT

SB 1266 (Altman) authorizes the supervisor of elections to designate any public university, college, or community college facility as an early voting site. SB 1266 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Presidential Primary (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:41:00 GMT

SB 860 (Joyner) and HB 695 (Kiar) revise Florida’s presidential preference primary dates from the last Tuesday in January to the first Tuesday in March. SB 860 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections; Senate Rules Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. HB 695 has been referred to the following committees: House Federal Affairs Subcommittee; House Government Operations Subcommittee; House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee; House State Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Early Voting (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:40:00 GMT

SB 848 (Rich) and HB 921 (Jenne) expand the list of available sites at which early voting may be held to include specified facilities or any other location designated by a supervisor of elections as meeting the requirements of state law. The bills delete a requirement that an early voting site be designated and used as such for at least 1 year before an election. The bills also provide standards for determining the number of early voting sites each county must operate and for increasing early voting hours. SB 848 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections; Senate Rules Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. HB 921 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Election Code Violations (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:39:00 GMT

SB 330 (Gaetz) and HB 553 (Eisnaugle) provide that a candidate whom the Elections Commission finds has falsely represented as having served or currently serving in the military commits a violation of the Florida Election Code and may be subject to a civil fine up to $5,000. SB 330 is in the Senate Military Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee. HB 553 has been referred to the following committees: House Government Operations Subcommittee; House Rulemaking and Regulation Subcommittee; House State Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Emergency Management (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:37:00 GMT

HB 893 (Nehr) removes the Division of Emergency Management from under the authority of the Department of Community Affairs to the Executive Office of the Governor. HB 893 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Emergency Management (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:36:00 GMT

SB 450 (Bennett) and CS/HB 215 (Abruzzo) create the “Postdisaster Relief Assistance Act,” which provides immunity from civil liability for providers of post-disaster temporary housing and aid to emergency first responders and their immediate families. SB 450 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Military Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee; Senate Judiciary Committee; and Senate Rules Committee. CS/HB 215 is in the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. (Pratt)

Bioscience Clusters (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:35:00 GMT

SB 1302 (Sachs) authorizes a county to designate an area as an enterprise zone area if the area meets the definition of a “bioscience cluster.” The designation may be granted if the county has at least three universities or colleges, a population of at least 100,000 persons and a major biosciences cluster that is adjacent to the campus of a public university. SB 1302 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Qualified Target Industry Businesses (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:34:00 GMT

SB 1318 (Benaquisto) provides that the Qualified Targeted Industry Tax Refund Program should give special consideration to industries that strengthen Florida’s position as a global trade and logistics hub. SB 1318 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Small Business Development (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:33:00 GMT

SB 1378 (Latvala) and HB 1051 (Brandes) create a "Small Business Jobs Creation Act" and provide for a reduction of the period within which local government must adopt a resolution to provide financial support to a business applying to participate in a tax refund program for qualified target industry businesses. SB 1378 and HB 1051 have not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Economic Gardening (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:31:00 GMT

HB 775 (Bernard) and SB 1184 (Siplin) create the Economic Gardening Business Loan Program & Economic Gardening Technical Assistance Program as permanent economic development incentive programs. The bills delete the requirement that certain funds be deposited in the General Revenue Fund and remove provisions for future repeal of the loan programs. HB 775 has not been assigned to a committee. SB 1184 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Enterprise Zone Act (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT

SB 1296 (Detert) advances the date of the expiration of the Florida Enterprise Zone Act to July 1, 2011. The bill also provides for the expiration of a provision authorizing the governing body of a municipality containing an enterprise zone to make a funding request for capital improvements relating to crime prevention. The bill removes a provision prohibiting a governing body from granting economic development ad valorem tax exemptions until the area is designated as an enterprise zone. SB 1296 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Super Enterprise Zones (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:29:00 GMT

SB 268 (Bullard) provides a tax exemption for property purchased for use or consumption by businesses in a super enterprise zone. The bill requires the Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development to designate such zones in Miami-Dade, Lee and Collier counties as pilot programs. SB 268 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Research and Development Tax Credits (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:28:00 GMT

HB 671 (Workman) and SB 942 (Bogdanoff) create a tax credit for qualified research and development expenses incurred by Florida companies. HB 671 has been referred to the following committees: House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee; House Rulemaking and Regulation Subcommittee; House Finance and Tax Committee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. SB 942 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Rural Areas (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:24:00 GMT

SB 872 (Negron) and HB 725 (Perman) authorize a rural area of critical economic concern to apply to be included within in the boundary of an established enterprise zone. The bills also authorize Martin County to apply to the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development for designation of an enterprise zone. SB 872 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. HB 725 has not been assigned to a committee. (Pratt)

Economic Development (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:23:00 GMT

CS/SB 506 (Bogdanoff) and HB 287 (Eisnaugle) authorize the board of county commissioners of a charter county to hold a referendum to determine whether to grant ad valorem tax exemptions for economic development purposes. The bills also provide board authorization to revoke, in whole or in part, an ad valorem exemption under certain circumstances. Tax exemption recipients must report specific performance criteria related to job creation. CS/SB 506 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee. HB 287 has been referred to the following committees: House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee; House Finance and Tax Committee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Renewable Energy Zone (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:21:00 GMT

HB 1119 (T. Williams) and SB 1452 (Bennett) authorize local governments to create energy zones by ordinance. The bills authorize retail sales by any producer of renewable energy within an energy zones and requires that any renewable energy sold under must be produced and used within the boundaries of the energy zone or net metered into the grid of the utility that serves the energy zone at established renewable energy rates.

Renewable Energy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:18:00 GMT

SB 1336 (Bennett) repeals current law requiring the Public Service Commission (PSC) to adopt rules for a renewable portfolio standard. SB 1336 requires the PSC to allow all “prudently incurred costs” of renewable energy to be recoverable from electric utility customers. The bill authorizes each provider of Florida renewable energy resources to build renewable energy resources, convert existing fossil fuel generation plants to a renewable energy resource or purchase renewable energy to recover costs. SB 1336 authorizes each provider of renewable energy sources to purchase or produce renewable energy having capacity or energy costs in excess of the fully avoided cost limitations in statute. The bill authorizes a utility to charge an additional 2 percent of its total retail sales in 2011 and 2012 increasing up to 4 percent in 2014 and beyond to pay for the costs of generating renewable energy. SB 1336 has not been referred to any committee. (Dudley)

Alternative Energy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:15:00 GMT

SB 1102 (Detert) defines “clean energy,” establishes a “clean energy portfolio standard” that requires public electric utilities to meet or exceed specified standards for the production or purchase of clean energy. The amount of clean energy that must be purchased or generated increases over time—starting with an increase of 7 percent by January 2015 up to an increase of 20 percent by January 2030. The bill requires the Public Service Commission to develop rules to implement the clean portfolio standard.

Energy Conservation Standards (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:13:00 GMT

HB 1081 (Chestnut) and SB 1216 (Altman) revise various provisions relating to energy conservation standards for roofs and other impervious surfaces within or on a structure. Neither bill has been referred to any committee. (Dudley)

Renewable Energy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:11:00 GMT

SB 1048 (Lynn) revises the definition of the term "public utility" to exclude facilities that produce and sell 5 megawatt-hours or less, per hour, of renewable energy to users that are located on property adjacent to, contiguous with, or located within one half mile of the renewable energy production facility. SB 1048 has been referred to the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee; Senate Budget Committee. (Dudley)

Environmental Permitting (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:07:00 GMT

HB 991 (Patronis) and SB 1404 (Evers) provide that the construction and operation of a biofuel processing facility or renewable energy-generating facility and the cultivation of bioenergy by a local government is a valid and permitted land use. The bills authorize expedited permitting for certain inland multimodal facilities and for commercial or industrial development projects that will create a minimum number of jobs. In those instances where a local government comprehensive plan does not specifically allow for the construction of a biofuel or renewable energy (or related activity), the bills require a local government to establish a specific review process that may include expediting local review of any necessary comprehensive plan amendment, zoning change, use permit, waiver, variance or special exemption.

Stormwater Assessments for Agricultural Lands (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:06:00 GMT

SB 858 (Hays) and HB 707 (Crisafulli) prohibit a county from charging agricultural lands for stormwater management assessments and fees under limited circumstances. The bills also prohibit counties from enforcing certain limits on the activity of a bona fide farm operation on agricultural lands. SB 858 and HB 707 create the Agricultural Land Acknowledgement Act, which requires an applicant for certain development permits to sign and submit an acknowledgement of certain contiguous agricultural lands as a condition of the political subdivision issuing the permits. SB 858 has been referred to the Senate Agriculture Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Regulated Industries Committee; Senate Budget Committee. HB 707 has been referred to the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee; House Rulemaking and Regulation Subcommittee; House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee; House State Affairs Committee. (Dudley)

Oil Spill Clean-up (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:05:00 GMT

HB 853 (Holder) authorizes the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to require the use of a skimmer to remove discharges of oil that have entered the waters of the state. If the use of a skimmer is unsuccessful, DEP may authorize the use of a dispersant or other spill-mitigating substance that meets certain standards. The DEP is directed to evaluate the toxicity, long term environmental and human impacts and other factors relating to the use of dispersants or other spill-mitigating substances. The DEP is also directed to adopt rules relating to the use of the most efficient physical removal technology and equipment, timeframes for reporting an oil spill and for removal or remediation to begin following the report of an oil spill and revising, waiving, or creating emergency exemptions to allow the state to accept clean-up assistance from other countries following an oil spill. HB 853 has not been referred to any committee. (Dudley)

Election of Public Service Commission (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:04:00 GMT

SB 804 (Fasano) and HB 719 (Rehwinkel Vasilinda) propose an amendment to the Florida Constitution to require the election of the Public Service Commission (PSC) members. Candidates for election to the PSC would be prohibited from accepting contributions from employees, lobbyists, officers, directors, or agents of any utility or entity regulated by the commission, affiliates of regulated utilities or entities, business entities, law firms, and certain trade associations. SB 804 has been referred to the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee; Senate Judiciary Committee; Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections; Senate Rules Committee; Senate Budget Committee. HB 719 has been referred to the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee; House Government Operations Subcommittee and the House State Affairs Committee. (Dudley)

Energy Affordability Trust Fund (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:02:00 GMT

SB 772 (Siplin) and HB 809 (Taylor) create the Energy Affordability Trust Fund within the Department of Community Affairs for the purpose of supplementing the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. SB 772 has been referred to the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee; Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. HB 809 has not been referred to a committee. (Dudley)

Unclaimed Utility Deposits (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 GMT

SB 770 (Siplin) and HB 807 (Taylor) require that any unclaimed deposits held by any utility be deposited into the Energy Affordability Trust Fund within the Department of Community Affairs for the purpose of supplementing the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. SB 770 has been referred to the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee; Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. HB 807 has not been referred to a committee. (Dudley)

Motor Vehicles (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:58:00 GMT

HB 643 (Chestnut) and SB 886 (Oelrich) revise penalties for the unlawful operation of radios and other sound-making devices within a vehicle. HB 643 and SB 886 provide that vehicles with a radio or sound making device that is plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the vehicle will be in violation of the law, punishable by a non-criminal moving violation. The bills provide exemptions for emergency vehicles, as well as for business and political purposes. HB 643 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee. SB 886 has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. (Matthews)

Local Option Fuel Taxes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:57:00 GMT

HB 637 (Clemens) revises the definition of “transportation expenditures” for purposes of specified provisions that restrict the use of local option fuel tax funds by counties and municipalities. This bill requires local governments to fund roadway and right-of-way drainage, street lighting, and traffic signal installation, operation maintenance, and repair. HB 637 has been referred to the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee, House Finance and Tax Committee, and the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Matthews)

Transportation Corridors (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:56:00 GMT

HB 4077 (Dorworth) removes provisions that specify certain transportation facilities as statewide transportation corridors. HB 4077 repeals Section 341.0532, Florida Statutes. HB 4077 passed the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee and is in the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Matthews)

Transportation Corporations (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:53:00 GMT

SB 552 (Hays) and HB 4029 (Horner) remove provisions that provide for nonprofit corporations to act on behalf of the Department of Transportation to secure and obtain rights of way for transportation systems and to assist in the planning and design of such systems. The bills would repeal Sections 339.401-339.412 and 339.414-339.421, Florida Statutes. SB 552 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 4029 passed the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee and is in the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Matthews)

Public Libraries (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:48:00 GMT

SB 1148 (Dean) authorizes the Department of State to waive certain operating grant eligibility requirements for a period not to exceed four years for a library administrative unit located in a rural area of critical economic concern. SB 1148 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Controlled Substances (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:47:00 GMT

SB 1386 (Bogdanoff) authorizes the Department of Health to obtain patient records, pursuant to a subpoena and other circumstances, from a controlled substance medical clinic, without notification to the patient. The bill revises the regulations under which the department may revoke the certificate of registration and the responsibilities of a physician and an osteopathic physician who provides professional services in such a clinic. SB 1386 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Community Residential Homes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:46:00 GMT

SB 1348 (Bogdanoff) and HB 1055 (Garcia) define the term "sober house transitional living home" and require that a sober house transitional living home comply with standards of occupancy set by the local government. The bills also provide restrictions on the provision of onsite substance abuse treatment services. SB 1348 and HB 1055 have not been assigned to a committee. (Pratt)

Legislative Lobbying Expenditures (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:45:00 GMT

SB 1322 (Jones, D.) defines the term “expenditure” as not inclusive of the salary, benefits, services, fees, commissions, gifts, or expenses associated primarily with the recipient's employment, business or service. The bill prohibits a member or employee of the Legislature from soliciting or accepting an expenditure from a lobbyist or principal when the expenditure is for the personal benefit of the member, an employee, or specified others. However, the bill also provides for exceptions for legitimate expenses made in connection with the recipient’s public office or public employment. SB 1322 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Pending Litigation (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:44:00 GMT

HB 1065 (Moraitis) and SB 1408 (Bogdanoff) create an exemption from public records requirements for specified governmental entities and chief administrative or executive officers thereof to meet in private with entities’ attorney to discuss specified pending litigation. The bills include public employees or agents who possess relevant information as authorized to attend the private meeting. HB 1065 and SB 1408 have not been assigned to a committee. (Pratt)

Special Districts (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:43:00 GMT

SB 1120 (Norman) and HB 713 (Pafford) revise provisions relating to merger and dissolution procedures for special districts and require certain merger and dissolution procedures to include referenda. The bills also provide authority for a local government to assume the indebtedness of a special district and receive the title to property owned by a special district. The bills revise dissolution procedures for special districts declared inactive by a governing body. SB 1120 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee and Senate Budget Committee. HB 713 has been referred to the following committees: House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee; House Finance and Tax Committee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Local Government Formation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:42:00 GMT

HB 4145 (Porter) repeals provisions relating to the authority of the Department of Community Affairs in forming local governments and removes the responsibility of the state and local agencies to cooperate in the participation of forming local governments. HB 4145 has been referred to the following committees: House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and House Economic Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Sex Offender Reporting (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:41:00 GMT

HB 711 (Rogers) and SB 1178 (Bogdanoff) clarify sexual offender and predator reporting requirements for homeless persons and provide penalties for violations. HB 711 has been referred to the following committees: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee; House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee; House Judiciary Committee. SB 1178 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee; Senate Criminal Justice Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Homelessness (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:35:00 GMT

SB 948 (Hill) and HB 131 (Reed) establish a homelessness prevention grant program through voluntary donations from motor vehicle registration and renewal forms. SB 948 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee; Senate Transportation Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. HB 131 has been referred to the following committees: House Health and Human Services Access Subcommittee; House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee; House Appropriations Committee; and House Health and Human Services Committee. (Pratt)

Pain Management Clinics (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:33:00 GMT

SB 810 (Fasano) provides specific standards of medical practice in pain management clinics. The bill limits several facility and physical operation requirements, including clinic signage, location, size and physical layout. SB 810 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Health Regulation Committee and Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Government Licenses (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:30:00 GMT

HB 187 (Horner) and SB 798 (Altman) create "Florida's One-Stop Business Connect Act" to streamline state issuance of licenses, certifications, and registrations by establishing a single online entry point for completing business transactions with the state. The bills include a legislative intent to allow local governments to provide access to local business requirements through the state’s online portal in the future. HB 187 has been referred to following committees: House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee; House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. SB 798 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicles Parks (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:29:00 GMT

SB 292 (Dean) and HB 847 (Broxson) provide various regulations and standards to operate mobile home and recreational vehicle parks. The bills require that local government ordinances and regulations be consistent with the uniform standards in the law, but this does not affect local government authority to adopt and enforce land use, building, fire safety and other regulations. The bills provide that separation and setback distances for recreational vehicle parks shall be the distances as initially approved by the state and local government. SB 292 is in the Senate Health Regulation Committee. HB 847 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Cardrooms (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:28:00 GMT

HB 299 (Fresen) and SB 522 (Diaz de la Portilla) authorize bingo games to be offered in cardrooms. Municipalities with cardrooms located within their boundaries could see a significant increase in vehicle traffic to and from these cardrooms should bingo be allowed. HB 299 has been referred to the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee; House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee and the House Economic Affairs Committee. SB 522 has been referred to Senate Regulated Industries Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. (Dudley)

Juvenile Civil Citations (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:25:00 GMT

HB 997 (Pilon) and SB 1300 (Storms) require the establishment of juvenile civil citation programs at the local level that may be operated by the local law enforcement agency, Department of Juvenile Justice, a juvenile assessment center, the county or the city. In addition, the bills require DJJ to develop a civil citation model based upon proven civil citation programs within Florida. Neither bill has been referred to a committee. (Cook)

Procurement / Preference to Florida Businesses (Watch)

Procurement / Preference to Florida Businesses — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:23:00 GMT

SB 1258 (Altman) requires the state and local governments to grant preferences to Florida vendors for printing and construction services. If the lowest bidder for a project has its principal place of business outside of Florida, the bill requires local governments to grant a preference to the lowest bidder from Florida equal to the state in which the lowest bidder is from. If the state in which the lowest bidder is from does not grant preferences to local businesses, then the local governments are required to grant the lowest bidder from Florida a preference of 5 percent. In addition, the bill requires vendors with their principal place of business outside of Florida to submit with their bid a letter outlining the preferences of that foreign state. SB 1258 has not been referred to a committee. (Cook)

Enforcement of Municipal Codes / Ordinances (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:22:00 GMT

SB 1248 (Norman) allows local governments to provide notices of violations by certified mail to the registered agent for properties owned by corporations. The bill allows code enforcement officers to issue immediate citations if the violator is engaged in violations of an itinerant or transient nature. The bill adds that cities can foreclose on properties after one year from the date it issues an abatement assessment lien or upon the conclusion of an administrative or judicial proceeding challenging the lien. Finally, the bill allows a city to impose a lien against real property for costs associated with abating conditions which pose a threat to public safety, health, and welfare if the lien has been recorded in the official records of the county. The bill has not been referred to a committee. (Cook)

Code Enforcement Boards (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:21:00 GMT

SB 984 (Norman) allows a local code enforcement board to adopt requirements in lieu of residency standards for members of the board. SB 984 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook)

Moving Services (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:19:00 GMT

HB 901 (Horner) and SB 296 (Wise) preempt local governments from adopting ordinances regulating transactions relating to movers of household goods or moving brokers. Cities that adopted an ordinance relating to movers before January 1, 2011, are grandfathered in under this legislation. HB 901 has not been referred to any committees. SB 296 is in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee. (Cook)

Secondary Metals Recyclers (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:18:00 GMT

HB 753 (Ford) lowers the time that secondary metals recyclers must maintain information on past purchases from five to two years. The bill requires secondary metals recyclers who purchase salvaged vehicles to first obtain a signed statement from the seller stating that the seller has given the vehicle’s title to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and complied with the titling requirements for conversion of a vehicle to scrap metal. The bill limits the liability of secondary metals recyclers who purchase motor vehicles and use a mechanical crusher to convert the vehicles to scrap metal if the seller obtains and maintains the seller’s signed statement.

Permits for the Sale of Alcholic Beverages (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:17:00 GMT

HB 749 (Caldwell) and SB 986 (Bennett) allow nonprofit organizations to apply for temporary permits that allow them to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises for a period not to exceed three days. The bills change current law by striking the word “civic” to allow all nonprofit organizations to be eligible for the permit. The bills also change current law by allowing these organizations to sell alcohol both on and off premises. HB 749 has not been referred to any committees. SB 986 is in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. (Cook)

Verification of Employment Eligibility (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:11:00 GMT

HB 691 (Harrell) and SB 518 (Hays) require businesses to use the E-verify system to verify the eligibility of new employees. Businesses that do not comply by January 1, 2012, will lose their license until the business is registered with the E-verify system. In addition, the bill requires local governments to use the E-verify system to verify the work authorization status of all new employees. The bills prohibit cities from entering into contracts with businesses not using the E-verify system. HB 691 is in the House Government Operations Subcommittee. SB 518 is in the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Cook)

Consumptive Use Permits and Mandatory Reuse Zones (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:07:00 GMT

HB 1001 (T. Williams) and SB 1514 (Latvala) require all consumptive use permits (CUP) to be issued for a period of 20 years and retains the authority for the governing board to issue a 50-year permit if bonds have been issued for the infrastructure relating to the transfer, storage or distribution of the water, or the project is related to an alternative water supply source. HB 1001 and SB 1514 eliminate requirements for permit compliance reports to be submitted every five years and repeal the authority of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and water management governing boards to modify or revoke consumptive use permits.

Young Athletes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:26:00 GMT

HB 301 (Renuart) and SB 730 (Flores) require independent sanctioning authorities for youth athletic teams to adopt guidelines, bylaws and policies relating to the nature and risk of concussion and head injury in youth athletes. HB 301 is in the House K-20 Innovation Subcommittee; House Health and Human Services Access Subcommittee; House Education Committee. SB 730 is in the Senate Education Pre-K – 12 Committee; Senate Health Regulation Committee; Senate Rules Committee. (Cook)

Firearms (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:24:00 GMT

SB 243 (Evers) and HB 517 (Dorworth) provide that a person in compliance with the terms of a concealed carry license may openly carry a firearm in public excluding certain places such as schools, courthouses and police stations. The bills also allow for people with concealed carry licenses to carry or store firearms in their vehicle for lawful purposes. HB 517 is in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee; House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee; House Judiciary Committee. SB 234 was temporarily postponed in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. (Cook)

Sexual Exploitation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:18:00 GMT

HB 145 (Fresen) and SB 718 (Ring) create the Florida Safe Harbor Act, which establish goals and procedures for the state relating to the status and treatment of sexually exploited children. The bills require law enforcement officials to deliver a child suspected of being a victim of sexual exploitation to a short-term safe house if one is available. HB 145 is in the House Health and Human Services Access Subcommittee; House Civil Justice Subcommittee; House Appropriations Committee. SB 718 is in the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee; Senate Criminal Justice Committee; Senate Budget Committee. (Cook)

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:08:00 GMT

SB 216 (Gaetz/Latvala) and HB 679 (Ingram) urge Congress to exempt from federal income tax all payments made to victims of the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster and to extend the net operating loss carryback period from two years to five years. SB 216 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 679 has been referred to the House Federal Affairs Subcommittee and the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Dudley)

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:06:00 GMT

SB 218 (Gaetz) and HB 363 (Coley) urges Congress to dedicate penalties collected from parties responsible for the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster to repairing the environmental and economic damage caused by the disaster. SB 218 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 363 has been referred to the House Federal Affairs Subcommittee and the House State Affairs Committee. (Dudley)

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:04:00 GMT

CS/SB 214 (Gaetz) and HB 539 (Patronis) urges Congress to support the tax-relief provisions of federal legislation H.R. 5699 and S. 3934, relating to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of 2010. CS/SB 214 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 539 has been referred to the House Federal Affairs Subcommittee and the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Dudley)

Notification of Contamination (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:01:00 GMT

SB 132 (Joyner) and HB 147 (Ahern) increase the requirements for public notification of contaminated property. These bills require local governments to mail a notice to any homeowners’ or applicable neighborhood association within a specified distance of a contaminated site when the contact information for these associations is available to the local government. SB 132 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Education Pre-K – 12 Committee. HB 147 has been referred to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee; House Rulemaking and Regulation Subcommittee; House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee; and the House State Affairs Committee. (Dudley)

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:59:00 GMT

Bert Harris Private Property Rights Act (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:50:00 GMT

HB 701 (Eisnaugle) and SB 998 (Simmons) make significant changes to the Bert Harris Private Property Rights Act of 1995. These bills revise procedures for determining a governmental entity’s final decision identifying allowable uses for property. In addition, the bills specify that a one year or longer moratoria may now be considered an inordinate burden as opposed to a temporary impact.

Transportation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:49:00 GMT

SB 1180 (Latvala) provides that the Florida Statewide Passenger Rail Commission has the primary and exclusive authority to monitor functions related to passenger rail systems. This bill will also end the authority of the Florida Transportation Commission over monitoring the efficiency, productivity, and management of all publicly funded passenger rail systems. SB 1180 revises the date that impositions or rate changes of the local option fuel tax shall be levied from the previous date of July 1 to October 1. SB 1180 has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. (Matthews)

Liens for Recovering, Towing, or Storing Vehicles or Vessels (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:48:00 GMT

SB 1008 (Simmons) and HB 717 (Ford) revise procedures for notification concerning liens for the recovery of certain costs for recovering, towing, or storing a vehicle or vessel. The bills provide that any person engaged in the business of recovering, towing, storing vehicles or vessels who comes into possession of a vehicle and claims a lien for recovery shall give notice to the registered owner, the insurance company, and all persons claiming a lien by submitting paperwork to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Motor Vehicles (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:46:00 GMT

HB 643 (Chestnut) and SB 886 (Oelrich) revise penalties for the unlawful operation of radios and other sound making devices within a vehicle. HB 643 and SB 886 provide that vehicles with a radio or sound making device that is plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the vehicle will be in violation of the law, punishable by a noncriminal moving violation. The bills provide exemptions for emergency vehicles, as well as business and political purposes. HB 643 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee. SB 886 has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. (Matthews)

Local Option Fuel Taxes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Transportation Corridors (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:44:00 GMT

Transportation Corporations (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:43:00 GMT

SB 552 (Hays) and HB 4029 (Horner) remove provisions that provide for nonprofit corporations to act on behalf of the Department of Transportation to secure and obtain rights of way for transportation systems and to assist in the planning and design of such systems. This bill would repeal Sections 339.401-339.412, 339.414-339.421, Florida Statutes. SB 552 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 4029 passed the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee and is in the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Matthews)

Motor Vehicles / Road Rage (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:42:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 244 (Bennett) and HB 177 (Clemens) define road rage and require drivers in the furthermost left-hand lane to move over if overtaken from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed. SB 244 passed the Senate Health Regulation Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 177 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee. (Matthews)

Transportation Funding (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:40:00 GMT

HB 37 (Rogers) increases the percentage of state revenues deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund (STTF) for public transportation projects from 15 percent to 25 percent. HB 37 is in the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee. (Matthews)

Growth Management (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:37:00 GMT

SB 1122 (Bennett) prohibits a local government from increasing an impact fee or imposing a new impact fee on non-residential development. The bill provides that local governments will be unable to amend a local comprehensive plan if they do not address school siting requirements that require school sites to be located near residential developments. The bill provides for a retroactive application in regard to actions challenging impact fees, and provides the government has the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that the imposition of the fee meets the requirements of state legal precedent. SB 1122 also creates an “autonomous planning program.”

Growth Management (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:36:00 GMT

HB 945 (Young) authorizes the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to provide assistance to landowners and local governments in implementing provisions relating to rural land stewardship areas. HB 945 also revises provisions which relate to transferable land use credits, as well as provides language that landowners and local governments are not required to demonstrate need based on population growth or any other factor when implementing a comprehensive plan. HB 945 has not yet been referred to committee. (Matthews)

Growth Policy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:35:00 GMT

HB 4001 (Diaz) proposes to repeal the Urban Infill and Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program, an obsolete program that is no longer funded. HB 4001 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. (Matthews)

Special Assessments for Law Enforcement Services (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:30:00 GMT

HB 743 (Rogers) and SB 1234 (Smith) authorize cities to impose special assessments to fund the cost of providing law enforcement services. Imposition of the assessment is contingent upon adoption of an ordinance approved by the city and a reduction in the city’s ad valorem millage. The bills limit the maximum millage reduction requirement and specify the rolled-back rate for the calculation of future increases in ad valorem taxes. Neither bill has been referred to committee. (Conn)

Collection of Delinquent Financial Obligations (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:29:00 GMT

HB 1003 (Artiles) and SB 1210 (Norman) authorize the governing body of a city or county to pursue collection of certain delinquent obligations to which it is entitled or to refer the account to other specified individuals for collection. The bills authorize a collection fee and attorney’s fees to be added to the outstanding balance that is referred for collection. The bills limit the amount that may be added to the outstanding balance of account referred for collection. Neither bill has been referred to committee. (Conn)

Collective Bargaining (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:28:00 GMT

HB 1025 (Brodeur) authorizes employees who are members of a labor organization to decertify the labor organization or its collective bargaining agent. The bill requires labor organizations to provide specified notice, and also provides members of the labor organization with access to the organization’s accounting information. HB 1025 has not yet been referred to committee. (Conn)

Labor Organizations (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:27:00 GMT

HB 1023 (Plakon) requires certain certified bargaining agents to recertify as the employee organization by a specified date. HB 1023 has not yet been referred to committee. (Conn)

Labor and Employment / Union Activities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:25:00 GMT

SB 830 (Thrasher) and HB 1021 (Dorworth) prohibit a state agency, county, municipality, or other local governmental entity from deducting from employee wages the dues, uniform assessments, fines, penalties, or special assessments of an employee organization or contributions made for purposes of political activity.

Florida Retirement System / Reemployment After Retirement (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:24:00 GMT

HB 825 (Workman) and SB 1160 (Gaetz) revise provisions of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) relating to employment after retirement. The bills provide that a retiree in the FRS on or after a specified date may not be reemployed by an employer that participates in the FRS and receive both a salary for employment and retirement benefits.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:20:00 GMT

SB 1130 (Ring) is a bill relating primarily to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). The bill makes the following changes to the FRS: effective July 1, 2011, employee contributions are required, but the level of employee contributions is not yet specified in the bill.

Local Government (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:19:00 GMT

HB 767 (Rooney) and SB 1144 (Margolis) provide that a county is authorized to sell or lease real and personal property belonging to the county through the board of county commissioners. These bills offer that the county may negotiate the lease of an airport or seaport facility, as well as negotiate the lease of real property for a term not to exceed five years.

Outdoor Theaters (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:38:00 GMT

HB 4009 (Workman) repeals provisions relating to access to public roads from outdoor theaters. This bill removes provisions for entrances, exits, enclosures, vehicle storage, screen orientation, tower location, and driveway lighting. HB 4009 also removes requirements for issuance of occupational licenses issued by the tax collector. HB 4009 passed the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee and is now in the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Matthews)

Use of Cellular Telephones (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:36:00 GMT

SB 644 (Rich) provides that no person shall operate a motor vehicle on a street or highway while using a cellular telephone unless the person is using a headset or hands-free device. SB 644 offers exceptions for law enforcement officers as well as persons reporting a crime, or summoning emergency help. This bill provides that violation results in a non-criminal traffic infraction, punishable as a non-moving violation.

Sale or Lease of a County, District or Municipal Hospital (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:35:00 GMT

HB 619 (Hooper) authorizes a county- or municipally owned hospital, with approval by and through its governing board, the ability to sell or lease said hospital to a for-profit or not-for-profit Florida corporation. The governing board must find that the sale, lease, or contract is in the best interests of the public. Sales must be approved through the attorney general’s office. HB 619 is now in the House Health and Human Services Quality Subcommittee. (Matthews)

Seaports (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:33:00 GMT

HB 399 (Ray) and SB 768 (Ring) increase the funds the Department of Transportation is required to make available for the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program. HB 399 increases the annual amount made available to the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program from $8 million per year to $20 million per year, increasing that amount to $50 million in 2013.

School District Revenue Enhancement (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:31:00 GMT

SB 558 (Wise) and HB 315 (Slosberg) allow the state to sell naming rights for a public school facility. The bills allow schools with school board approval to contract with private businesses for commercial advertisements to be displayed on school buses or public school facilities. HB 315 is currently in the House K-20 Innovation Subcommittee, while SB 558 has been referred to the Senate Education Pre-K – 12 Committee; Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; and the Senate Budget Committee. (Matthews)

Sale of Advertising on Transportation Facilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:22:00 GMT

HB 313 (Slosberg) and SB 560 (Wise) authorize the state to sell the naming rights to state transportation facilities, and to lease space for advertising on state transportation facilities or property. The bills specify that such sale or lease will not require governmental entities to change street signs, mailing addresses, or 911 emergency telephone number system listings. The bills provide for distribution of the proceeds, including a portion to the state Transportation Fund. HB 313 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee. SB 560 has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee; Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; and the Senate Budget Committee. (Matthews)

Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:20:00 GMT

SB 232 (Bennett) and HB 261 (Pilon) direct the Century Commission to develop a specific strategic plan for growth management looking at 10-year, 25-year, and 50-year horizons. The bills modify the membership criteria of the commission. The bills require the commission to submit a strategic plan to the governor by November 15, 2012, and abolishes the commission on June 30, 2013. SB 232 is now in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. HB 261 is in the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. (Matthews)

Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:18:00 GMT

SB 232 (Bennett) and HB 261 (Pilon) direct the Century Commission to develop a specific strategic plan for growth management looking at 10-year, 25-year, and 50-year horizons. The bills modify the membership criteria of the Commission. The bills require the commission to submit a strategic plan to the governor by November 15, 2012 and abolishes the commission on June 30, 2013. SB 232 is now in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. HB 261 is in the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. (Matthews)

Workers' Compensation/State Reciprocity (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:06:00 GMT

SB 1286 (Bennett) and HB 723 (Weinstein) provide that if an employee in this state subject to the state workers’ compensation laws temporarily leaves the state incidental to his or her employment and receives an accidental injury arising in the course of employment, the employee or the employee’s beneficiaries are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The bills exempt certain employees working in this state and the employers of such employees from the state’s workers’ compensation laws under specified conditions. Neither bill has been referred to committee. (Conn)

Real Property Transfers/Effect on Liens (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:01:00 GMT

SB 1072 (Latvala) revises procedures for a person to claim that a property is exempt from forced sale. The bill authorizes the exemption from forced sale to be claimed if a code enforcement lien exists or has been recorded against a property. The bill provides that a judgment lien or a lien of a lienor or a lien holder who fails to institute specified legal actions within a certain time frame does not attach to the interests of a person who files a notice of exemption from forced sale.

Administrative Rulemaking (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:59:00 GMT

SB 1382 (Bennett) and HB 993 (Roberson) amend the state administrative procedures act by: requiring that a state agency include in its notice of intended rulemaking a statement as to whether the proposed rule will require legislative ratification; clarifying that certain proposed rules are adopted only when ratified by the Legislature; reducing the time before an agency files a rule for adoption within which the agency must notify the person who submitted a lower cost alternative; and reducing the time in which a substantially affected person may seek an administrative determination of the invalidity of a rule after the statement or revised statement of estimated regulatory cost is available. Neither bill has been referred to committee. (Conn)

Protection of Volunteers (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:50:00 GMT

HB 647 (McBurney) and SB 930 (Lynn) clarify that in order to fall under protection of the Florida Volunteers Protection Act, a person performing service for a nonprofit organization may not receive compensation from the nonprofit organization for that service, regardless of whether the person is receiving compensation from another source. The bills provide immunity for the source of any other compensation. HB 647 is in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee, and SB 930 is in the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Conn)

Preference in Award of Contracts (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:46:00 GMT

HB 427 (Tobia) and SB 574 (Wise) add construction services to the list of competitive solicitation purchases where cities must give preferences to businesses whose principal place of business is in the state. The bills preempt local ordinances if the payment for personal property or construction services is to be made in whole or in part from funds appropriated by the state. In addition, the bills require that cities disclose in the solicitation document whether payment will come from funds appropriated by the state and the percentage of such funds as compared to the anticipated total cost.

Animal Control or Cruelty Ordinances (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:45:00 GMT

HB 359 (Randolph) and SB 676 (Rich) require a city enacting an animal control or cruelty ordinance to impose and collect a $15 surcharge for each violation of the ordinance. One dollar may be retained by the clerk of the court, $5 goes to training for animal control officers, and the remainder must be used to subsidize the costs of spaying or neutering dogs and cats whose owners voluntarily submit their animals for sterilization. HB 359 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee; House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee; House State Affairs Committee.

Procurement of Architectural, Engineering and Other Professional Services by a Government Agency (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:43:00 GMT

HB 135 (Costello) and CS/SB 276 (Bennett) amend the Competitive Consultants’ Negotiation Act to allow local governments to consider the amount of the bid when selecting firms to perform required services. In addition, the statute is amended to allow a city to reopen negotiations with any selected firm upon terminating negotiations with another selected firm.

Small Municipalities (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:28:00 GMT

HB 379 (Clemens) and SB 1416 (Benacquisto) define the term “municipality of special financial concern” and amend Section 163.3177, Florida Statutes. These bills define a municipality of special financial concern as a municipality with a per capita taxable value of assessed property of $58,000 or less; or any municipality that has a population under 20,000 with a per capita taxable value of assessed property of $46,000 or less.

Growth Management (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:25:00 GMT

SB 174 (Bennett) and HB 7001 (Workman) reenact laws passed in 2009 (SB 360). SB 360 defined “dense urban land areas” (DULA) and created Transportation Concurrency Exception Areas (TCEA) within these DULAs. The bill also required TCEA local governments to amend their comprehensive plan to adopt strategies to support and fund mobility.

Effective Public Notice (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:23:00 GMT

HB 89 (Workman) and SB 914 (Bennett) authorize a local government to use its publicly accessible website for various legally required public notices and advertisements. The bills provide a process to mail or email public notices and advertisements to individuals, and other requirements to use this process. HB 89 has been referred to the House Government Operations Subcommittee, and SB 914 has been referred to the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Conn)

Local Government Pensions (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 02:23:00 GMT

SB 1128 (Ring) addresses increasing costs associated with local government pension plans. The bill amends various sections of law in Chapters 112, 121, 175 and 185, Florida Statutes. Although the bill focuses on firefighter and police pension plans, several provisions are applicable to pension plans for general employees. SB 1128 will likely be substantially amended in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee the first week of session.

2011 Issue Brief: Private Property Rights

Ryan Matthews — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:52:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities opposes substantive changes to the Bert J. Harris Property Rights Protection Act that shift inordinate financial burdens on local governments.

2011 Issue Brief: Property Tax Limit for Non-Homestead Property

Amber Hughes — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:45:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities opposes arbitrary caps on property assessments. If adopted as a constitutional amendment by the voters, local governments will experience a reduction in the ad valorem tax base due to the 3 percent assessment limitation.

2011 Issue Brief: Effective Public Notice

Kraig Conn — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 15:27:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities will support legislation authorizing municipalities to provide effective public notice and advertising for various appropriate matters, not to include ad valorem taxation millage setting, by means other than newspapers, such as direct mailings, physical posting of property, Internet posting, free publications, government access television channels, and other suitable alternatives.

Legislative Archives

Scott Dudley — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:38:00 GMT

The legislative archives include Action Agendas and Final Reports from previous years.

Federal Action Agenda

Allison Payne — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 23:17:00 GMT

Florida League of Cities 2011 Federal Action Agenda

Updates on SB 1128

Jenna Titcomb — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:37:00 GMT

SB 1128 addresses several of the League's recommendations for reform of state pension laws governing police officer and fire fighter pension plans.

Hoisting Equipment (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:59:00 GMT

SB 612 (Evers) preempts local ordinances or amendments to the local building code that relate to the regulation of hoisting equipment and people operating said equipment in the state. SB 612 has not been referred to any committees. (Cook)

Residential Building Permits

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:53:00 GMT

HB 407 (Perry) and SB 580 (Oelrich) makes it illegal for a building code administrator to require the inspection of a building, structure or property that is not directly related to the construction, alteration, repair or demolition of the building or real property for which the permit is sought. Neither bill has been referred to a committee. (Cook)

Building Construction and Inspection (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:52:00 GMT

SB 396 (Bennett) amends the definition of “sustainable building rating” to include the International Green Construction Code. Currently, local governments must construct buildings to comply with a sustainable building rating system, and this bill expands that definition. SB 396 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook)

Firesafety (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:43:00 GMT

Wage Protection (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:14:00 GMT

HB 241 (Goodson) provides uniform wage theft laws for the state to protect employees from predatory and unfair wage practices. The bill preempts regulation of wage theft to the state and supersedes municipal or county regulation on the subject. HB 241 is in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. (Conn)

Public Employees/ Educational and Training Opportunities

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:13:00 GMT

(Watch) HB 157 (Campbell) and SB 800 (Diaz de la Portilla) provide educational and training opportunities for specified local government employees, including police officers and firefighters. The bills authorize the use of fee waivers. HB 157 is in the House K-20 Competitiveness Subcommittee, and SB 800 has not been referred to committee. (Conn)

Public Employment Practices (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:11:00 GMT

SB 590 (Wise) and HB 463 (Jones) provide that a public employer may not use an employment application that inquires about an applicant’s arrests or convictions or otherwise inquire into or consider the criminal record or criminal history of an applicant for employment until the applicant has been selected for an interview.

Public Employment Practices (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:09:00 GMT

Employment Eligibility/Verification (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:06:00 GMT

SB 518 (Hays) requires private and public employers to use the E-Verify system for the purpose of verifying the work authorization status of all new employees. Contractors and subcontractors doing work for a public employer must also use the E-Verify system for new employees. The bill provides various requirements and standards to verify employment eligibility. SB 518 has not yet been referred to committee. (Conn)

Discrimination/Prohibited Grounds (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:03:00 GMT

SB 346 (Rich) and HB 361 (Randolph) revise current laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as impermissible grounds for discrimination. SB 346 is in theSenate Judiciary Committee, and HB 361 has not been referred to committee. (Conn)

Public Officers/Severance Pay (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:01:00 GMT

SB 88 (Gaetz) and HB 43 (Smith) prohibit severance pay for non-elected public officers except under narrowly specified circumstances. The bills prohibit limitations on discussing an employment dispute through a settlement. SB 88 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee, and HB 43 is in the House Government Operations Subcommittee. (Conn)

Beverage Law (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:00:00 GMT

HB 259 (Hooper) and SB 462 (Latvala) provide that a performing arts center that has an interest in an alcoholic beverage license does not have to obtain the state’s approval of its volunteer officers or directors. HB 259 is in the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee. SB 462 is in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. (Cook)

Preference in Award of Contracts (Oppose - Preemption)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:00:00 GMT

HB 427 (Tobia) and SB 574 (Wise) add construction services to the list of competitive solicitation purchases where cities must give preferences to businesses whose principal place of business is in the state. The bills preempt local ordinances if the payment for personal property or construction services is to be made in whole or in part from funds appropriated by the state. In addition, the bill requires that cities disclose in the solicitation document whether payment will come from funds appropriated by the state and the percentage of such funds as compared to the anticipated total cost.

Procurement of Personal Property and Services (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:58:00 GMT

SB 386 (Bogdanoff) creates the Buy Florida Act, which requires cities that are awarding printing contracts to grant a preference to the lowest responsible and responsive vendor having a principal place of business within the state. If the vendor with the lowest bid does not have a principal place of business within Florida, the preference to the vendor having a place of business in Florida is 5 percent or equal to the preference granted by the state in which the lowest vendor has its principal place of business.

Purchasing (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:57:00 GMT

Use of Public Moneys and Property (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:57:00 GMT

SB 630 (Bennett) prohibits government entities from spending public funds for certain purposes benefiting a professional sports team, except if there is a legally binding obligation that was created before July 1, 2011. SB 630 provides for the ad valorem taxation of property owned by a governmental entity if the property is used by a private entity for a nonexempt purpose. SB 630 has yet to be referred. (Hughes)

Impact Fees (Oppose -- Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:56:00 GMT

SB 410 (Bennett) reenacts HB 227 that was enacted in 2009 and which is currently under legal challenge. SB 410 changes the legal standards applied in impact fee challenges.

Working Waterfront Property (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:55:00 GMT

SB 456 (Diaz de la Portilla) identifies properties that are eligible for classification as working waterfront property and sets the procedure for applying for a classification as a working waterfront property.

Local Business Taxes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:53:00 GMT

SB 582 (Detert) and HB 311 (Roberson) exempt an individual engaging in or managing a business in an individual capacity as an employee of another person from local business tax requirements. Also, the bills prohibit a local governing authority from holding an exempt employee liable for the failure of the employer to comply with certain local business tax requirements.

Ad Valorem Tax Exemptions for Real Property Used for Charitable Purposes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:52:00 GMT

HB 275 (Caldwell) provides a partial ad valorem tax exemption for real property that is leased or provided without charge to exempt charitable entities for their exclusive use. HB 275 has been referred to the following committees: House Economic Affairs Committee and House Finance and Tax Committee. (Hughes)

Local Government Services (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:51:00 GMT

HB 4031 (Dorworth) repeals a statute relating to efficiency and accountability in local government services. HB 4031 is in the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. (Hughes)

Ad Valorem Taxes/Maximum Amount (Oppose -- Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:50:00 GMT

SB 616 (Evers) proposes an amendment to the state constitution to limit the maximum amount of all ad valorem taxes collected on a parcel that may be collected to 1.35 percent of the parcel’s highest taxable value. SB 616 has yet to be referred to a committee. (Hughes)

Procurement of Architectural, Engineering and other Professional Services by a Government Agency (Support)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:50:00 GMT

HB 135 (Costello) and CS/SB 276 (Bennett) amend the Competitive Contract Negotiations Act to allow local governments to consider the amount of the bid when selecting firms to perform required services. In addition, the statute is amended to allow a city to reopen negotiations with any selected firm upon terminating negotiations with another selected firm.

Tax on Sales, Use, and Other Transactions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:49:00 GMT

SB 508 (Bogdanoff) establishes an annual three-day sales tax holiday during which sales taxes are not collected on certain clothing, computers, and school supplies. SB 508 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Education Pre-K – 12 Committee; Senate Budget Committee; and Senate Rules Committee. (Hughes)

Transportation Corridors - (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:47:00 GMT

HB 4077 (Dorworth) removes provisions that specify certain transportation facilities as statewide transportation corridors. HB 4077 repeals Section 341.0532, Florida Statutes.

Outdoor Theatres- (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:45:00 GMT

HB 4009 (Workman) repeals provisions relating to access to public roads from outdoor theaters. This bill removes provisions for entrances, exits, enclosures, vehicle storage, screen orientation, tower location and driveway lighting.HB 4009 also removes requirements for issuance of occupational licenses issued by the tax collector.

Homestead Property Assessed Value (Oppose -- Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:44:00 GMT

SB 210 (Fasano), SB 658 (Fasano), SB 390 (Flores), HB 381 (Dorworth) and HB 537 (Bovo) all propose amendments to the state constitution to prevent increases in the assessed value of homestead property if the fair market value of the property decreases, as is currently done with the “recapture” provision of Save Our Homes.

Transportation Corporations- (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:43:00 GMT

SB 552 (Hays) and HB 4029 (Horner) remove provisions that provide for nonprofit corporations to act on behalf of the Florida Department of Transportation to secure and obtain rights of way for transportation systems and to assist in the planning and design of such systems. This bill would repeal Sections 339.401-339.412 and 339.414-339.421, Florida Statutes.

Property Taxation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:43:00 GMT

HB 281 (Logan) requires payment of at least 75 percent of a current tax bill before action contesting the tax assessment may be brought in circuit court. The bill provides for the suspension of collection procedures and requires taxpayer refunds if final disposition results in an amount owed that is less than the percentage amount paid.

Tax Deeds/ Certificates (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:42:00 GMT

Veteran's Property Tax Discount (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:40:00 GMT

Tax on Sales, Use, and Other Transactions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:38:00 GMT

SB 376 (Gaetz) and HB 493 (Brodeur) allow for the municipal resort tax to be collected on beer and malt beverages and require the owner or person operating transient accommodations to separately state the amount of the municipal resort tax collected.

Property Tax Exemption/Renewable Energy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:29:00 GMT

SB 412 (Bennett) proposes amendments to the state constitution allowing the Legislature to grant ad valorem tax exemptions for a renewable energy source device and hurricane damage mitigation. SB 412 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee; Senate Budget Committee; and Senate Rules Committee. (Hughes)

Assessment of Residential Real Property (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:27:00 GMT

Property Tax Discounts for Early Payment (Oppose -- Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:26:00 GMT

SB 270 (Bennett) and HB 511 (Diaz) increase the discount rates for early payment of property taxes. There are differences in the bills in the amount and the schedule of the discounts.

Financial Emergencies (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:24:00 GMT

Tourist Development Tax (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:22:00 GMT

SB 466 (Negron) and HB 141 (Fresen) provide that the prohibition against a county levying the tourist development tax in certain municipalities presently imposing the municipal resort tax would not apply.

Tourist Development Tax (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:20:00 GMT

Local Government Accountability (Support)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:19:00 GMT

SB 224 (Dean) and HB 107 (Smith, J.) change the schedule for submitting a local governmental entity’s annual audit report and annual financial report from 12 to nine months. SB 224 and HB 107 change provisions relating to the preparation of municipal budgets and require the budgets to be posted on the website of the municipality.

Seaports - (Support)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:17:00 GMT

HB 399 (Ray) increases the funds the Florida Department of Transportation is required to make available for the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program. HB 399 increases the annual amount made available to the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Program from $8 million per year to $20 million per year, increasing that amount to $50 million in 2013. This bill also creates the Florida seaport infrastructure bank, which will provide loans and credit enhancements to deepwater seaports for the purpose of construction, improved transport, as well as improved port facilities in order to better facilitate the movement and intermodal transport of cargo and passengers in commerce and trade.

Motor Vehicles / Highway Safety Act – (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:16:00 GMT

SB 244 (Bennett) and HB 177 (Clemens) define road rage and require drivers in the furthermost left-hand lane to move over if overtaken from the rear by a motor vehicle traveling at a higher rate of speed. SB 244 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and will be heard next by the Senate Health Regulation Committee.

Traffic Control Signals- (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:15:00 GMT

HB 149 (Ahern) will require the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) to publish a manual of uniform traffic control that defines minimum specifications for traffic control signals. The manual must also provide for statewide minimum yellow signal display duration. The bill requires DOT to provide the manual to all cities and counties. This bill also provides that a stop light may not be used unless it exhibits a yellow or caution light between the red and green signals.

Transportation Funding (Support)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:14:00 GMT

HB 37 (Rogers) increases the percentage of state revenues deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund for public transportation projects from 15 percent to 25 percent. HB 37 is in the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee. (Matthews)

Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:10:00 GMT

SB 650 (Jones) and HB 423 (Nunez) require local governments to enforce violations of statutory requirements of mobile home park owners and mobile home owners through local code enforcement processes. The bills also require that respective liens, penalties, fines or other administrative or civil proceedings be brought against mobile home park owners and mobile home park tenants.

Mobile Home and RV Parks (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:04:00 GMT

SB 292 (Dean) provides for revised standards for mobile home and RV parks, including permit requirements, construction review and approval and fees. SB 292 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Health Regulation Committee. (Pratt)

Affordable Housing (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:57:00 GMT

SB 176 (Bennett) and HB 7003 (House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee) reenacts several sections of law related to affordable housing that were created by SB 360 in 2009, including a provision allowing a property tax exemption for affordable housing owned by a charitable entity. SB 176 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 7003 has been referred to the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Seaport Security (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:55:00 GMT

SB 524 (Latvala) and HB 283 (Young) revise provisions relating to statewide minimum standards for seaport security. SB 524 has not been referred to a committee. HB 283 has been referred to the following committees: House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee; House Criminal Justice Subcommittee; House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Term Limits (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:53:00 GMT

SB 300 (Bennett) and HB 207 (Kriseman) propose amendments to the state constitution to impose term limits on elected county and municipal officers and to revise the term limits that apply to state senators and state representatives. Sen. Bennett has indicated a willingness to remove the provision imposing term limits on local government officials. HB 207 does not include an imposition of term limits on elected county and municipal officers.

Voting Methods and Procedure (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:52:00 GMT

HB 227 (Brandes) and SB 378 (Gaetz) permit absent uniformed services voters or overseas voters to use an official federal write-in absentee ballot or similar ballot to vote in any federal, state or local election. HB 227 has been referred to the following committees: House Government Operations Subcommittee; and House State Affairs Committee. SB 378 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections; Senate Rules Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:52:00 GMT

SB 628 (Bennett) and HB 4089 (Nelson) repeal existing statutory provisions relating to the powers of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services with respect to the soil and water conservation districts around the state.

Water Management District Governing Boards (Support)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:50:00 GMT

SB 486 (Hays) establishes an 11-member water management district (WMD) governing board nominating commission comprised of appointees by the speaker of the House, the president of the Senate and the governor.

Election Code Violations (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:50:00 GMT

SB 330 (Gaetz) and HB 553 (Eisnaugle) provide that a candidate whom the Elections Commission finds has falsely represented as having served or currently serving in the military commits a violation of the Florida Election Code and may be subject to a civil fine up to $5,000. SB 330 passed the Senate Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections and is now in the Senate Rules Committee. HB 553 has not been referred to committee. (Pratt)

Public Corruption (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:49:00 GMT

SB 532 (Fasano) and HB 249 (Berman) provide for the reclassification of criminal offenses if the crime is conducted based on public authority or position. SB 532 has not been referred to a Committee. HB 249 has been referred to the following committees: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee; House Government Operations Subcommittee; House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee; and House Judiciary Committee. (Pratt)

Fertilizer Regulations (Oppose/Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:48:00 GMT

HB 457 (Ingram) and SB 606 (Evers) preempt local government authority to adopt fertilizer management practices that are more stringent than the Model Fertilizer Ordinance created by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) and codified in statute during the 2009 legislative session.

Agricultural Exemptions from Water Management District Requirements (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:47:00 GMT

HB 421 (Bembry) exempts from water management district authority any activities that may impede or divert the flow of surface water or adversely impact wetlands as long as the primary purpose of that activity was not intended to divert or impede the water flow.

Emergency Management - (Support)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:47:00 GMT

SB 450 (Bennett) and HB 215 (Abruzzo) create the “Postdisaster Relief Assistance Act,” which provides immunity from civil liability for providers of post-disaster temporary housing and aid to emergency first responders and their immediate families. SB 450 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Military Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee; Senate Judiciary Committee; and Senate Rules Committee. HB 215 is in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. (Pratt)

Surface Water Improvement Programs (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:45:00 GMT

HB 389 (Glorioso) requires each water management district to establish permitting programs for urban redevelopment projects located in a community redevelopment area or an urban infill and redevelopment area. HB 389 authorizes the development of stormwater adaptive management plans to address water quantity discharges for redevelopment areas.

Oil Drilling and Exploration (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:43:00 GMT

HB 383 (Kriseman) and SB 928 (Joyner) proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution to prohibit exploration, drilling, extraction, and production of oil beneath Florida waters between the mean high-water line and the seaward limit of Florida’s boundaries.

Industrial Development Corporation - (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:38:00 GMT

HB 4033 (Dorworth) repeals statutory provisions related to the Florida Industrial Development Corporation. HB 4033 has been referred to the following committees: House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. (Pratt)

Sovereign Submerged Lands (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:37:00 GMT

SB 332 (Fasano) and HB 173 (Frishe) authorize the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to lease sovereign submerged lands for private residential use. The term “private residential use” includes private, recreational or leisure purposes for a single-family residence, cottage or other such single dwelling unit, or a noncommercial multifamily development, including condominiums, cooperatives and homeowners’ associations including resident-owned mobile home parks.

Enterprise Zones - (Support)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:33:00 GMT

SB 620 (Garcia) creates the "Urban Job Creation Investment Act" and “Urban Investment Job Creation Authority.” The bill provides this authority with various duties, including specifying enterprise program zone boundaries, reviewing applications from businesses for tax benefits, reviewing proposed projects for eligibility to receive funding from a local enterprise program zone development corporation, and conducting relevant studies. SB 620 has not been referred to a committee. (Pratt)

Economic Development - (Support)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:31:00 GMT

SB 506 (Bogdanoff) and HB 287 (Eisnaugle) authorize the board of county commissioners of a charter county to hold a referendum to determine whether to grant economic development ad valorem tax exemptions. The bills also provide board authorization to revoke, in whole or in part, an ad valorem exemption under certain circumstances. Under the tax agreement, tax exemption recipients must report specific performance criteria related to job creation. The bills also revise ballot referendum language relating to the authority to grant economic development tax exemptions and limit the authority to call another referendum within a certain time period.

Community Redevelopment - (Support)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:30:00 GMT

SB 468 (Bullard) expands the definition of the term “blighted area” to include land previously used as a military facility. SB 468 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Military Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Economic Recovery/Deepwater Horizon Disaster - (Watch)

Jenna Titcomb — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:19:00 GMT

CS/SB 248 (Gaetz) provides various economic incentives and creates specific trust funds to assist counties that were disproportionately affected by the Deepwater Horizon disaster. The bill provides extensions for certain building permits following the declaration of a state of emergency by the governor. For a specified period, capital investment tax credit requirements are waived for affected counties, and a tax refund program is created for qualified target industry businesses that relocate from another state to affected counties in Northwest Florida. SB 248 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. (Pratt)

Florida Energy Policy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:10:00 GMT

SB 284 (Bennett) and HB 221(Rehwinkel-Vasilinda) create the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Policy Trust Fund within the Florida Energy Office of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Renewable/Alternative Energy Program Funding (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:59:00 GMT

SB 282 (Bennett) and HB 219 (Rehwinkel-Vasilinda) require electric utilities (including municipal electric utilities) to collect a monthly “systems benefit charge” of 25 cents from every residential, commercial and industrial customer.

Water and Wastewater Utilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:57:00 GMT

HB 223 (Hudson) authorizes water and wastewater utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission (PSC) to impose a surcharge of up to 8 percent of all applicable rates and charges approved by the PSC for projects used for the production, treatment, transmission, storage, distribution, or provision of potable or recycled water to the public or for the collection, transportation or disposal of sewage for the public. HB 223 has been referred to the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee; House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee; and the House State Affairs Committee. (Dudley)

Nuclear and Integrated Gasification Power Plants (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:56:00 GMT

SB 200 (Fasano) repeals existing law that allows utilities to recover costs relating to the siting, design, licensing and construction of nuclear and integrated gasification combined cycle power plants. SB 200 has been referred to the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee; the Senate Regulated Industries Committee; and the Senate Budget Committee. (Dudley)

Public Service Commission Rate Approval (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:55:00 GMT

HB 159 (Campbell) requires approval by the Legislature of any vote taken by the Public Service Commission that approves an increase in rates charged to customers for electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water or wastewater service. HB 159 has been referred to the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee; the House Rulemaking and Regulation Subcommittee; and the House State Affairs Committee. (Dudley)

Renewable Energy Cost Recovery (Support)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:54:00 GMT

SB 156 (Detert) requires purchase contracts offered to producers of renewable energy to include payment provisions for energy and capacity based upon a public utility's equivalent cost-recovery rate for clean energy projects rather than the utility's full avoided costs. SB 156 has been referred to the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. (Dudley)

Notification of Contamination (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:52:00 GMT

SB 132 (Joyner) and HB 147 (Ahern) increase the requirements for public notification of contaminated property. These bills require local governments to mail a notice to any homeowners’ or applicable neighborhood association within a specified distance of a contaminated site when the contact information for these associations is available to the local government. SB 132 was passed by the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Education Pre-K – 12 Committee and has been referred to the Senate Community Affairs Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. HB 147 has been referred to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee; House Rulemaking and Regulation Subcommittee; House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee; and the House State Affairs Committee. (Dudley)

Contaminated Beach Water (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:50:00 GMT

SB 526 (Sobel) requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to deliver a report to Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature by January 1, 2012, regarding the priority ranking for beach waters that have been contaminated. This bill establishes standards and methodologies for determining the source of contamination. The DEP is also directed to develop and implement a public education program regarding human actions that affect the water quality of beach waters. SB 526 has not yet been referred to any committee. (Dudley)

Bottled Water Sales Surtax (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:48:00 GMT

SB 78 (Lynn) and HB 453 (Rehwinkel-Vasilinda) impose a 6 percent surtax on the price of each bottle of water sold at retail. The money collected from the surcharge is to be deposited into the Ecosystem Management and Restoration Trust Fund within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to be used for a wide array of programs. SB 78 has been referred to the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. HB 453 has not yet been referred to a House committee. (Dudley)

Wrongful Death/Statute of Limitations (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:46:00 GMT

SB 594 (Hays) and HB 277 (Goodson) provide that actions for wrongful death against the state or its agencies or subdivisions, including cities, must be brought within the period applicable to actions brought against other defendants, or within two years. HB 277 is in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and SB 594 has not been referred to committee. (Conn)

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:45:00 GMT

HB 13 (Coley), SB 130 (Dean), SB 82 (Lynn) and SB 168 (Evers) repeal current law directing the Florida Department of Health to create and administer the statewide onsite sewage treatment disposal systems (septic tank) evaluation program created in 2010. HB 13, SB 82, SB 130 and SB 168 eliminate the procedures and criteria for the evaluation/inspection program and eliminate the grant program established to subsidize the cost of repairing septic systems. HB 13 has been referred to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee; the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee; and the House State Affairs Committee. SB 82, SB 130 and SB 168 have all been referred to the Senate Health Regulation Committee; Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; and the Senate Budget Committee. (Dudley)

Local Government Services/Efficiency and Accountability (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:44:00 GMT

HB 4031 (Dorworth) repeals Section 163.07, Florida Statutes, which provides a process for local governments to resolve local intergovernmental disputes and increase efficiency and accountability in the delivery of services. HB 4031 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. (Conn)

Design Professionals/Limited Liability (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:40:00 GMT

SB 288 (Negron) and HB 605 (Steube) provide for limited liability for engineers, architects and other design professionals as a result of construction defects resulting from the performance of a contract. If a contract requires professional liability insurance, the contract may not limit the liability of the design professional in a manner that is inconsistent with the insurance requirements.

Procurement/Bid Preference for In-State (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:35:00 GMT

SB 386 (Bogdanoff) requires state and local governments to provide a bid preference for in-state vendors when purchasing printing services and other forms of personal property. SB 386 is in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. (Conn)

Mobile Home and Recreational Vehicles Parks (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:32:00 GMT

SB 292 (Dean) provides various regulations and standards to operate mobile home and recreational vehicle parks. The bill requires that local government ordinances and regulations be consistent with the uniform standards in the law, but this does not affect local government authority to adopt and enforce land use, building, fire safety and other regulations.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:29:00 GMT

CS/SB 214 (Gaetz) and HB 539 (Patronis) urges Congress to support the tax-relief provisions of federal legislation H.R. 5699 and S. 3934, relating to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of 2010. CS/SB 214 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 539 has not yet been referred to a House committee. (Dudley)

Public Lodging Establishments (Oppose - Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:25:00 GMT

SB 476 (Evers) changes the definition of “transient public lodging establishment” and “nontransient public lodging establishment.” Under current law, local governments are allowed to inspect public lodging for compliance with the Florida Building Code and the Florida Fire Prevention Code.

School District Revenue Enhancement - (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:24:00 GMT

Sale of Advertising- (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:16:00 GMT

Medical Expenses for Inmates (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:05:00 GMT

Bicycle Safety (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:00:00 GMT

SB 118 (Bullard) revises state law to require bike riders under the age of 16 to wear helmets that meet the adopted federal safety standard. Helmet purchased before October 1, 2011, that meet previously adopted safety standards may continue to be worn until January 1, 2015.

Police Dogs (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:43:00 GMT

SB 452 (Fasano) requires law enforcement agencies to provide all retired police dogs with veterinary care for the remainder of the dog’s life. The law enforcement agency must also pay for cremation services for the dog. SB 452 is in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. (Cook)

Traffic Offenses (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:38:00 GMT

HB 403 (Baxley) and SB 608 (Evers) provide enhanced penalties for moving violations causing injury or death. Neither bill has been referred to a committee. (Cook)

Automated External Defibrillators (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:34:00 GMT

HB 373 (Steinberg) requires the owner, operator or administrator of a place of public assembly to notify the local emergency medical services director of the location of the Automated External Defibrillators (AED). It also requires that those local EMS directors maintain a registry of AED locations. The bill has not been referred to any committees. (Cook)

Transactions by Secondhand Dealers, Secondary Metal Recyclers, Pawnbrokers (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:31:00 GMT

HB 343 (Metz) and SB 622 (Hays) require secondary metals recyclers to complete a regulated metals transaction form at the time of the actual purchase transaction. The purchaser must then transmit a copy of the receipt to the appropriate law enforcement official. The secondary metals recycler must also maintain a record of all purchase transactions. The bills allow for the secondary metals recycler to transmit these reports electronically if they have the capability. Pawnbrokers and secondhand dealers must also submit their transactions to a designated local law enforcement official as well. Neither bill has been referred to a committee. (Cook)

Young Athletes (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:27:00 GMT

Firearms (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:24:00 GMT

Human Trafficking (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:20:00 GMT

CS/SB 246 (Joyner) and HB 477 (Burgin) specify documents that must be possessed by each person providing massage services and require the presentation of these documents upon the request of a law enforcement officer. CS/SB 246 passed the Senate Health Regulation Committee and is now in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

Sexual Exploitation (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:11:00 GMT

Animal Control or Cruelty Ordinances (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:08:00 GMT

HB 359 (Randolph) and SB 676 (Rich) requires a city enacting an animal control or cruelty ordinance to impose and collect a $15 surcharge for each violation of the ordinance. One dollar may be retained by the clerk of the court, $5 goes to training for animal control officers,

Sexual Activities Involving Animals (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:06:00 GMT

SB 344 (Rich) and HB 125 (Kiar) prohibit a person from knowingly engaging in sexual conduct or sexual contact with an animal and prohibits specified related activities. Persons violating this section commit a first degree misdemeanor. The bill does not apply to animal husbandry practices, conformation judging practices and accepted veterinary medical practices. SB 344 has been referred to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, and HB 125 has not been referred to any committees. (Cook)

Vessel Safety (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:02:00 GMT

HB 169 (Kiar) and SB 370 (Rich) change the legal age for operating a personal watercraft (PWC) from 14 to 16 and also makes the operation of a personal watercraft illegal for someone who does not have a boating safety ID card.

Enforcement of Immigration Laws (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:58:00 GMT

SB 136 (Bennett) and HB 237 (Williams) require law enforcement personnel, if reasonable suspicion exists, to determine the immigration status of a person stopped, detained or arrested. The bills would require aliens to carry on their person a form of identification that proves they are legally in the country.

Enforcement of Immigration Laws (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:56:00 GMT

HB 271 (Pilon) and SB 230 (Detert) require state agencies to only enter into contracts with companies that register and participate in a federal work-authorization program. In addition, any subcontractors hired must also participate in the work-authorization program.

Security Cameras (Oppose)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:48:00 GMT

HB 93 (Steube) and SB 172 (Bennett) reenact current law that prohibits cities from adopting ordinances requiring businesses to operate security cameras on their premises. The law was passed originally in 2009 (SB 360-Fasano), but is being challenged by several cities that claim the bill violates the single-subject clause and is an unfunded mandate.

Century Commission for a Sustainable Florida – (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:44:00 GMT

SB 232 (Bennett) and HB 261 (Pilon) direct the Century Commission to develop a specific strategic plan for growth management looking at 10-year, 25-year and 50-year horizons. These bills modify the membership criteria of the commission.

Growth Policy - (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:43:00 GMT

HB 4001 (Diaz) proposes to repeal the Urban Infill and Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program. HB 4001 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. (Matthews)

Texting While Driving (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:36:00 GMT

HB 79 (Porth) and SB 158 (Detert) make it illegal for a person to use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers may talk on the phone but cannot “text” while driving. The bill exempts individuals who are acting in an official capacity, reporting a crime or are receiving safety-related messages.

Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:34:00 GMT

CS/HB 45 (Gaetz, M.) and CS/SB 402 (Negron) clarify the preemption of local governments from adopting ordinances or regulations regulating firearms and ammunition. The bill removes an exception for county waiting-period ordinances and establishes penalties for individuals and local governments that violate any provisions of this section of law.

Assault or Battery on Utility Workers (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:28:00 GMT

HB 15 (Soto) and SB 734 (Wise) amend Section 784.07, Florida Statutes, which lists the penalties for assaulting certain protected public employees.

Assault and Battery of Law Enforcement Officers (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:17:00 GMT

HB 3 (Nehr) requires the Florida Highway Patrol to activate the Emergency Alert System and issue a “blue alert” if certain conditions are met. The bill is in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee . (Cook)

Red Light Cameras (Oppose - Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:13:00 GMT

HB 4087 (Corcoran) and SB 672 (Garcia) repeal laws passed in the 2010 legislative session that authorize the use of traffic infraction detectors. Neither bill has been referred to a committee.

Gifts (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:07:00 GMT

SB 354 (Bullard, L.) deletes a provision that a gift accepted on behalf of a governmental entity or charitable organization shall not be retained longer than reasonably necessary to arrange for transfer of the gift. SB 354 has been referred to the following committees:

Public Records (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 19:03:00 GMT

SB 416 (Bogdanoff) and HB 411 (Burgin) provide an exemption from public records requirements for photographs, video and audio recordings that depict or record the killing of a person.

Public Meetings (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:59:00 GMT

HB 285 (Eisnaugle) and SB 310 (Negron) require that governmental boards and commissions must provide an opportunity for public input at all public meetings.

Municipal Governing Body Meetings (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:56:00 GMT

HB 65 (Wood) and SB 298 (Alexander) authorize municipal governing bodies with fewer than 500 residents to hold meetings up to five miles outside of the municipality’s specified boundaries. HB 65 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and is now in the House Government Operations Subcommittee.

Performing Arts Center Donors (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:51:00 GMT

SB 106 (Ring) and HB 121 (Thurston) creates an exemption from public records requirements for information that identifies a donor or prospective donor of a donation made for the benefit of a publicly owned performing arts center if the donor desires to remain anonymous.

Effective Public Notice (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:46:00 GMT

HB 89 (Workman) authorizes a local government to use its publicly accessible website for legally required notices and advertisements. The bill provides various requirements to use this process. HB 89 is in the House Government Operations Subcommittee. (Conn)

State Government Revenue Limitation (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:41:00 GMT

SB 7050 (Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax) is a proposed committee bill that expresses the legislative intent to propose an amendment to the state constitution to revise the state government revenue limitation.

Numeric Nutrient Water Criteria (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:35:00 GMT

HB 239 (T. Williams) bans the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from implementing numeric nutrient criteria imposed by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). HB 239 also prohibits the DEP from using the EPA criteria in making impairment determinations for any water body and in adopting pollutant loading requirements.

Green Job Creation - (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:33:00 GMT

HB 447 (A. Williams) provides corporate tax credits for the creation of jobs in an industry relating to the field of renewable, alternative energies, including the manufacturing and operation of products used to generate electricity and other forms of energy from alternative sources.

Small Municipalities - (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:30:00 GMT

HB 379 (Clemens) defines the term “municipality of special financial concern,” and amends Section 163.3177, Florida Statutes. This bill defines a municipality of special financial concern as a municipality with a per capita taxable value of assessed property of $58,000 or less;

Growth Management - (Oppose)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 18:27:00 GMT

Welcome to Issue 1 of the 2011 Legislative Bulletin

Rebecca O'Hara — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 18:55:00 GMT

The 60-day legislative session begins this year on Tuesday, March 8. Like last year, the Legislature will again face enormous fiscal challenges as it attempts to plug a nearly $4 billion budget hole. Your League lobbying team will continue to advance the Legislative Action Agenda that you established for us concerning pension reform, revenue caps, growth management, unfunded mandates, water supply, and more. This is the first of a series of Legislative Bulletins we will publish for the 2011 session.

2011 Issue Brief: Revenue and Expenditure Caps

Amber Hughes — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:55:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities opposes state-mandated revenue or expenditure caps. State-mandated caps usurp the home rule powers of municipal residents to self-determine the form of their governments and their desired level of service.

2011 Issue Brief: Municipal Police Officer and Firefighter Pension Plans

Kraig A. Conn — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:49:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities will support legislation that provides comprehensive municipal firefighter and police officer pension reform. Pension mandates directly conflict with the legislature’s desire to limit government spending.Any comprehensive pension reform package should, at a minimum, address the following:

2011 Issue Brief: Unfunded Mandates

Kenneth Pratt — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:43:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities will support legislation that strengthens the prohibition on existing and new unfunded mandates, requires enhanced staff analyses of quantification of the costs to cities and ensures full state funding sources be assigned whenever unfunded mandates are identified.

2011 Issue Brief: Transportation

Ryan Matthews — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:39:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities will support legislation that provides proportionate, dedicated and recurring revenue sources for multi-modal municipal and regional transportation projects to ensure that local conditions and needs are addressed.

2011 Issue Brief: Reclaimed Water

C. Scott Dudley — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:31:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities will support legislation clarifying that reclaimed water is a product generated by a utility treatment process. As such, reclaimed water should not be subject to regulatory actions by the water management districts, but should remain available for use as an integral element of a utility's water supply plan and permitted discharge strategy. Furthermore, the Florida League of Cities will support legislation which provides that any quantities of water made available by the use and/or generation of reclaimed water should be allocated to the reclaimed water provider, and which supports the home rule powers of a municipality to create "mandatory reuse zones" within its jurisdiction.

2011 Issue Brief: Growth Management

Ryan Matthews — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:22:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities supports reform of the state’s growth management laws to increase the scope of state technical assistance and reduce the scope of state regulation of the local government comprehensive planning process. In addition, the League supports cost saving measures that would reduce unnecessary or outdated reporting requirements, particularly for fiscally-constrained or built-out municipalities.

2011 Issue Brief: Alternate and Renewable Energy

C. Scott Dudley — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:01:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities will support legislation that incentivizes the development and implementation of a meaningful statewide renewable and alternative energy policy and that encourages the development of new technologies that will help create jobs and industries in Florida.

2013 Florida League of Cities Legislative Action Agenda Now Available

Scott Dudley — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 17:49:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities has released its Legislative Priorities including its stance on municipal police officer and fire pension plans and disability presumptions; energy; water policy; communications and local business tax protection; campus development agreements; pending ordinance doctrine; economic development; residential group homes; effective public notice and public safety telecommunicator certification exemption. For more information, contact Legislative Director Scott Dudley at (850) 222-9684.

Keys to the Cities Task Force

John Thomas — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 13:15:00 GMT

Coming Soon!

Sign Up for the FLC Legislative Policy Committees for 2010-2011

Jenny Anderson — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:11:00 GMT

The Florida League of Cities is pleased to announce the start of the League’s legislative policy process for 2010 - 2011. In an effort to get more cities involved, the League is requesting that each city be represented on one or more of the League’s Legislative Committees.

2010 Florida League of Cities Advocacy Report

Allison Payne — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:40:00 GMT

The 2010 Florida League of Cities Advocacy Report highlights key legislation considered this past legislative session that has or would have had a significant impact on municipalities. Included in this report are the House and Senate sponsors, co-sponsors and key votes on those issues.

2010 Legislative Session Weekly Updates - May 3

Estella Gray — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:44:00 GMT

The League will be providing weekly video updates during the 2010 legislative session. Please check back each week as the Florida League of Cities goes live at the Capitol!

DCA Partners with Three Firms to Provide Even More Assistance for Those Local Governments Participating in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program

Florida Department of Community Affairs — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:11:00 GMT

Firms will provide on-site rapid response technical assistance and help facilitate the purchasing and rehabilitation of locally targeted projects.

Welcome to Issue 2 of the 2010 Legislative Bulletin

Rebecca O'Hara — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:50:00 GMT

In addition to the Legislative Bulletin, we are pleased to provide real-time legislative updates through our Facebook and Twitter pages. Follow the League at FLC on Facebook and http://twitter.com/homerulechk.

2010 Legislative Session: Track Key Bills

Rebecca O'Hara — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:40:00 GMT

Use this resource to track the status of key bills that are being followed by the Florida League of Cities. Bill information is automatically updated as new information is made available so please check back often to receive information on bills affecting your city.

Reporting Requirements

Allison Payne — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:57:00 GMT

In June 2009, the Office of Management and Budget released Implementing Guidance for the Reports or Use of Funds Pursuant to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Specifically, this document provides guidance to prime recipients, sub recipients and vendors on the reporting requirements and timelines associated with ARRA grant funding.

Welcome to Issue 1 of the 2010 Legislative Bulletin

Rebecca O'Hara — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 18:38:00 GMT

Welcome to Issue 1 of the 2010 Legislative Bulletin. The Legislative Bulletin is summary in nature. It is intended to briefly describe bills and let you know what action has occurred on them each week. To ensure brevity without losing information, the Legislative Bulletin provides hyperlinks to each bill, bill sponsor and legislative committee. Simply click on a hyperlink to go to the bills webpage or to get more information about a committee or bill sponsor. Be sure to click on the most recent version of a bill and click on any amendments to ensure you are reviewing the most up-to-date information. Likewise, the Bulletin provides hyperlinks to League Issue Briefs or other helpful information that might be available.

Federal Stimulus Broadband Funding Grants Now Accepted

National Telecommunications and Information Administration — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:07:00 GMT

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in conjunction with the Rural Utilities Services (RUS) have announced that the first round of grants is now being accepted for federal broadband stimulus funding. Up to $1.6 billion in funds is available to be awarded and is allocated as follows.

SB 360 - Official List of Dense Urban Land Areas

Joel Easley — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:19:00 GMT

This section will follow the implementation of SB 360. Currently we have an official listing of Dense Urban Land Areas.

2009 Florida League of Cities Advocacy Report

Allison Payne — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:53:00 GMT

The 2009 Florida League of Cities Advocacy Report highlights key legislation considered this past legislative session that preempts, or would have preempted, municipal Home Rule authority. Included in this report are the House and Senate sponsors, co-sponsors and key votes on several issues considered this past session that specifically impacted city government.

Immediate Action Requested - OPPOSE HJR 385 (Rivera)

Joel Easley — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:51:00 GMT

HJR 385 (Rivera) is a proposed constitutional amendment that would restrict the aggregate taxation on a parcel of real property to 1.35% of the property’s taxable value. This bill will be considered by the House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council on Wednesday, March 25 at 10:00 a.m.

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

Joel Easley — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:12:00 GMT

Broadband Technology Opportunities Program

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant - updated 2/9/09

Allison Payne — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:05:00 GMT

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

Welcome

Rebecca O'Hara — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:49:00 GMT

Welcome to the newly revised Legislative Bulletin. You’ll notice a few changes designed to give you better access to more information.

A Time for Leadership

Rebecca O'Hara — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:42:00 GMT

Charles Packer in a recent issue of The New Yorker magazine recently compared Florida to a modern day Ponzi scheme – everything’s great so long as 1,000 new people a day keep coming and buying houses. In this time of term limits and politically palatable quick fixes, nobody ever paused to plan for the day they stopped coming. Yet, here we are. The state, national and world economy has tanked. Florida is left with a glut of half-built or foreclosed homes, mosquito-infested swimming pools and weed-choked lots. The state faces an over $5 billion budget shortfall.

Legislative Policy Development Process

Rachel Tala — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:56:00 GMT

Attention City Officials (elected and appointed): If you have been looking for the perfect opportunity to get involved in the legislative process, it's here! The Florida League of Cities is pleased to announce the start of the League’s legislative policy process for 2013 – 2014. Please fill out the this policy committee sign-up form and return it to Rachel Tala. Click here for more details.

Bert Harris Private Property Rights Act (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Mon, 09 May 2011 17:34:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 701 (Eisnaugle) revises the Bert Harris Private Property Rights Act, which was originally enacted in 1995. The Bert Harris Act encompasses government actions that constitute an “inordinate burden” on a citizen’s property. An inordinate burden is defined as an action of one or more governmental entities that has directly restricted or limited the use of real property such that the property owner is permanently unable to attain the reasonable, investment-backed expectation for the existing use of the real property. The changes made to the bill this year include language which provides that a temporary burden of one year or more “may” be distinguished as an inordinate burden.

Building Safety (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/HB 663 (Aubuchon) adds a fee to the nonbinding interpretation process, a program that has been of great assistance to building departments and the construction community. The bill was amended to lower this fee from $250 to $125 and also now include the fire hydrant clarification language supported by the League found in HB 629 (Burgin) and SB 1136 (Crist). In addition, the bill weakens the Florida Building Code by allowing battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors to be installed in certain buildings. Also, CS/CS/SB 663 changes how monies that fund the Building Code Administrators and Inspectors Fund are derived.

Video Archive: 2010 Legislative Video Update (2/26/10)

Estella Gray — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:24:00 GMT

2010 Legislative Session Weekly Updates - 2/26/10

Unlawful Use of Utility Services (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:55:00 GMT

HB 29 (Grimsley) and SB 236 (Dean) provide prima facie evidence for the unlawful use of utility services for the purpose of manufacturing a controlled substance.

Cameras at Red Lights (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:50:00 GMT

HB 439 (Reagan) and SB 2004 (Altman) authorize the use of cameras at traffic intersections by local governments.

Budget Transparency (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:32:00 GMT

SB 594 (Aronberg), SB 1972 (Storms) and HB 971 (Hukill) require the state to establish a searchable data base for the purpose of posting all municipal, county, special district and state budgets.

False Impersonation of Law Enforcement Officers (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:22:00 GMT

HB 317 (Robaina) and SB 640 (Garcia) increase the severity of several offenses relating to impersonation of a law enforcement officer.

Government-Sponsored Recreational Program (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:05:00 GMT

SB 1824 (Community Affairs Committee) provides that any information that identifies or helps to locate a child participating in a government-sponsored recreation program or camp, or information that identifies or helps to locate the parents or guardian of such a child, is exempt from the public records.

Homestead Transfers (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:00:00 GMT

HB 101 (Hukill) and SB 744 (Altman) provide that transfers of ownership when the same person or that person’s spouse continues to hold title of the homestead real property will not be treated as a “change of ownership” requiring reassessment.

Firefighter and Police Officer Pension Plans/Alternative Plans (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:06:00 GMT

HB 673 ( Domino) and SB 1572 (Deutch) provide alternatives to the operation of a firefighter or police officer pension plan under Chapters 175 or 185, Florida Statutes. HB 673 is in the House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee and SB 1572 has not yet been referred to committee.

Community Land Trusts (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:56:00 GMT

SB 1040 (Bennett) and HB 161 (Aubuchon) provide additional criteria for determining whether certain affordable housing property owned by charitable organizations and community land trusts are entitled to an exemption from ad valorem taxes.

Historic Properties (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:06:00 GMT

SB 1630 (Garcia) and HB 865 (Bovo) declare it a state policy to assist local governments with expanding and accelerating their historic preservation programs and activities and to include assistance to community organizations in their efforts to preserve historic resources.

Affordable Housing for Seniors/Unfunded Mandate (Oppose)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:42:00 GMT

HB 637 (Pafford) and SB 912 (Deutch) require the Housing Element of local government comprehensive plans to include principles to be followed in the provision of adequate sits for affordable housing for seniors. The bills specify that property conveyed to a local government for affordable housing follow statutory procedures for inventory and disposition contained in chapters 125 and 166.

Administrative Procedure Act (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:39:00 GMT

HB 347 (Adkins) makes various changes to the Administrative Procedure Act relating to agency rulemaking impacts on small businesses, and to the involvement of the Small Employer Regulatory Advisory Council in agency rulemaking.

Mortgage Foreclosure Diversion Pilot Programs (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:12:00 GMT

SB 1058 (Bennett) and HB 205 (Kreegal) authorize each judicial circuit to establish a mortgage foreclosure diversion pilot program.

Agricultural Packing House Sales Tax Exemption

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:26:00 GMT

HB 1137 (Poppell) provides an exemption from sales and use tax for electricity used in agriculture packinghouses.

Local Government Contract Employees/Code of Ethics (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:12:00 GMT

SB 252 (Constantine) and HB 1089 ( Kiar) apply specific provisions of the Code of Ethics to various local government contract employees. The bills specify standards of conduct for officers and employees of entities serving as the chief administrative officer of a political subdivision.

Alternative Water Supplies/Incentives (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:40:00 GMT

SB 1904 (Altman) authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection and the water management districts to grant permits as incentives for landowners to pursue alternative water supply projects.

Charter Schools (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:58:00 GMT

SB 278 (Gaetz) provides charter school sponsors and governing boards with a means to timely detect financial problems and intervene prior to the closure of a charter school. SB 610 prohibits nepotism in charter schools for employment and promotion policies.

Cameras at Red Lights (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:00 GMT

HB 439 (Reagan) and SB 2004 (Altman) authorize the use of cameras at traffic intersections by local governments.

Cameras at Red Lights (Support)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 325 (Reagan) clarifies local government authority to use cameras at intersections to enforce traffic laws. CS/CS/HB 325 preempts the use of cameras to the state and authorizes the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) to install traffic infraction detectors on state roads. Local governments can install cameras on state roads only if they receive a permit from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Cities are required to reach an interlocal agreement with a county to install cameras on county roads.

Video Archive: 2010 Legislative Video Update (3/8/10)

Estella Gray — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:24:00 GMT

The League will be providing weekly video updates during the 2010 legislative session. Please check back each week as the Florida League of Cities goes live at the Capitol!

Utilities (Oppose)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:58:00 GMT

HB 691 (Hudson) and SB 1192 (Richter) delete a provision of current law that provides intergovernmental authorities offering water services an exemption from Public Service Commission jurisdiction.

FDOT Transportation Package (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:55:00 GMT

SB 932 (Senate Transportation Committee) and HB 1021 (Aubuchon) address numerous issues relating to the Department of Transportation. Among other things, the bills create a process for local governments to provide input to the Department of Transportation relating to projects being considered for deletion or deferral from the 5-Year Work Plan.

Financial Audits (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:38:00 GMT

HB 931 (Schultz) and SB 1368 (Dean) reduce the timeframe for submission of annual local government financial audits and require that a link to all local government audit reports be provided on the Department of Revenue website.

Firearm Transactions (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:27:00 GMT

Proprietary Confidential Business Information (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:11:00 GMT

SB 1836 (Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee) creates a new public records exemption for proprietary confidential business information held by an agency.

Homestead Property and Minors (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:06:00 GMT

HB 563 (Schultz) and SB 936 (Dean) revise laws relating to homestead status and minors who are property owners.

Firefighter Death Benefits (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:12:00 GMT

SB 792 (Baker) and HB 259 ( Soto) modify the state required death benefits for firefighters. SB 792 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee . HB 259 is in the House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee.

Property Rights/ Unfunded Mandate (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

SB 1556 (Baker) and an un-numbered bill by Rep. Eisnaugle revise the Bert J. Harris, Jr., Private Property Rights Protection Act. The changes would shorten the time frame for local governments to make settlement offers and lengthen the time for property owners to bring claims under the Act.

Homeless Housing Assistance Grants (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:40:00 GMT

SB 726 (Smith) and HB 639 (Pafford) authorize the agencies that provide local homeless assistance to use a homeless housing assistance grant, provided by the State Office on Homelessness within the Department of Children and Family Services. The bills also provide funding for transitional or permanent housing for homeless persons.

Community Residential Homes (Oppose)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:26:00 GMT

SB 1124 (Altman) and HB 371 (Stargel) provide that community residential homes that have six or fewer residents located within a planned residential community are not required to obtain local government approval regardless of their proximity to each other.

Statewide Legacy Communities Initiative (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:11:00 GMT

SB 292 (Bullard) defines “legacy community” as a historic and culturally distinct community that is established in an area of this state and developed by capturing and cultivating the people’s cultures, skills, beliefs, interests, and values. SB 292 establishes the Statewide Legacy Communities Initiative to support and fund projects and activities undertaken by individuals, community organizations, and businesses in legacy communities implementing the legacy community strategy.

Developments of Regional Impact (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:49:00 GMT

HB 441 (Reagan) and SB 856 (Bennett) include specified port-related industrial or commercial project facilities within the list of facilities that are not Developments of Regional Impact.

Breed Specific Dog Prohibitions (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:45:00 GMT

HB 189 (Thurston) and SB 922 (Hill) repeal the existing prohibition of breed-specific local government regulation of dangerous dogs.

Nonforeclosure/Pending Foreclosure Statements (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:19:00 GMT

SB 454 (Fasano) and HB 401 (Weinstein) require that a owner of a residential property must notify the tenant of that dwelling if the property is in foreclosure or in short-sale status and whether the mortgage lender intends to initiate foreclosure proceedings or short-sale procedures within a specified time.

Cigarette Tax (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:28:00 GMT

HB 11 (Waldman), HB 477 (Weatherford) and SB 850 (Fasano) increase the amount of the cigarette tax by $0.65 per pack and revises approved uses of those funds.

Public Officers and Employees/ Breach of Duty (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:18:00 GMT

SB 1142 (Wise) provides additional acts that constitute a breach of duty by a public official, employee, or local government attorney. The bill significantly expands the list of acts of official misconduct, to include various potentially vague standards. The bill requires state attorneys and law enforcement agencies to strictly enforce the provisions prohibiting official misconduct.

Automatic Sprinkler System (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:44:00 GMT

SB 494 (Bennett) and HB 755 (Reed) direct the Department of Environmental Protection to create a model ordinance by January 15, 2010 and mandate that local governments adopt and enforce the model ordinance that includes penalties for operators of automatic sprinkler systems not in compliance with sprinkler system contractor reporting requirements by October 1, 2010.

Florida Schools of Excellence (Support)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:07:00 GMT

SB 610 (Wise) allows the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission to authorize new sources of community support to participate as cosponsors in developing and supporting charter schools.

Commuter Rail (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:00:00 GMT

EDCA 1 (House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council) and SB 1212 (Constantine) establish the necessary legislative framework for the Central Florida Commuter Rail Project (SunRail) and all future commuter rail projects in the state.

Community Residential Homes Planned Unit Developments (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

SB 1166 (Altman) provides that certain types of community residential homes may be located less than 1000 feet apart under specified conditions. A local government may not deny a permit for such homes based solely on the type of residents that may live within such homes. The bill requires that planned residential communities may not be located within 10 miles of another such community.

Video Archive: 2010 Legislative Video Update (3/15/10)

Estella Gray — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:44:00 GMT

The League will be providing weekly video updates during the 2010 legislative session. Please check back each week as the Florida League of Cities goes live at the Capitol!

Traffic Signal Synchronization (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:59:00 GMT

HB 705 (Lopez-Cantera) and SB 736 (Garcia) require the Florida Department of Transportation and local government traffic control authorities to synchronize the traffic lights on highways, roads, streets, and other transportation arteries that have relatively high traffic volume compared with other traffic arteries within its jurisdiction.

Ordinance Enforcement Prohibition (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:43:00 GMT

SB 1856 (Bennett) prohibits municipalities and counties from enforcing any ordinances that require any private property owners to expend funds.

Public Records & Insured Dependents (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:14:00 GMT

HB 135 (McKeel) and SB 270 (Dockery) create an exemption to Florida’s Public Records Act that will prevent the disclosure of personal identifying information of minor dependents of agency employees when such minor dependents are insured under an agency group insurance plan.

Payments to Local Governments (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:10:00 GMT

HB 929 (Bembry) provides for payment by the state to specified local governments to replace revenues lost by the implementation of the constitutional amendment relating to conservation lands.

Firefighters/Disciplinary Activities (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:15:00 GMT

SB 384 (Ring) and HB 725 ( Jenne) modify the process in firefighter disciplinary investigations. SB 384 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee . HB 725 has not yet been referred to committee.

Homelessness Prevention Grant Program (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:44:00 GMT

HB 597 (Reed) and SB 1054 (Crist) create the Housing First Program and establishes a homelessness prevention grant program. In addition, SB 1054 revises the membership on the Council on Homelessness.

Department of Community Affairs (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:56:00 GMT

SB 730 (Bennett) expresses legislative intent to abolish the Florida Department of Community Affairs and provide for the reorganization of its services among other agencies. SB 730 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (O’Hara)

Collection of Taxes & Fees (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:50:00 GMT

SB 2006 (Crist) authorizes local governments to contract with an attorney for the purpose of collection of non ad valorem taxes and fees owed to the local government. This bill has not received a committee reference.

Public Records/Vacant or Abandoned Real Property Registration (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:24:00 GMT

SB 1044 (Smith) and HB 221 (Porth) provide an exemption from public-records requirements for specified identifying information contained in the statewide Internet registry maintained under the Vacant or Abandoned Real Property Registration, Maintenance, and Foreclosure Reporting Act.

Communications Services Tax (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:32:00 GMT

HB 857 ( McBurney) and SB 1590 ( Altman ) authorize communications services taxpayers to report credit for bad debt by netting the credit against taxes due, and authorize the use of a proportionate allocation method or other reasonable method in determining the amount of bad debt attributable to state or local jurisdictions.

Receipt of Gifts on Behalf of a Governmental Entity (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:21:00 GMT

SB 136 (Bullard) modifies the restriction on accepting gifts on behalf of a governmental entity. SB 136 is in the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee. The bill deletes a limitation on the amount of time that a gift accepted on behalf of a governmental entity may be retained.

Beach Access/ Mandate (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:52:00 GMT

HB 527 (Sachs) and SB 488 (Justice) prohibit businesses, individuals, and local governments from restricting access to beaches for recreational uses

Community Development Districts/Deed Restrictions (Support)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:13:00 GMT

SB 1602 (Baker) and HB 821 (O’Toole) revise the deed restriction enforcement rulemaking authority of boards of directors of Community Development Districts (CDD).

Civic Education (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:07:00 GMT

HB 13 (McBurney) requires Sunshine State Standards for social studies to include emphasis on civics education; requires social studies standards to be included in assessments and requires the FCAT to measure student content knowledge and skills in social studies.

Department of Transportation (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/HB 1271 (Horner) is a comprehensive transportation package that repeals and revises various definitions within the Florida Transportation Code. Among other things the bill directs the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to develop and amend rules that provide for the placement of and access to certain electrical transmission lines on the right‐of‐way of department controlled roads. Also included in the bill is language that authorizes FDOT and local governments to issue permits to certain overweight trucks in order for those trucks to utilize state and local roads.

Video Archive: 2010 Legislative Video Update (3/22/10)

Estella Gray — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:44:00 GMT

The League will be providing weekly video updates during the 2010 legislative session. Please check back each week as the Florida League of Cities goes live at the Capitol!

Transportation Funding (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:00 GMT

SB 2058 (Alexander) and HB 321 (Wood) rename the existing Charter County Transit System Surtax as the Charter County Transportation System Surtax.

Use of Public Money and Property (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:46:00 GMT

HB 253 (Gonzalez) and SB 474 (Bennett) prohibit the use of public funds to benefit a professional sports franchise and require ad valorem taxes to be paid on publically owned property that is being used by a for-profit entity.

Property Appraisers (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:14:00 GMT

HB 179 (Nelson) and SB 800 (Baker) revise procedures and requirements relating to property appraisers.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:18:00 GMT

As in every session, various bills are filed relating to the Florida Retirement System that may impact cities participating in the FRS. SB 534 (Fasano) modifies the FRS to require public employees employed on or after January 1, 2010 to enroll in the defined contribution program rather than the defined benefit program.

Low-income & Moderate-income Homeowners/Insurance (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:49:00 GMT

SB 328 (Wilson) and HB 229 (Braynon) authorize counties to establish a fund for providing no-interest loans to assist low-income and moderate-income homeowners in paying homeowners' insurance premiums. Funding is provided by county-levied surtaxes on building-related permits. Loans must be repaid if the homestead is sold or refinanced.

Construction Bonds (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:11:00 GMT

HB 299 (Tobia) and SB 560 (Bennett) requires surety to record in public records any bonds for public works projects and changes other requirements for surety bonds on public works projects.

Real Property Registration (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:31:00 GMT

SB 874 (Smith) and HB 119 (Porth) require the Department of Financial Services to establish a statewide Internet registry of vacant, abandoned, or foreclosure properties.

Community College Discretionary Surtax (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:34:00 GMT

HB 787 (Zapata) and SB 1576 (Villalobos) authorize a voter approved surtax to be levied in charter counties for the purpose of supporting community colleges.

Right to Vote by Secret Ballot (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:23:00 GMT

SJR 1908 (Richter) and HJR 1013 (Hasner ) propose an amendment to the state constitution to guarantee the right to vote by secret ballot in elections for public office, initiatives or referenda, or designations or authorizations of employee representation.

Beach Closing Advisories (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:19:00 GMT

Community Redevelopment/Blighted Areas (Support)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:19:00 GMT

SB 110 (Bullard) expands the definition of the term "blighted area" to include land previously used as a military facility.

Firefighter and Police Officer Pension Plans (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:12:00 GMT

HB 5 ( Hooper) and SB 538 (Baker) modify chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes, relating to firefighter and police officer pension plans.

Economic Development and Environmental Permitting Streamlining (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

SB 1752 (Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means) creates and reinstates several Florida business tax exemptions and tax credits, the Qualified Target Industry incentive program, and other economic development-related statutes in an effort to create jobs in Florida. The bill provides for a matching grant program for local governments to attract, expand or retain small businesses in Florida. The bill also requires local governments that contract with an economic development agency to submit a report on such activities to the state. In addition, the bill requires cities and counties to report annually to the state any economic development incentives valued greater than $25,000 that are given to specified business during the year.

Video Archive: 2010 Legislative Video Update (3/29/10)

Estella Gray — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:44:00 GMT

The League will be providing weekly video updates during the 2010 legislative session. Please check back each week as the Florida League of Cities goes live at the Capitol!

Transportation Planning (Oppose)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:00 GMT

SB 1596 (Senate Transportation Committee) abolishes the Statewide Intermodal Transportation Advisory Council and creates the Freight Infrastructure Resource Steering Council in its place. The bill requires the FDOT to submit the tentative work program to the Council for review and directs the Council to advise the Legislature and department on policies, planning, and funding of certain transportation projects.

Property Assessment (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:23:00 GMT

HB 521 (Lopez-Cantera), SB 1006 (Fasano) and SB 1102 (Storms) change the burden of proof in the challenge of an assessment and revise the criteria used in the appraisal of properties.

Florida Retirement System/Municipal Elected Officers (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:28:00 GMT

SB 1852 ( Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee ) makes various administrative changes to the Florida Retirement System, including revising the dates a governing body of a city may elect to designate its elected positions for inclusion in the Elected Officers’ Class. SB 1852 has not yet been referred to committee.

Mobile Home Park Lot Tenancies (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:52:00 GMT

SB 1032 (Fasano) and HB 609 (Jenne) require municipalities, counties, or state government to first determine if adequate mobile home parks or other monetarily comparable and suitable housing are available, before approving action, such as a rezoning, which would result in the removal or relocation of mobile home owners residing in the mobile home park.

Crane Regulations (Oppose - Preemption)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:23:00 GMT

HB 923 (Evers) and SB 1654 (Altman) establish regulations for hoisting equipment used in construction, demolition, or excavation work.

Residential Foreclosure Proceedings (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:35:00 GMT

SB 646 (Fasano) excludes any person or entity employed or engaged, directly or indirectly, by the holder of an obligation or lien on any residential real property in foreclosure from the definition of the term "foreclosure-rescue consultant."

Corporate Income Tax Credit (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:37:00 GMT

SB 218 (Ring) provides a corporate income tax credit for the employment of the homeless. HB 423 (Poppell) and SB 1526 (Haridopolos) provide a corporate income tax credit for investment in specified spaceflight projects. HB 453 (Weatherford) and SB 1310 (Gardiner) provide tax credits for contributions to specified non-profit scholarship funding organizations.

Bottle Bill/Recycling (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:26:00 GMT

HB 435 (Rader) imposes a beverage container deposit charge on specific containers sold in the state of Florida after July 1, 2010. The deposit would be paid by the consumer or distributor and would vary based on the size of the beverage container.

Construction (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:37:00 GMT

SB 674 (Constantine) provides that failure to obtain a local jurisdiction construction license is not grounds for charging a contractor with unlicensed activity if the contractor has obtained a state license.

First-Responder Services/Prohibition of Fees (Oppose – Preemption)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:18:00 GMT

HB 1043 ( Thompson, N.) prohibits cities and counties from imposing taxes, charging fees, or seeking reimbursement for costs relating to providing first-responder services. First-responder services include police, fire and emergency medical services. HB 1043 has not yet been referred to committee.

Fire Safety Inspections (Support)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

SB 1136 (Crist) clarifies existing law giving cities and counties the authority to use specially designated employees to inspect hydrants in accordance with standards adopted by the State Fire Marshal or the standards of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). If a local government out-sources such inspections, it is required to use certified fire safety inspectors. This language is also present in CS/CS/CS/HB 663 (Aubuchon) and CS/SB 648 (Bennett).

Video Archive: 2010 Legislative Video Update (4/12/10)

Estella Gray — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:44:00 GMT

The League will be providing weekly video updates during the 2010 legislative session. Please check back each week as the Florida League of Cities goes live at the Capitol!

Transportation Revenues (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:08:00 GMT

SB 582 (Baker) creates the Florida Transportation Revenue Study Commission to study state, regional, and local transportation needs and develop new and innovative funding options.

Property Tax Credit for Military Personnel (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:30:00 GMT

HB 833 (Horner) and SB 1302 (Gardiner) provide an ad valorem tax credit for deployed military personnel.

Increased Disability Benefits for Firefighters, Police Officers, and EMTs (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:30:00 GMT

HB 697 (Abruzzo) amends the Florida Retirement System to state that a firefighter, police officer, emergency medical technician, and others who are injured in the line of duty and cannot continue to render service “in the position held” are considered to be totally and permanently disabled.

Mobile Home Relocation (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:56:00 GMT

SB 1298 (Detert) limits the amount an individual can receive from the Florida Mobile Home Relocation Corporation to cover relocation costs and raises the amount a mobile home owner may receive, in lieu of relocation costs, when it is determined that a mobile home must be abandoned due to structural age.

Fire Prevention and Control (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:27:00 GMT

SB 1606 (Aronberg) and HB 693 ( Taylor, D.) are the legislative packages for the State Fire Marshall. The bills relate to interpretations of the Fire Prevention Code, firefighter training and certification activities, requirements for employment as a firefighter, disciplinary actions, and other various actions relating to firefighting activities.

Energy Efficiency Tax Exemptions (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:48:00 GMT

HB 167 (Abruzzo), SB 942 (Bennett) and SB 976 (Sobel) provide a temporary sales tax exemption for specific energy efficient products.

Corporate Income Tax “Piggyback” Depreciation (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:44:00 GMT

HB 459 (Cannon) and SB 1112 (Altman) change requirements relating to federal law and bonus depreciation expense. These bills are proposed to fix the corporate income tax “piggyback” depreciation glitch fix.

Environmental Permitting (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:30:00 GMT

HB 1123 (T. Williams) and SB 2016 (Bennett) require the Department of Environmental Protection to consolidate federal and state wetland permitting programs. HB 1123 and SB 2016 also authorize implementation of a state programmatic general permit or regional general permits by the department and water management districts for certain dredge and fill activities.

Veterans (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:58:00 GMT

HB 509 (Zapata) and SB 644 (Fasano) expands the exemption from local building license or permit fees provided to disabled veterans for the purpose of making their swelling safe and accessible.

Growth Management (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:23:00 GMT

CS/SB 360 (Bennett) defines “Dense Urban Land Areas” and establishes such Areas as Transportation Concurrency Exception Areas. The bill provides for expedited state review of most comprehensive plan amendments submitted by local governments within such Areas. It exempts large scale development within Dense Urban Land Areas from the Development of Regional Impact review process.

Florida Forever Trust Fund (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/SB 1640 (Fasano) re-creates the Florida Forever Program Trust Fund within the Department of Community Affairs. The bills change the trust fund’s termination date to July 1, 2014.

Video Archive: 2010 Legislative Video Update (4/26/10)

Estella Gray — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:44:00 GMT

The League will be providing weekly video updates during the 2010 legislative session. Please check back each week as the Florida League of Cities goes live at the Capitol!

Property Tax Discounts / Disabled Veterans (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:34:00 GMT

SB 1550 (Aronberg) extends the constitutional property tax discount for disabled veterans to veterans that were not Florida residents when they joined the military.

Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers/Disciplinary Proceedings (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:33:00 GMT

SB 624 (Fasano) and HB 1107 ( Kreegel) modify the interrogation and disciplinary process for law enforcement and correctional officers.

Mobile Home Relocation (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:01:00 GMT

HB 551 (Holder) requires that an adequate mobile home park or other suitable housing selected for relocation of mobile home owners must be affordable based on the income of very-low-income, low-income, or moderate-income persons pursuant to current statute and the location must be situated within the same county.

Forfeiture/Property Disposition (Oppose – Preemption)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:43:00 GMT

SB 1860 (Gelber) requires a city or county law enforcement agency that acquires more than a specified amount of forfeited property within one fiscal year to transfer a set percentage of the proceeds to the state attorney’s office for the jurisdiction where the violation occurred.

Entertainment Industry Tax Exemptions (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:52:00 GMT

HB 43 (Ambler), HB 47 (Precourt), SB 312 (Ring) and SB 350 (Haridopolos) provide corporate income tax and sales tax exemptions to qualified entertainment entities in exchange for conducting operations in Florida.

Expedited Permitting (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:34:00 GMT

HB 73 (Schenck) and SB 852 (Fasano) require the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the water management districts to adopt programs to expedite the processing of wetland resource and environmental resource permits for economic development projects that have been identified by a municipality or county as meeting the definition of target industry businesses.

Baseball Spring Training Facilities (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:04:00 GMT

SB 1308 (Commerce Committee) authorizes certain units of local government to apply for certification to receive funding for facilities used by spring training franchises.

Local Government Campaign Expenditures/Restrictions (Oppose – Preemption)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:31:00 GMT

SB 216 (Justice) and HB 591 (Long ) restrict the ability of local governments to use or expand public funds to advocate for or against an issue presented to voters. SB 216 is in the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee. HB 591 has not yet been referred to committee.

Health Clinic Regulation (Support)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/SB 2272 (Fasano) requires all privately owned pain-management clinics or offices that primarily engage in the treatment of pain by prescribing or dispensing medications, to register their businesses with the Department of Health. Clinics which are primarily involved in the practice of chiropractic medicine are exempted. A practitioner, as defined under the bill, is prohibited from dispensing more than a 72 hour supply of medications.

Property Tax Exemption / Military Personnel (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:37:00 GMT

SB 1934 (Fasano) and HB 1155 (Holder) propose a constitutional amendment to exempt homestead properties owned by members of the US Military receiving hostile-fire or imminent danger pay from ad valorem taxation.

National Guard/Return to Work (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:36:00 GMT

HB 635 (Scionti ) and CS/SB 206 (Justice) provide requirements for National Guard members who return to work after serving on state active duty. HB 635 has not yet been referred to committee.

Forfeiture/Use of Proceeds (Oppose – Preemption)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:46:00 GMT

SB 1166 (Wise) and HB 407 (Carroll) require every city or county to expend or donate no less than 25% of forfeiture proceedings to support local, community-based non-profit, non-governmental organizations.

Fertilizers (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:39:00 GMT

SB 1490 (Pruitt) specifies that after July 1, 2011, fertilizers containing phosphorus or phosphate cannot be used on urban turf unless the need for phosphorus is determined by an approved soils or tissue test.

New Markets Development Program Act (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:09:00 GMT

SB 1502 (Fasano) and HB 485 (Weatherford) create the New Markets Development Act to encourage capital investment in rural and urban low-income communities.

Local Government Permitting (Oppose - Preemption)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:34:00 GMT

SB 2026 (Altman) extends and renews for 2 years any construction or operating permit, development order, building permit, or other land use application that has been approved by a state or local governmental agency pursuant to chapter 161, chapter 163, chapter 253, chapter 373, chapter 378, chapter 379, chapter 380, chapter 381, chapter 403, or chapter 553, Florida Statutes, or pursuant to a local ordinance.

Leave of Absence/Military Service (Oppose–Unfunded Mandate)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/SB 464 (Fasano) increases the number of working days from 17 to 30 (or up to 240 hours) to be granted as a paid leave of absence to state and local government officers or employees engaged in military training.

Property Tax Payments (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:41:00 GMT

HB 1031 (Holder) and SB 1580 (Ring) authorize charter counties to change the calculation of penalties on unpaid property taxes.

Public Officials/Compensation Restrictions (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:48:00 GMT

SB 2020 (Storms) provides that the salary of any elected or public official in the state whose compensation from public funds was $65,000 or more in the 2008-2009 fiscal year shall be reduced by 5% for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Also, such public officials may not receive a bonus for the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

Forfeiture Proceedings/Internet Notice Posting (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:49:00 GMT

HB 427 ( Fetterman) and SB 1178 (Oelrich) modify forfeiture proceedings by permitting the notice of forfeiture on official government Internet sites for a specified period of time. SB 1178 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee and HB 427 has not yet been referred to committee.

Excise Tax (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:57:00 GMT

HB 55 (Jenne) and SB 728 (Bennett) limit the imposition of the excise tax on documents. SB 728 is in the Senate Judiciary Committee. HB 93 (Pafford) revises the criteria that determine the liability for the payment of the excise tax on documents. HB 237 (Hudson) and SB 1140 (Altman) prevent the application of the excise tax on documents on transfers of homestead properties between spouses. HB 237 is in the House Civil Justice and Courts Policy Committee. HB 375 (Legg) and SB 1024 (Dean) provide guidelines for fuel contracts that require the reimbursement of federal excise tax on fuel.

Springs Protection (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:46:00 GMT

SB 274 (Constantine) directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to delineate the springsheds of Ichetucknee Spring, Rainbow Spring, Silver Spring, and Wakulla Spring to identify and adopt spring protection zones by December 1, 2010.

Space & Aerospace Catalyst and Enhancement Program (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:14:00 GMT

SB 1184 (Altman) and HB 307 (Crisafulli) create the Space & Aerospace Catalyst and Enhancement Program within the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development (OTTED) to fund upgrades to space-related infrastructure or business facilities or to enter into partnerships with applicable businesses on space or aerospace-related projects.

Non Homestead Property Tax Cap and First Time Homebuyers Exemption (Oppose/Unfunded Mandate)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:39:00 GMT

HB 97 (Domino) and SB 532 (Lynn) provide a constitutional amendment that would limit the assessment growth on commercial and residential rental property to 5% annually or the average annual percentage growth in revenues derived from the property over the previous 3 years. The bill also provides first time home buyers a property tax exemption equal to 50% of the properties just value in the first year and reduced by 20% each succeeding year.

Middle School Civics Education Assessment (Support)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/HB 105 (McBurney) requires a one semester civics education course for middle school students and end of course exam which will be used in determining the student’s final grade.

Required Local Effort (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:46:00 GMT

SB 598 (Baker) and HB 655 (O’Toole) changes the calculation of statewide amount of required local effort.

Public Transit Providers (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:50:00 GMT

HB 291 (Thompson, G. ) requires public transit providers to give restroom breaks to the drivers or operators of public conveyances.

Health Insurance/Local Participation in State Program (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:56:00 GMT

HB 175 ( Soto) and SB 356 (Justice) authorize local governments to participate in the state group health insurance program.

Fire Rescue Surtax (Oppose)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:16:00 GMT

HB 365 (Hooper) and SB 1000 (Fasano) authorize counties of specific size to levy a discretionary sales tax of 1% for emergency fire and rescue services. It provides the governing authority of such county would be designated as the “regional service provider” for emergency fire rescue services within the county.

Water Conservation (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:52:00 GMT

HB 593 (Boyd) requires the water management districts to design and implement an incentive program for local governments to adopt Florida Friendly landscaping ordinances and programs.

Super Enterprise Zones (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:22:00 GMT

SB 286 (Bullard) and HB 269 (Bush) designate four areas in the state as “super” enterprise zones for a ten-year period. SB 286 has been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee and HB 269 is in the House Economic Development Policy Committee. (Carper)

1.35% Property Tax Caps (Oppose - Unfunded Mandate)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:45:00 GMT

HB 385 (Rivera) and SB 738 (Bennett) is a proposed constitutional amendment that would restrict the aggregate taxation of on a parcel of real property to 1.35% of the property’s taxable value. This means that municipalities, counties, school boards and special districts would only be able to apply 13.5 mils to any piece of property in the aggregate.

Prompt Payment/Retainage (Oppose)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/HB 1157 (Eisnaugle) amends existing provisions relating to prompt payment and retainage in contracts between local governments and contractors. The bill specifies the final contract completion date must be at least 30 days after final delivery of any “punch” list items and requires the contract date be extended by the number of days the “punch” list late.

School District Taxation (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:52:00 GMT

HB 1023 (Rader) authorizes school districts to levy additional millage by super majority vote.

Workers’ Compensation/Attorney’s Fees (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:53:00 GMT

HB 903 (Flores ) and SB 2072 (Richter) clarify the requirements for the payment of attorney’s fees and costs under the workers’ compensation system.

Judicial and Execution Sales of Property (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:01:00 GMT

SB 228 (Joyner) requires that a standard notice be posted by a lien holder on all foreclosures of homestead properties.

Hurricane Preparedness Tax Exemptions (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:22:00 GMT

SB 214 (Baker) and HB 373 (Workman) provide a temporary sales tax exemption for certain hurricane preparedness items for a specified period of time.

Water Management District Governance (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:55:00 GMT

SB 1070 (Baker) requires that members of the governing boards of the water management districts be elected rather than appointed.

Major Disasters/Cash, Food and Shelter Assistance (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:29:00 GMT

SB 128 (Bullard) and HB 799 (Bush) expedite the application procedures for persons who reside in an area damaged by a major disaster and who apply for temporary cash, shelter, or food assistance for children, families, the elderly or disabled, during an emergency.

Public Construction Projects (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:48:00 GMT

SB 616 (Haridopolos) and HB 611 (Hukill) require local governments to competitively bid any project to repair, construct or improve any public building or project in excess of $200,000. For road construction or improvement projects the threshold is $250,000. Maintenance projects of a limited scope are exempt from the mandatory bidding requirements.

Public Safety Telecommunicators/E911 (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 742 (Detert) provides all 911 operators must be certified by a training program approved by the Department of Health. The bills expand the allowable uses of E-911 trust fund dollars to include certification of dispatchers and allows for local governments to train dispatchers. CS/CS/CS/SB 742 was amended to extend the deadline in the bill to October 1, 2012.

Workplace Safety/Compliance with OSHA Standards (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:55:00 GMT

HB 1029 ( Gibson, A.) and SB 1878 (Lynn) require all public employers to comply with specified federal Occupation Safety and Health Administration standards for public employees effective June 30, 2012.

Lobbying/Gift Ban (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:07:00 GMT

SB 1506 (Lawson) and HB 901 (Rehwinkel Vasilinda) amend the current prohibition on lobbyist expenditures for legislators by exempting food or beverages not exceeding $20 consumed at an event held for the sole purpose of providing information on legislative, community, or governmental issues having a specific education component, or food and beverages not exceeding $20 associated with an organizational, professional, governmental, or public interest function or reception.

Impact Fees Burden of Proof (Oppose)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:26:00 GMT

HB 227 (Aubuchon) and SB 580 (Haridopolos) change the burden of proof in an impact fee challenge to the preponderance of the evidence standard and prohibit a court from using a deferential standard to favor either party.

Water Quality/Nutrient Reduction (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:59:00 GMT

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is proposing a legislative package that among other things will eliminate the dependence on documentary stamp funding for the Water Protection and Sustainability Program by providing funding from a $0.06 per gallon fee on all water used to produce and bottle water.

My Safe Florida Home Program (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:34:00 GMT

SB 1344 (Bennett) and HB 359 (Steinberg) authorize condominium unit owners to apply for My Safe Florida Home Program grants to retrofit their properties to make them less vulnerable to hurricane damage.

Revenue Caps (Oppose – Preemption & Unfuded Mandate)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:52:00 GMT

HB 905 (Flores) and SB 1906 (Haridopolos) propose a constitutional amendment to limit the collection of revenues by state and local government. Revenue growth for state and local governments would be capped by changes in population and inflation plus 1 percentage point. There is also a requirement that the legislature provide for an increase in the revenue limitation placed on local governments in order to comply with state and federal unfunded mandates.

Public Road Construction (Support)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1842 (Bennett) requires the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to notify all affected municipalities and counties at least 180 days prior to erecting median barriers on the state highway system which will divide a state highway, modify currently available vehicle turning movements, or have the effect of closing or modifying an existing access connection. The FDOT is required to hold a public hearing to solicit input from the public regarding the impact of the project and must consider the public input and alternatives offered by the local government before concerning final design.

Truth in Taxtion (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:56:00 GMT

HB 701 (Hudson) and SB 752 (Richter) require that past and proposed millage rates be included on TRIM notices.

Zoning for Biofuels Facilities (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:57:00 GMT

SB 2068 (Haridopolos) provides that a biofuels processing facility or a renewable energy generating facility are valid industrial and agricultural uses for the purpose of zoning.

Public Employees’ Charitable Campaigns (Oppose – Preemption)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:11:00 GMT

HB 195 ( Rouson) and SB 870 (Sobel) restrict the ability of local governments to offer public employees charitable campaigns, by requiring the campaign to follow a uniform process and requiring that it be open to specified charities.

Impact Fee Exemption (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:32:00 GMT

SB 1558 (Deutch) and HB 1075 (Sachs) authorize local governments to provide an exemption from impact fees to properties designated as affordable housing.

Water Supply (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:02:00 GMT

HB 1111 (T. Williams) is a comprehensive bill addressing water supply policy, planning, production, and funding. Among other things, the bill prohibits the water management districts from engaging in local water supply distribution or from depriving any county of the right to the reasonable and beneficial use of water that is required to adequately supply the needs of the county.

Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Funds (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:59:00 GMT

Several bills propose to lift the cap on distributions from the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Funds. SB 334 (Wilson), HB 25 (Saunders), and SB 1434 (Crist) repeal the cap on distributions from the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund. SB 334 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 25 is in the House Economic Development Policy Committee and SB 1434 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Recycling (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

HB 7243 (House General Government Policy Council) is comprehensive bill dealing with a variety of recycling-related issues. HB 7243 requires all city, county, state entities, public schools to report their recycling rates on all recyclable material to the applicable county. Fiscally constrained cities or municipalities of special financial concern defined in the bill are exempt from those reporting requirements.

Truth in Taxation (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 08:01:00 GMT

HB 461 (Fetterman)and SB 2056 (Sobel) require tax collector to include in annual tax bill a notice of any action by the legislature that resulted in a change in Required Local Effort for school funding.

Public Libraries/Internet Safety Education Programs (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:15:00 GMT

HB 233 (Burgin) and SB 324 (Crist) encourage all public libraries to implement an Internet Safety education program.

Impact Fee Moratorium (Oppose)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:35:00 GMT

SB 630 (Bennett) and HB 1129 (Grimsley) place a 3-year moratorium on impact fees.

“Save Our Homes” Recapture (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:06:00 GMT

SB 304 (Bennett) and SB 464 (Fasano) alter the application of the “Recapture” rule to real properties that are protected by Save Our Homes. SB 304 permits an increase in the assessed value of a homestead property only when there is in an increase in the market value of the property. SB 464 provides that any decrease in just value will result in a decrease in assessed value and if there is no change in the just value of the property there will be no change in the assessed value of the property.

Sexual Offenders and Predators (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 119 (Glorioso) defines “loitering and prowling by certain offenders in close proximity to children” and list the penalties associated with said crimes. Current state law provides that convicted sex offenders cannot live within 1,000 feet of a school, day care center, park, playground, designated school bus stop, or place where children regularly congregate. Some cities have chosen to adopt residency exclusion ordinances beyond this statewide minimum distance. Earlier versions of the bill preempted these local government residency exclusion ordinances.

Public Meetings/Attorney-Client Sessions (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:21:00 GMT

HB 851 ( Mayfield) and SB 1386 (Rich) expand the list of persons authorized to attend a private meeting between a governmental entity and the entity’s attorneys to discuss pending litigation and revises the conditions precedent to holding such meetings.

License Tax (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:39:00 GMT

HB 869 (Chestnut) and SB 1624 (Bennett) increase the taxes charged for the operation of motor vehicles.

Social Security Numbers (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:12:00 GMT

SB 1838 (Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee) would make Social Security Numbers (SSNs) of current and former agency employees confidential and exempt from public records disclosure, raising the standard from merely exempt.

Sovereign Immunity (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Jenny Anderson — Sat, 01 May 2010 00:03:00 GMT

CS/SB 2060 (Bennett) changes the current law on sovereign immunity and increase the waivers from $100,000/$200,000 to $200,000/$300,000 effective October 1, 2011. The current law waivers of sovereign immunity are $100,000 for any individual claim or judgment and $200,000 for all claims or judgments arising out of the same incident. (Issue Brief)

Purchase of Commodities and Services (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:24:00 GMT

HB 247 (Pafford ) and SB 712 (Pruitt) authorize special districts, cities and counties to purchase specified commodities and contractual services from purchasing agreements of other special districts, cities or counties.

Slot MachineRevenue (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:42:00 GMT

SB 302 (Sobel) provides that slot machine tax revenues may be used only to supplement K-12 public education funding.

Transportation Concurrency & Mobility Fees (Oppose - Preemption & Unfunded Mandate)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:15:00 GMT

HB 1019 (McKeel) and SB 1306 (Bennett) substantially revise provisions chapter 163, part II, governing transportation concurrency and proportionate share mitigation. The bills redefine “financial feasibility” by changing how transportation level-of-service is applied (requires consideration of whether adopted or existing level-of-service will be achieved or maintained).

Secondary Metal Recycling/Preemption (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:27:00 GMT

HB 339 (Patterson) and SB 478 (Baker) preempt local governments from adopting or enforcing any local ordinance, special law, or local regulation governing secondary metals recyclers which is more stringent or restrictive than existing state law.

Streamlined Sales Tax (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:50:00 GMT

HB 329 (Rehwinkel Vasilinda) and SB 1134 (Lynn) revise state sales and use tax laws to meet requirements of the streamlined sales and use tax agreement.

Sovereign Immunity/Payment of Excess Judgment (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:41:00 GMT

HB 995 ( Wood) and SB 1922 (Aronberg) provide that a subdivision of the state (city, county, etc.) may pay a judgment in excess of statutory limits on the waiver of sovereign immunity without an act of the Legislature if it so chooses.

Taxation of Time Share Rentals (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:10:00 GMT

HB 61 (Precourt) and SB 392 (Haridopolos) clarify the collection of state and local taxation on timeshare resorts during transient stays.

Surplus Public Funds (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:43:00 GMT

SB 732 (Smith) and HB 569 (Roberson ) require the deposit of surplus funds into financial instruments insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation rather than in certificates of deposit. SB 732 is in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee .

Tax Incentives Electric Cars (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:19:00 GMT

HB 879 (Hasner) and SB 1610 (Altman) provide incentives for the use and development of electric cars through sales tax and corporate income tax breaks.

Tax Certificates (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:46:00 GMT

SB 480 (Baker) reduces the number of times a tax collector must advertise a tax certificate sale. SB 480 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Transient Rentals (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:24:00 GMT

HB 579 (Long) and SB 1970 (Lynn) require the collection of tax on specified transient rentals.

Tour Guide Operators (Support)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:50:00 GMT

HB 555 (Bovo) authorizes local governments to regulate tour guide operators. HB 555 is in the House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee.

Waste-to-Energy Facilities/Procurement (Watch)

Joel Easley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 05:53:00 GMT

HB 59 (Gibbons ) establishes a process for the state to procure products and materials with recycled content. The bill also provides that an applicant to construct a new waste-to-energy facility or expand an existing facility must provide that the local government in which the facility is located has implemented a program to procure remanufactured products, equipment, or instruments.

2011 Legislative Session Adjourns

Rebecca O'Hara — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:00:00 GMT

This is the final edition of the Legislative Bulletin for the 2011 session. The Legislature adjourned sine die at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 7. For a comprehensive summary of bills that passed or failed in the 2011 session, please stay tuned for the League’s Final Report on the 2011 session. It will be published in late-May. Please contact the League if you have questions about the status of any bill.

Construction Liens and Bonds (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:41:00 GMT

CS/HB 897 (Moraitis) and CS/SB 1202 (Bogdanoff) provide that public projects cannot require releases when processing payments for projects covered by a bond. In addition, CS/SB 1202 was amended to require local governments to open sealed bids for public construction projects at a public meeting and to list the names of bidders and price submitted. CS/SB 1202 is in the Senate Budget Committee. CS/HB 897 passed the House Judiciary Committee and will now head to the House floor.

Agriculture (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:29:00 GMT

CS/SB 1132 (Hays) and HB 1197 (Horner) preempt local governments from adopting any ordinance dealing with the practice of beekeeping. The bills also exempt farm signs from local municipal sign ordinances. A farm sign is defined as any sign that displays a message exclusively relating to farm produce, merchandise, services, sold, produced, manufactured or furnished on the farm. SB 1132 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Regulation of Firearms and Ammunition

Mandy Stark — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:36:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/HB 45 (Gaetz) imposes a financial penalty on governments, elected officials or staff that adopt policies or take enforcement action that violates the existing state law preemption of firearm and ammunition regulation. City officials or employees who are found to have willfully and knowingly violated the preemption would be personally liable for a fine of no more than $5,000. A government entity could be liable for actual damages up to $100,000 and for the plaintiff’s attorney’s fees. For example, under the bill, an elected city official passing or a city employee enforcing an ordinance prohibiting guns in parks, discharging guns within city limits, or otherwise restricting guns could be personally liable as provided in the bill.

Public Officers/Severance Pay (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:42:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 88 (Gaetz) and CS/HB 43 (Smith) either prohibit or restrict severance pay for any public officer, agent, employee or contractor. Employment contracts entered into before July 1, 2011, that have severance pay provisions are grandfathered. The bills establish standards for bonus programs offered by governmental entities. The bills permit severance pay if it represents settlement of an employment dispute.

Relating to Uniform Traffic Control (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:33:00 GMT

CS/SB 2036 (Braynon) authorizes school districts to deploy school bus traffic infraction detectors that are operable by the bus operator in an effort to fine drivers who pass a school bus that is picking up or dropping off students. CS/SB 2036 requires a person driving a vehicle to stop when approaching a school bus displaying a stop signal. It also authorizes the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, a county or a municipality to authorize a traffic infraction enforcement officer to issue and enforce a citation for a violation of such provisions, etc. In the bill, a municipality would receive $15 of the $265 infraction.

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:33:00 GMT

SB 1644 (Latvala) and CS/CS/HB 1353 (Albritton) create the Division of Motorist Services within the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. SB 1644 also provides that certain traffic ticket citations may not be issued or prosecuted unless an officer uses an electrical, mechanical or other speed-calculating device. CS/CS/HB 1353 authorizes a health care provider to notify a law enforcement agency after detecting the presence of a controlled substance in the blood of a person injured in a motor vehicle crash. SB 1644 has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Budget Committee.

Department of Transportation (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:33:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1363 (Brandes) provides for the Department of Transportation to regulate bus stops, benches, transit shelters, street light poles, waste disposal receptacles and modular news racks within rights of way. This bill requires cities and counties to review installations of benches and transit shelters. CS/HB 1363 also requires municipalities to indemnify and hold harmless the Department of Transportation from any suits, actions, proceedings, claims, losses, costs, charges, expenses, damages, liabilities, attorney fees and court costs relating to the installation, removal or relocations of such items. Should a municipality fail to comply with the department’s direction, the department shall remove the non-compliant installation, charge the cost of the removal to the municipality or county, and may deduct or offset such cost from any other funding available to the municipality or county from the department.

Relating to Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:33:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1150 (Latvala) specifies that the executive director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles serves at the pleasure of the governor and Cabinet. This bill creates a Division of Motorist Services within the department. CS/CS/SB 1150 provides that certain traffic citations may not be issued or prosecuted unless a law enforcement officer used an electrical, mechanical or other speed-calculating device that has been tested and approved. This bill requires local governments, whenever an engineering analysis is undertaken for the purpose of evaluation yellow and red signal display durations, to adhere to standards set forth in the bill.

Trucking (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:32:00 GMT

CS/SB 1912 (Evers) and CS/HB 1263 (Adkins) create the Small Trucker Relief Act and define the term “small trucking firm.” A small trucking firm is a trucking enterprise that is family owned, has fewer than 30 employees or fewer than 50 trucks in operation. CS/SB 1912 and CS/HB 1263 provide that a trucking regulation workgroup shall be created that will deliver a report to the governor, speaker of the House, and Senate president concerning rules and regulations affecting small trucking firms. CS/SB 1912 is in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. CS/HB 1263 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and is now available to be placed on the House calendar.

Sale of Advertising on Transportation Facilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:32:00 GMT

HB 313 (Slosberg) and CS/SB 560 (Wise) create the John Anthony Wilson Bicycle Safety Act of 2011. This act will allow the Department of Environmental Protection to enter into agreements for naming rights of state greenway and trail facilities or property for advertising purposes. HB 313 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee. CS/SB 560 passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and is now in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.

Transportation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:32:00 GMT

CS/SB 1180 (Latvala) will be the comprehensive Department of Transportation legislative package for the 2011 legislative session. CS/SB 1180 provides that the Florida Statewide Passenger Rail Commission has the primary and exclusive authority to monitor functions related to passenger rail systems. This bill will also end the authority of the Florida Transportation Commission over monitoring the efficiency, productivity and management of all publicly funded passenger rail systems. CS/SB 1180 revises the date that impositions or rate changes of the local option fuel tax shall be levied from the previous date of July 1 to October 1.

Traffic Safety (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:32:00 GMT

SB 1418 (Altman) and HB 835 (Slosberg) create the Alex Brown Act, which prohibits the use of a handheld cellular telephone and other handheld electronic communication devices by drivers under 18 years of age. The bills provide that the regulation of operator or passenger use of commercial mobile radio services and other electronic communication devices in a motor vehicle is expressly preempted to the state. SB 1418 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee. HB 835 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee.

Public Contracts (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:32:00 GMT

SB 1660 (Sobel) requires each entity that is bidding or submitting a proposal to contract with the Florida Rail Enterprise or a fixed-guideway transportation system for goods or services to clarify whether or not that business or entity had any direct involvement in the deportation of any individual to specified detainment camps during World War II. Such entities shall provide an accounting or mitigation report should they have had direct involvement in such activities. SB 1660 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. (Matthews).

Motor Vehicles (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:32:00 GMT

HB 643 (Chestnut) and CS/SB 886 (Oelrich) revise penalties for the unlawful operation of radios and other sound-making devices within a vehicle. HB 643 and CS/SB 886 provide that vehicles with a radio or sound-making device that is plainly audible at a distance of 25 feet or more from the vehicle will be in violation of the law, punishable by a non-criminal moving violation. The bills provide exemptions for emergency vehicles, as well as business and political purposes. HB 643 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee.

Outdoor Theaters (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:31:00 GMT

HB 4009 (Workman) and SB 1624 (Lynn) repeal provisions relating to access to public roads from outdoor theaters. These bills remove provisions for entrances, exits, enclosures, vehicle storage, screen orientation, tower location and driveway lighting. The bills also remove requirements for issuance of occupational licenses issued by the tax collector. HB 4009 passed the House and is now in Senate messages.

Growth Policy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:31:00 GMT

HB 4001 (Diaz) and SB 1792 (Diaz de la Portilla) propose to repeal the Urban Infill and Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program, an obsolete program that is no longer funded. HB 4001 passed the House and is now in Senate messages. SB 1792 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Growth Management (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:31:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1512 (Bennett) defines the term “mobility plan” and “transit-oriented development,” while also making a technical change by replacing the term “backlog” with “deficiency” when used in the context of transportation concurrency. CS/CS/SB 1512 requires local governments to base their comprehensive plan upon residential and seasonal population estimates from the University of Florida’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research projected population formula. CS/CS/SB 1512 provides that local comprehensive plans must contain a capital improvement element designed to consider the need for and the location of public facility components for a five-year period. Also, CS/CS/SB 1512 requires that the future land use plan must provide at least the amount of land needed for each land use category in order to accommodate anticipated growth using population projections for a 10-year period.

Optional Sector Plans (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:31:00 GMT

HB 987 (Crisafulli) and CS/CS/SB 1904 (Altman) increase the minimum size of geographic areas that qualify for the use of sector plans. Sector plans are used to emphasize urban form and protection of regionally significant resources and public facilities. The bills increase the size of a sector plan from 5,000 acres to 15,000 acres. An optional sector plan may not be adopted in an area of critical state concern.

Bert Harris Private Property Rights Act (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:31:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 701 (Eisnaugle) and CS/SB 998 (Simmons) modify the Bert Harris Private Property Rights Act of 1995. These bills revise procedures for determining a governmental entity’s final decision identifying allowable uses for property. In addition, the bills specify that a one year or longer moratorium may now be considered an inordinate burden depending on the circumstances. The bills have been amended to provide clarity as to when an ordinance has been enacted and applied by a local government to a parcel of property and specify the timeframe within which a property owner may file a claim.

Emergency Vehicles (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:30:00 GMT

CS/SB 1554 (Hays) and HB 1135 (Perman) increase the fine for failure to comply with current law in yielding to emergency vehicles. Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle violations and nonmoving traffic violations will be assessed a $30 penalty, while the total fine may not exceed $100. CS/SB 1554 passed the Senate Health Regulation Committee and is now in the Senate Military Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee. HB 1135 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee.

Local Government (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:30:00 GMT

HB 767 (Rooney) and SB 1144 (Margolis) authorize a county, through the county commission, to sell or lease its real and personal property. These bills offer that the county may negotiate the lease of an airport or seaport facility as well as negotiate the lease of real property for a term not to exceed five years. The bills provide that a sale of real property may not be made unless notice of sale is published in a newspaper of general circulation. HB 767 is on second reading in the House.

Seaports (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:30:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/HB 399 (Ray) and CS/CS/CS/SB 768 (Ring) require the secretary of the Department of Transportation to designate an assistant secretary whose duties include enhancing economic prosperity. These bills also create the Florida Seaport Infrastructure Bank, which will provide loans and credit enhancements to deepwater seaports for the purpose of construction, improved transport, as well as improved port facilities in order to better facilitate the movement and intermodal transport of cargo and passengers in commerce and trade. Florida has 14 public deepwater ports. The bills require each to develop a master plan and a project priority list, as well as to expedite the permitting provisions relating to seaports in an effort to increase revenue throughout the state.

Postsecondary Education (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:30:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 632 (Oelrich) authorizes state universities to avoid the sale, via public auction, of personal property that is lost on state campuses. The bill, before amendment, allowed for state universities to avoid entering into campus development agreements with local governments. The consequence of this would allow off-site concurrency impacts to fall on the shoulders of the local government, resulting in multi-million dollar revenue impacts. CS/CS/SB 632 repeals the University Concurrency Trust Fund, which will require local governments and state universities to renegotiate development agreements and campus master plans.

Sale or Lease of a County, District or Municipal Hospital (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:30:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 619 (Hooper) and CS/SB 1448 (Garcia) authorize a county- or municipally owned hospital, with approval by and through its governing board, the ability to sell or lease the hospital to a for-profit or not-for-profit Florida corporation. The governing board must find that the sale, lease or contract is in the best interests of the public. Sales must be approved through the Attorney General’s Office. CS/CS/HB 619 is in the House Judiciary Committee.

Growth Management (Watch) FLC Priority Bill

Mandy Stark — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 15:29:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1122 (Bennett) and CS/HB 7129 (House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee) are comprehensive bills intended to reform the state’s growth management act. The bills make the existing pilot program for expedited review of comprehensive plan amendments applicable statewide. Most comprehensive plan amendments would now qualify for this expedited review process, which reduces the scope and scale of state agency review of plan amendments. In addition, the bills make school and transportation concurrency optional for local governments.

Fertilizer Regulations (Oppose/Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:12:00 GMT

CS/HB 457 (Ingram) and CS/SB 606 (Evers) preempt local government authority to adopt fertilizer management practices that are more stringent than the statutory Model Fertilizer Ordinance created by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. CS/HB 457 is now in the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. CS/SB 606 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Dudley).

Local Business Taxes (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:47:00 GMT

CS/HB 311 (Roberson) and CS/SB 582 (Detert) exempt an individual engaging in or managing a business in an individual capacity as an employee of another person from local business tax requirements. Also, the bills prohibit a local governing authority from holding an exempt employee liable for the failure of the employer to comply with certain local business tax requirements. CS/SB 582 has passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. CS/HB 311 passed the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee and is now in the House Finance and Tax Committee.

Homestead Assessed Value/Low-income Senior Citizen (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:29:00 GMT

SB 1906 (Diaz de la Portilla) proposes an amendment to the state constitution to authorize counties and municipalities to freeze the assessed value of the homesteads of certain low-income senior citizens. SB 1906 has not yet been referred to a committee. (Hughes)

Tax Refund Program/Target Industry Businesses (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:29:00 GMT

SB 1436 (Ring) and HB 905 (Ray) revise the eligibility of qualified target industry businesses for tax refunds. The bills authorize tax refunds for certain businesses that make capital investments in a project of more than 10 percent. SB 1436 has been referred to the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. HB 905 has been referred to the House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee, House Finance and Tax Committee and House Economic Affairs Committee.

Veteran’s Property Tax Discount (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:28:00 GMT

SB 592 (Bennett) and HB 439 (Holder) propose an amendment to the state constitution expanding the availability of the property tax discount on the homesteads of veterans who became disabled as the result of a combat injury. The bills propose to include veterans who were not Florida residents when they entered the military. SB 592 passed Senate Military Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 439 has been referred to the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee, House Finance and Tax Committee and House Economic Affairs Committee.

Small Community Assistance (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:28:00 GMT

SB 1394 (Evers) increases the size of population that qualifies as a financially disadvantaged small community from 7,500 to 10,000 for purposes of the “Small Community Construction Assistance Act.” The bill also clarifies that only one criteria must be met for the designation. SB 1394 has been referred to the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee, Senate Community Affairs Committee and Senate Budget Committee.

Property Taxation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:14:00 GMT

CS/SB 478 (Thrasher) and HB 355 (O’Toole) revise and consolidate the statutes relating to tax collections, sales and liens. The bills extend the statute of limitations relating to proceedings involving tax lien certificates or tax deeds by period of intervening bankruptcy. CS/SB 478 and HB 355 authorize tax collectors to charge a fee to cover costs for electronic tax deed programs and to issue certificates of correction to tax rolls and outstanding delinquent taxes for uncollectable personal property accounts. CS/SB 478 is on the Senate Special Order Calendar for second reading.

Impact Fees (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:14:00 GMT

SB 410 (Bennett) and HB 7021 (House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee) reenact HB 227, which passed into law in 2009 and is currently under legal challenge. The bills change the legal standards applied in impact fee challenges. The bills put the burden of proof on the local government and prohibit the court from using a deferential standard. The provisions will take effect upon becoming a law and will be retroactive to July 1, 2009.

Duties of the Chief Financial Officer/Charts of Accounts (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:11:00 GMT

CS/SB 1292 (Alexander) and HB 977 (Stargel) require governmental and statutorily created entities to maintain their financial data in accordance with the requirements of the chief financial officer (CFO). Beginning July 1, 2012, local governments are required to maintain their financial data consistent with financial data management codes adopted by the CFO. Beginning July 1, 2014, all entities must comply with the charts of accounts that are adopted by the CFO. The charts of accounts must require specific enterprisewide data, uniform data codes for expenditures and revenues, and at least two additional levels of specificity on the expenditures of public funds.

Relating to State Revenue Limitation (FLC – Priority)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:11:00 GMT

CS/SJR 958 (Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax) proposes an amendment to the state constitution to revise the state government revenue limitation. CS/SJR 958 passed the Senate and is now in House Messages.

Capital Formation for Infrastructure Projects (Support – FLC Priority)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:11:00 GMT

SB 976 (Bogdanoff) and HB 943 (Eisnaugle) create the Florida Infrastructure Fund Partnership to raise investment capital and invest those funds in infrastructure projects in the state that promote economic development. SB 976 and HB 943 set the criteria for infrastructure projects in which the partnership can invest. The bills also create the Florida Infrastructure Investment Trust, which is a state beneficiary public trust that is administered by a board of trustees. SB 976 has been referred to the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and the Senate Budget Committee.

Property Assessment (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:10:00 GMT

CS/SJR 658 (Fasano) and CS/HJR 381 (Dorworth) propose an amendment to the state constitution that reduces the current assessment limitation on non-homestead real property from 10 percent to 3 percent. The bills also provide for a first-time homesteader tax credit. Additionally, CS/SJR 658 prevents increases in the assessed value of homestead property if the fair market value of the property decreases. CS/SJR 658 has passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Emergency Vehicles (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:02:00 GMT

SB 1554 (Hays) and HB 1135 (Perman) increase the fine for the failure to comply with current law in yielding to emergency vehicles. The bills increase the total fine for all violations relating to the failure to yield to an emergency vehicle to $200. Neither SB 1554 nor HB 1135 has been referred to a committee. (Matthews).

Federal Grants Trust Fund (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:02:00 GMT

SB 1042 (Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations) recreates the Federal Grants Trust Fund within the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles without modification. SB 1042 is on the committee agenda in the Senate Budget Committee for March 11, 2011. (Matthews).

State Housing Trust Fund (Support-FLC Priority)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:45:00 GMT

HB 639 (Aubuchon) and SB 912 (Bennett) remove the $234 million cap on documentary stamp tax revenues to be deposited into the State Housing Trust Fund. Such deposited funds may be used only for the purpose of financing, rehabilitating or constructing homes or apartments already built and occupied prior to December 31, 2010. The bills also provide that the comprehensive plan may include an element of affordable housing for seniors and that property conveyed to a local government for affordable housing shall be disposed of for other affordable housing purposes. HB 639 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and is now in the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee.

Assessment of Real Property/Ad Valorem Taxation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:48:00 GMT

SB 1796 (Altman) requires a property appraiser to consider, when determining just valuation of real property, the net proceeds of properties sold by March 31 of the assessment year if the value of real property is declining in that area. SB 1796 has not yet been referred to a commitee. (Hughes).

Ad Valorem Taxation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:48:00 GMT

SB 1802 (Altman) requires the Department of Revenue to determine if changes in the assessed value of real property resulting from an informal conference with the taxpayer are consistent with the law. SB 1802 has yet been referred to a committee. (Hughes).

Capital Investment Tax Credits (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:47:00 GMT

SB 1470 (Altman) and HB 1069 (Dorworth) allow qualifying businesses headquartered in Florida that have insufficient corporate tax liability to apply a capital investment tax credit against liability for sales and use tax. The sales tax credit cannot exceed $5 million in any one year. The bills require a business that applies this credit to make additional capital investments in Florida equal to the amount of the credit within five years and to annually report to the Legislature and the Office of Tourism Trade and Economic Development. SB 1470 and HB 1069 have not yet been referred to any committees.

Sales Tax Exemptions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:47:00 GMT

SB 1556 (Margolis) exempts from sales tax certain separately stated charges on leased properties such as civic centers, stadiums and convention halls. The separately stated charges include charges for ticket takers, security personnel and advertising. SB 1556 has not yet been referred to a committee. (Hughes).

Relating to Corporate Income Tax (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:47:00 GMT

SB 1506 (Ring) and HB 1199 (Metz) provide for the apportionment of certain taxpayers; adjusted federal income solely by the sales factor provided in current law. The bills provide for eligibility based on the taxpayer's capital expenditures, which must be at least $250 million, and number of full-time employees. The bills authorize the Department of Revenue to examine and verify that a taxpayer has correctly apportioned its taxes and the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to approve and revoke approval of an application. SB 1506 and HB 1199 have not yet been referred to any committees.

Revitalizing Municipalities (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:47:00 GMT

SB 1962 (Garcia, R) and HB 1269 (Nuñez) provide for transfer of specific sales tax revenues from the General Revenue Fund to the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund for Municipalities and for distribution of those funds. The bills authorize a governing body to create a sales tax increment redevelopment district within a municipality that is part of an enterprise zone and has a population of greater than 250,000. The designated redevelopment agency for the sales tax increment redevelopment district is eligible for a distribution of a percentage of the increased collections of sales tax over the previous year. The Department of Revenue will determine the amount of increased sales tax collections to be distributed to each eligible designated redevelopment agency.

Assessment of Real Property/Challenge Proceedings (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:47:00 GMT

SB 1766 (Storms) and HB 1189 (Nehr) remove a provision authorizing certain administrative bodies having quasi-judicial powers from authorizing the disclosure of confidential property tax returns. The bills prohibit the value adjustment board from considering evidence or documentation that was not provided by the petitioner or property appraiser in the specified time. The bills specify that a taxpayer's failure to provide financial records relating to nonhomestead property does not preclude consideration of those records in judicial or administrative proceedings. SB 1766 and HB 1189 have not yet been referred to any committees.

Duties of the Chief Financial Officer/Charts of Accounts (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:46:00 GMT

SB 1292 (Alexander) and HB 977 (Stargel) require governmental and statutorily created entities to maintain their financial data in accordance with the requirements of the chief financial officer (CFO). Beginning July 1, 2012, local governments are required to maintain their financial data consistent with financial data management codes adopted by the CFO. Beginning July 1, 2014, all entities must comply with the charts of accounts that are adopted by the CFO. The charts of accounts must require specific enterprisewide data, uniform data codes for expenditures and revenues, and at least two additional levels of specificity on the expenditures of public funds.

Qualified Public Depositories (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:46:00 GMT

SB 1976 (Braynon) and HB 999 (Ingram) expand the definition of “qualified public depository” to include any financial institution that is insured by the FDIC, the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation or the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. SB 1976 has not yet been referred to a committee. HB 999 has been referred to the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee and House Economic Affairs Committee. (Hughes).

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Deployed Service Members (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:46:00 GMT

SB 1502 (Simmons) and HB 1141 (Steube) allow service members who receive a homestead exemption and who are deployed in a military operation designated by the Legislature to receive an additional ad valorem tax exemption. The additional ad valorem exemption will be based on the number of days they were deployed in the previous year. SB 1502 and HB 1141 have not yet been referred to any committees. (Hughes).

Duties of the Chief Financial Officer (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:36:00 GMT

SB 1276 (Alexander) and HB 975 (Stargel) propose an amendment to the state constitution relating to the duties of the chief financial officer. SB 1276 and HB 975 require the chief financial officer to establish and maintain uniform accounting of funds for all governmental entities, including local governments. In order to ensure compliance, the bills allow for enforcement mechanisms involving financial or budgetary restrictions that are provided by general law. SB 1276 has been referred to the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee, Senate Budget committee and Senate Rules Committee.

Building Construction and Inspection (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:15:00 GMT

HB 849 (Davis) and SB 396 (Bennett) amend the definition of “sustainable building rating” to include the International Green Construction Code. Currently, local governments must construct buildings to comply with a sustainable building rating system, and this bill expands that definition. SB 396 was amended to require the Florida Building Commission to adopt the International Code Council’s set of nationally adopted building codes and a Florida supplement. The bill was also amended to allow technical amendments to be made to the code every three years.

Fire Safety (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:15:00 GMT

HB 331 (Weinstein) and SB 534 (Wise) abolish the classification of “special state fire safety inspector” in 2013 and require all fire-safety inspectors, regardless of experience, to take a certification test. A special state fire-safety inspector with less than five years experience in 2013 would be required to take an additional 80 hours of courses and pass the certification test to become a certified fire-safety inspector. The bills allow for the state fire marshal to develop a training and certification program for fire-safety inspectors and require that all charter schools be inspected annually by the county, municipality or independent special fire control district in which the school is located. HB 331 has been referred to House Government Operations Subcommittee; House K-20 Competitiveness Subcommittee; House Rulemaking and Regulation Subcommittee; House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee; and House State Affairs Committee.

Fire Prevention and Control (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:15:00 GMT

HB 957 (Boyd) and SB 1308 (Wise) define the term "light-frame truss-type construction" and require owners to install signs or symbols at the entrances to these type of buildings. HB 957 has been referred to House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and House Economic Affairs Committee. SB 1308 has been referred to Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, Senate Community Affairs Committee and Senate Budget Committee. (Cook).

Moving Services (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:14:00 GMT

HB 901 (Horner) and SB 296 (Wise) preempt local governments from adopting ordinances regulating transactions relating to movers of household goods or moving brokers. Cities that adopted an ordinance relating to movers before January 1, 2011, are grandfathered in under this legislation. HB 901 has been referred to the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee; House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. SB 296 is in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Public Works Projects (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:14:00 GMT

HB 923 (Van Zant) and SB 1352 (Hays) prohibit local governments from requiring contractors hired to complete public works projects to pay employees a predetermined wage rate, provide a specified type or amount of benefits, hire employees from a designated source, designate particular assignments of work for employees, or enter into any type of project labor agreement. In addition, the bills prohibit local governments from requiring contractors to become a party in an agreement with employees or their labor union as a condition of bidding, negotiating, being awarded a contract or performing work on a public works project. The bills also increase the time in which the notice of protest must be filed from three to seven days after the posting of solicitation. HB 923 has been referred to House Government Operations Subcommittee; House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee; House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee; and House State Affairs Committee.

Dangerous Dogs (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:12:00 GMT

HB 4075 (Garcia, L.), SB 722 (Norman) and SB 1780 (Bogdanoff) delete the requirement that dogs used primarily for dog fighting be included in the definition of “dangerous dogs.” HB 4075 passed the House Agricultural and Natural Resources Subcommittee. SB 722 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee and has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee. SB 1780 has not been referred to a committee. (Cook) .

Medical Expenses for Inmates (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:12:00 GMT

HB 257 (Hooper) and SB 490 (Jones) require that the responsibility for paying the expenses for medical care for a person who is ill, wounded or otherwise injured during or as a result of an arrest for a violation of a state law or local ordinance is the responsibility of the person receiving the medical care. The bills reduce expenditures of cities and counties to 110 percent of the Medicare reimbursement rate for inmate medical care, treatment, hospitalization and transportation when no contract exists between a local government or detention facility and a third-party provider. Compensation to a third-party provider may not exceed 125 percent of the Medicare-allowable rate if there is no written agreement between the provider and the governmental body and if the provider reported a negative operating margin for the previous year to the state. These rates do not apply to amounts billed and paid for physicians for emergency services provided within the emergency room.

Scrutinized Companies (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:11:00 GMT

HB 441 (Bernard) and SB 444 (Bogdanoff) prohibit a local governmental entity from contracting for goods and services over a certain amount with a company that is on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List. HB 441 has been referred to the House Government Operations Subcommittee, House Civil Justice Subcommittee and House State Affairs Committee. SB 444 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook) .

Traffic Offenses (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:10:00 GMT

HB 403 (Baxley) and SB 608 (Evers) provide enhanced penalties for moving violations causing injury or death. SB 608 passed the Senate Transportation Committee. HB 403 has been referred to the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee; House Judiciary Committee; House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. (Cook).

Beverage Law (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:10:00 GMT

HB 259 (Hooper) and SB 462 (Latvala) change current law to allow board members of performing arts centers to be exempt from fingerprinting requirements and do away with a requirement that the board’s officers have to be approved by the Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. HB 259 passed the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee. SB 462 is on the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee agenda for March 9, 2011. (Cook).

Assault or Battery on Utility Workers (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:09:00 GMT

HB 15 (Soto) and SB 734 (Wise) amend Section 784.07, Florida Statutes, which lists the penalties for assaulting certain protected public employees. Currently, a person convicted of assault or battery on law enforcement officers, EMTs and public transit employees is subject to increased penalties. These bills add utility workers to the list of protected employees. HB 15 has been referred to the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, House Energy and Utility Subcommittee and and House Judiciary Committee.

Public Safety Telecommunicators (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:09:00 GMT

HB 783 (Passidomo) and SB 890 (Dean) exempt law enforcement officers who serve as 911 public safety telecommunicators from certification requirements currently in state law. HB 783 has been referred to the House Government Operations Subcommittee, House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and House State Affairs Committee. SB 890 was temporarily passed by the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook).

Construction Liens (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:08:00 GMT

HB 941 (Moraitis) and SB 1196 (Bogdanoff) require lessors to file a copy of the signed lease agreement that contains language prohibiting liability in situations where lessees make improvements to a rental property. The bills clarify the process for lessors to protect themselves from lessees who make improvements to a rental property and fail to pay for the improvements. The bills state that a lien cannot be placed on the rental property if the lessor has a signed contract with the lessee that contains certain provisions. HB 941 has been referred to the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and House Judiciary Committee.

Assault and Battery of Law Enforcement Officers (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:08:00 GMT

HB 3 (Nehr) and SB 464 (Latvala) require the Florida Highway Patrol to activate the Emergency Alert System and issue a “blue alert” if certain conditions are met. HB 3 passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and is now in the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee. SB 464 passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and is now in the Senate Transportation Committee. (Cook).

Firearms (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:08:00 GMT

SB 234 (Evers) and HB 517 (Dorworth) provide that a person in compliance with the terms of a concealed carry license may openly carry a firearm in public excluding certain places such as public schools, courthouses and police stations. The bills also allow for people with concealed carry licenses to carry or store firearms in their vehicle for lawful purposes. In addition, the bill allows concealed weapons permit holders to now carry weapons on college campuses. HB 517 is in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and House Judiciary Committee.

Airboats (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:07:00 GMT

SB 1794 (Oelrich) requires the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) to establish a voluntary testing program to conduct sound-level tests on airboats. The bill would require the FWC to issue a certificate and numbered decal to airboat owners whose boat tested under 107 dB at 100 feet. The bill authorizes airboat owners who have been certified by the FWC to operate their vessel on all navigable waterways, including those on which airboats are prohibited by a local ordinance. The bill would require a $25 testing fee.

Public-Private Partnerships (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:07:00 GMT

HB 1313 (Williams, T.) and SB 1956 (Bennett) create the Florida Public-Private Partnership Act, which encourages local governments and private companies to enter into agreements to design, improve and construct public infrastructure projects that serve a public need and purpose. The bills lay out guidelines that local governments must follow when entering into public-private partnerships to construct public infrastructure projects. Any projects qualifying as public-private partnerships would not be subject to the Consultant’s Competitive Negotiation Act. The bills create the Public-Private Partnership Advisory Commission, which will review the implementation of the program and provide recommendations for any revisions necessary to further support public-private partnership opportunities in the state.

Code Enforcement Violations (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:06:00 GMT

HB 1173 (Harrison) and SB 1248 (Norman) allow local governments to provide notices of violations by certified mail to the registered agent for properties owned by corporations. The bills allow code enforcement officers to issue immediate citations if the violator is engaged in violations of an itinerant or transient nature. The bills add that a city can foreclose on properties after one year from the date it issues an abatement assessment lien or upon the conclusion of an administrative or judicial proceeding challenging the lien. Finally, the bills allow a city to impose a lien against real property for costs associated with abating conditions that pose a threat to public safety, health and welfare if the lien has been recorded in the official records of the county.

Jack Nicklaus Golf Trail (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:06:00 GMT

SB 1846 (Thrasher) and HB 1239 (Rooney) require the Division of Recreation and Parks (DRP) within the Department of Environmental Protection to establish and supervise the development and operation of the Jack Nicklaus Golf Trail of Florida (JNGT). The JNGT would consist of at least one public golf course facility within each of the five park regions, including one facility at Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Martin County. Each course would be located within a state park of at least 3,000 acres that is located in proximity to a highway or the interstate and also near metropolitan areas. The bills authorize the DRP to bid out the design, construction and development of these facilities and also to enter into long-term leases with a company for the operation of the facilities.

Secondary Metals Recyclers (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:05:00 GMT

HB 753 (Ford) and SB 1528 (Altman) lower the time that secondary metals recyclers must maintain information on past purchases from five to two years. The bills require secondary metals recyclers who purchase salvaged vehicles to first obtain a signed statement from the seller stating that the seller has given the vehicle’s title to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and complied with the titling requirements for conversion of a vehicle to scrap metal. The bills limit the liability of secondary metals recyclers who purchase motor vehicles and use a mechanical crusher to convert the vehicles to scrap metal if the seller obtains and maintains the seller’s signed statement. The bills forbid a secondary metals recycler from paying cash for the purchase of restricted regulated metals property, but allow it to purchase said property if the seller provides reasonable proof that he or she owns the property or has the permission to sell.

State Procurement of Personal Property and Services (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:05:00 GMT

SB 1510 (Latvala) and HB 871 (Hooper) allow agencies to request a quote for pricing from a qualified vendor to purchase off-the-shelf commodities from the vendor. The bills allow the state and its agencies to purchase off-the-shelf commodities that are otherwise available under purchasing agreements or state term contracts already established if the price, terms or conditions are more favorable than the agreements in place. Finally, the bills require the state to purchase the generic equivalent of brand name off-the-shelf commodities unless the agency can justify purchasing similar name-brand products. SB 1510 has not been referred to a committee.

Procurement/Preference to Florida Businesses (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:05:00 GMT

Concealed Weapons and Firearms (Support)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:04:00 GMT

SB 1304 (Sachs) increases the penalty for carrying a concealed weapon or firearm into certain prohibited places from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. The bill also reenacts provisions relating to the possession of weapons or firearms on school property. SB 1304 has been referred to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and Senate Budget Committee. (Cook).

Permits for the Sale of Alcoholic Beverages (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:04:00 GMT

HB 749 (Caldwell) and SB 986 (Bennett) allow nonprofit organizations to apply for temporary permits that allow them to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises for a period not to exceed three days. The bills change current law by striking the word “civic” to allow all nonprofit organizations to be eligible for the permit. The bills also change current law by allowing these organizations to sell alcohol both on and off premises. HB 749 has been referred to the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee and House Economic Affairs Committee.

Texting While Driving (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:03:00 GMT

HB 833 (Slosberg) and SB 1840 (Altman) create the Minor Traffic Safety Act and prohibit drivers under the age of 18 from using a handheld cellular telephone or other electronic communications devices while driving. The bills provide for a voluntary check-off on drivers’ license applications to allow contributions to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. The bills require the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to issue distinctive placards to drivers under 18 and require those drivers to display the placard at all times while driving. The bills also restrict the number of passengers a person under 18 can have in the vehicle unless additional passengers under 18 years of age are related.

Juvenile Civil Citations (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:03:00 GMT

SB 1300 (Storms), HB 997 (Pilon) and HB 839 (Pilon) require the establishment of juvenile civil citation programs at the local level that may be operated by the local law enforcement agency, the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), a juvenile assessment center, the county or the city. In addition, the bills require DJJ to develop a civil citation model based upon proven civil citation programs within Florida. SB 1300 has been referred to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Budget Committee. HB 997 has been referred to the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee and House Judiciary Committee.

Eyewitness Identification (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:02:00 GMT

HB 821 (Thurston) and SB 1206 (Negron) create the "Eyewitness Identification Reform Act," which substantially changes how law enforcement agencies can use live or photo lineups to help a witness identify a perpetrator. The bills require eyewitnesses to sign a document acknowledging that they have received a copy of the lineup instructions. The bills instruct the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission to develop an acceptable alternative method for identification and require it to create educational materials and conduct training programs on how to conduct lineups. HB 821 has been referred to House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee and House Judiciary Committee.

Reduction of Corporate Income Tax/ State Revenues (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:28:00 GMT

SB 1222 (Norman), SB 1236 (Ritcher) and HB 503 (Harrison) provide for the gradual reduction of the corporate income tax rate and the termination of the tax over a specified time. Additionally, SB 1236 provides that the revenue from the surcharge on cigarettes and tobacco products be deposited into the General Revenue Fund instead of the Health Care Trust Fund. SB 1222 and SB 1236 have not yet been referred. HB 503 has been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Committee; House Economic Affairs Committee; and House Appropriations Committee. (Hughes)

Corporate Tax Credits for Spaceflight Projects (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:28:00 GMT

SB 1224 (Altman) and HB 873 (Crisafulli) authorizes the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to administer corporate income tax credits for spaceflight projects and the Department of Revenue to share information relating to corporate income tax credits for spaceflight projects with the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development. The bills authorize a certified spaceflight business to transfer corporate income tax credits related to spaceflight projects carried out in this state. SB 1224 and HB 873 have not yet been referred. (Hughes)

Biodiesel (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:28:00 GMT

SB 1284 (Bennett) exempts certain biodiesel manufacturers from bonding requirements and from specific taxes on diesel fuel. The bill redefines the term "pollutants" to exclude certain biodiesel. SB 1284 has not yet been referred. (Hughes)

Relating to County Government Funding (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:28:00 GMT

SB 1432 (Fasano) and HB 889 (Corcoran) allows, in certain circumstances, the board of county commissioners of eligible counties to use distributions of state taxes or taxes authorized by the legislature to be used for other purposes than are stated in the law. SB 1432 and HB 889 have not yet been referred. (Hughes)

Local Effort School Property Tax/Sales (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:28:00 GMT

SB 1406 (Bogdanoff) and HB 995 (Costello) provide for a 2.5 cent increase in tax on sales, use and other transactions to replace revenue from the required local effort school property tax. The elimination of school property tax will take place in November 2012 and the increase on the sales tax will take place in January 2012 to allow for a buildup of reserves. SB 1406 and HB 955 conforms the calculation relating to the required local effort and remove the requirement that the school district levy a minimum millage rate necessary to provide the districts required local effort. SB 1406 and HB 995 have not yet been referred. (Hughes)

Capital Formation for Infrastructure Projects (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:27:00 GMT

SB 976 (Bogdanoff) and HB 943 (Eisnaugle) create the Florida Infrastructure Fund Partnership to raise investment capital and invest those funds in infrastructure projects in the state that promote economic development. SB 976 and HB 943 set the criteria for infrastructure projects in which the Partnership can invest. The bills also create the Florida Infrastructure Investment Trust which is a state beneficiary public trust that is administered by a board of trustees.

Convention Development Taxes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:27:00 GMT

SB 980 (Bennett) and HB 969 (Gibbons) authorize an increase in the rate of the charter county convention development tax and specify what the additional revenues can be used for. SB 980 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. HB 969 has not yet been referred. (Hughes)

State Board of Administration (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:27:00 GMT

SB 1182 (Ring) authorizes the board to invest the assets of a governmental entity in the Local Government Surplus Funds Trust Fund without a trust agreement with that governmental entity. It removes restrictions on the types of securities from funds invested under trust agreements. SB 1182 has not yet been referred. (Hughes)

Communications Services Tax (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:27:00 GMT

SB 1198 (Bogdanoff) and HB 887 (Dorworth) allow dealers to compute taxes using the rounding algorithm for certain aggregated state and local taxes and apply this standard retroactively. The bills clarify that the act does not create a right to a refund of any tax paid before a date certain. SB 1198 and HB 887 have not yet been referred. (Hughes)

County and Municipal Collections (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:27:00 GMT

SB 1210 (Norman) and HB 1003 (Artiles) authorize the board of county commissioners and the governing body of a municipality to use private attorneys or collection agencies to pursue the collection of delinquent fees, service charges or fines. SB 1210 and HB 1003 allow the collection fee, including attorney's fees, to be added to the balance owed. SB 1210 and HB 1003 have not yet been referred. (Hughes)

Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:26:00 GMT

HB 455 (Rehwinkel Vasilinda) specifies that certain facilities are exempt from the transient rentals tax. HB 455 limits the current exemption of the discretionary sales surtax on sales above $5,000 to sale of only specific purchases. The bill also provides criteria for determining the location of transactions; revises exemptions from sales and uses tax for food and medical products and allows for amnesty for uncollected or unpaid sales and use taxes for sellers who register under the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement.

Tax on Sales, Use, and Other Transactions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:26:00 GMT

SB 508 (Bogdanoff) and HB 733 (Porter) establish an annual three-day sales tax holiday during which sales taxes are not collected on certain clothing, computers, and school supplies. SB 508 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Education Pre-K – 12 Committee; Senate Budget Committee; and Senate Rules Committee. HB 733 has not yet been referred. (Hughes) .

Unemployment Compensation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:26:00 GMT

SB 728 (Detert) and HB 7005 (Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee) amend the unemployment compensation statutes to revise benefit eligibility criteria and unemployment tax provisions. The bills require a claimant to complete an initial skills review as a reporting requirement and to make a sustained effort to find work. SB 728 and HB 7005 revise how employee misconduct is determined and lowers the standard, and expand when an employee is disqualified from benefits related to committing a crime connected with work. The bills codify the executive order extending temporary state extended benefits program.

Homestead Exemption for Senior Citizens (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:26:00 GMT

SB 808 (Diaz de la Portilla) and HB 789 (Nuñez) propose amendments to the state constitution authorizing counties to exempt the property of eligible senior citizens from increases in the combined amount of ad valorem taxes levied by the county, municipality, school district, water management district and any other special district in the county. SB 808 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Judiciary Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. HB 789 has not yet been referred. (Hughes).

Taxpayer Rights (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:26:00 GMT

SB 940 (Storms) provides a taxpayer the right to be provided all supporting documentation used in a property appraiser's assessment, without requesting the documentation, 14 days before the value adjustment board's hearing date. SB 940 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee and Senate Budget Committee. (Hughes).

Tax on Sales, Use, and Other Transactions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:25:00 GMT

SB 376 (Gaetz) and HB 493 (Brodeur) provide that the state transient rentals tax, local tourist impact tax, local tourist development taxes, local convention development taxes, and municipal resort tax are imposed on the amount received by a person operating transient rental accommodations and not on the payments received by unrelated persons facilitating the booking of reservations for the accommodations. SB 376 and HB 493 require the owner or person operating transient rental accommodations to separately state the tax from the rental charged on receipts or invoices for transient accommodations. The bills also allow for the municipal resort tax to be collected on beer and malt beverages. SB 376 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Property Assessment (Oppose- Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:25:00 GMT

SB 658 (Fasano) and HB 381 propose an amendment to the state constitution that reduces the current 10 percent assessment limitation on non-homestead real property. Annual assessment increases on non-homestead real property could not exceed 3 percent of the previous year’s assessment. The bill also provide for a first-time homesteader tax credit. Additionally, SB 658 prevents increases in the assessed value of homestead property if the fair market value of the property decreases.

Tax Deeds/ Certificates (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:25:00 GMT

SB 382 (Bogdanoff) and HB 161 (Mayfield) authorize tax collectors to require the use of electronic tax deed application services and to recover reimbursement for fees paid to vendors for providing electronic tax deed application services. SB 382 and HB 161 specify that application for a tax deed on part of a parcel of property may be filed only after separation has been received from the property appraiser. SB 382 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 161 has been referred to the following committees: House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee; House Finance and Tax Committee; and House Economic Affairs Committee.

Impact Fees (Oppose -- Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:25:00 GMT

SB 410 (Bennett) and HB 7021 (House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee) reenact HB 227 that passed into law in 2009 and which is currently under legal challenge. SB 410 change the legal standards applied in impact fee challenges. The bills put the burden of proof on the local government and prohibit the court from using a deferential standard. The provisions will take effect upon becoming a law and will be retroactive to July 1, 2009.

Assessment of Residential Real Property (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:25:00 GMT

SB 434 (Latvala), SB 732 (Margolis) and HB 531 (Frishe) prohibit adding the value of specific improvements, including mitigation and renewable energy source devices, to the assessed value of certain real property. The bills repeal a provision relating to the renewable energy source property tax exemption. SB 434 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 531 has been referred to the following committees: House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee; House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee; House Finance and Tax Committee; and House State Affairs Committee.

Property Taxation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 20:23:00 GMT

SB 478 (Thrasher) and HB 355 (O’Toole) revise and consolidate the statutes relating to tax collections, sales and liens. The bills extend the statute of limitations relating to proceedings involving tax lien certificates or tax deeds by period of intervening bankruptcy. SB 478 and HB 355 authorize tax collectors to charge a fee to cover costs for electronic tax deed programs and to issue certificates of correction to tax rolls and outstanding delinquent taxes for uncollectable personal property accounts. The bills also repeal provisions relating to destruction of 20-year-old tax receipts and deferrals of tax payments.

(Homestead Property Assessed Value (Oppose -- Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:39:00 GMT

SB 210 (Fasano), SB 390 (Flores), and HB 537 (Bovo) all propose amendments to the state constitution to prevent increases in the assessed value of homestead property if the fair market value of the property decreases, as is currently done with the “recapture” provision of Save Our Homes. SB 210 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 390 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in Senate Budget Committee. HB 537 has been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Committee; House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee; and House Economic Affairs Committee.

Tangible Personal Property Taxes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:39:00 GMT

SB 384 (Bogdanoff) and HB 243 (Workman) allow a person who has a business renting heavy equipment to collect a recovery fee for tangible personal property tax on short-term rentals. SB 384 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee; and Senate Budget Committee. HB 243 has been referred to the following committees: House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee; House Finance and Tax Committee; and House Economic Affairs Committee. (Hughes)

Relating to State Revenue Limitation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:38:00 GMT

SB 958 (Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax) proposes an amendment to the state constitution to revise the state government revenue limitation. SB 958 passed all of its committees of reference and has been placed on the Senate Special Order Calendar for second reading on March 10. (Hughes).

Financial Emergencies (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:38:00 GMT

SB 90 (Gaetz) requires local governments that are in a state of financial emergency and which elect to adopt an efficiency and accountability plan to also include a structural and services consolidation plan. SB 90 authorizes a financial emergency review board for a local government to consult with other governmental entities about the consolidation of all administrative direction and support services. The bill allows the governor to require local governments to develop a plan for consolidation in the entity’s financial emergency plan. SB 90 passed Senate Education Pre-K – 12 Committee and is now in Senate Government Oversight and Accountability.

Local Government Accountability (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 19:38:00 GMT

SB 224 (Dean) and HB 107 (Smith, J.) change the schedule for submitting a local governmental entity’s annual audit report and annual financial report from 12 to 9 months. SB 224 and HB 107 change provisions relating to the preparation of municipal budgets and require the budgets to be posted on the website of the municipality. SB 224 and HB 107 allow the Legislative Auditing Committee to take action against audited entities that fail to take corrective action or fail to give a reasonable explanation on lack of corrective action in response to the audit recommendations. SB 224 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Government Oversight and Accountability Committee.

Electric Utilities (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:22:00 GMT

HB 1601 (Lopez-Cantera) and SB 2570 (Fasano) require electric utilities to report the name, title, and salary of any executives making more than $50,000 annually. Neither bill has been referred.

Rulemaking (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:06:00 GMT

HB 789 (Adkins) and SB 1844 (Bennett) require state agencies to notify “small businesses” of any proposed agency action that may interfere with the businesses' ability to continue operations. The bill also provides an administrative appeals process. HB 789 has been referred to House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee; House Government Operations Appropriations Committee; House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 1844 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Commerce Committee; Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Senate Rules Committee.

Beach Closing Advisories (Support)

Joel Easley — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:11:00 GMT

SB 1296 (Bennett) and HB 707 (Aubuchon) require the Department of Health to notify a local government and the local office of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) when the Department of Health issues a health advisory against swimming in beach waters due to elevated levels of bacteria. Furthermore, the bills require the DEP to promptly investigate wastewater treatment facilities within one mile of the affected beach and notify the local government of the results its investigation. SB 1296 was passed out of the Senate Health Regulation Committee and is in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. HB 707 passed the House General Government Policy Council and is in the House Natural Resources Appropriations Committee.

Electric Transmission Lines (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:25:00 GMT

HB 1315 (Brise) and SB 2644 (Siplin) remove certain certification exemptions from the siting of electric transmission lines. The bill also provides for notice to impacted municipalities and increased standing to challenge the sitting of transmission lines. Neither bill has received a committee reference.

Public Officials/Honest Services (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:24:00 GMT

SB 2258 (Gelber) prohibits a person or public servant from engaging in certain activities to deprive another of his or her right to honest services. The bill provides that it is to be construed in accordance with federal laws. SB 2258 has not yet been referred to committee.

Ad Valorem Exemption for Conservation Lands (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:24:00 GMT

SB 2244 (Altman) implements the recently adopted constitutional amendment that provides an ad valorem tax exemption for lands used for conservation purposes. It specifies the necessary characteristics and conditions that must be present in order to qualify for such exemption. In addition, the bill directs property appraisers to consider the use of property for conservation purposes when determining just value for assessment purposes. SB 2244 has not yet been assigned to a committee.

Transportation Facilities (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:24:00 GMT

HB 1451 (Ray) revises the class of road facilities that comprise the State Highway System, including definitions for "city street system" and "county road system". The bill revises duties of the Department of Transportation with respect to such roads. It deletes from law a provision that prohibited the Department from establishing a maximum number of miles of urban arterial principle roads within a county or municipality. HB 1451 has not been referred to a committee.

Affordable Housing/Persons with Special Needs (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:23:00 GMT

SB 2314 (Wise) and HB 1009 (Roberson, Y. ) provide criteria relating to distribution of proceeds from the excise tax on documents to increase housing accessibility for persons with special needs. SB 2314 and HB 1009 provide additional policy guidelines under the state housing strategy for the development of programs for housing production or rehabilitation and includes persons with special needs as a tenant group for specified purposes of the State Apartment Incentive Loan Program. SB 2314 and HB 1009 have not yet been referred to a committee.

Growth Management (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:22:00 GMT

SB 2148 (Bennett) is a hodgepodge of changes to the Growth Management Act that includes provisions from the 2008 legislative session, as well as some new ideas. It prohibits the members of a city commission or council from serving on the local planning agency, unless the city is under 10,000 in population. It authorizes the Department of Community Affairs to amend Rule 9J-5 to create different minimum criteria for varying local conditions. The bill creates a definition and planning procedures for "rural agricultural industrial centers".

Administrative Procedures (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:22:00 GMT

SB 2188 (Joyner) revises the definition of "agency", includes new requirements for notice of meetings and workshops on agency websites, and provides additional procedures for agency rulemaking. SB 2188 has not yet been referred to a committee.

Charter County Transit Surtax Proceeds (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:20:00 GMT

HB 1205 (Braynon) and SB 2210 (Wilson) prohibit specified Charter Counties from withholding transit surtax funds from specified municipalities. Neither bill has received a committee reference.

Civic Education (Support – FLC Priority)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:19:00 GMT

SB 2174 (Wise) requires Sunshine State Standards for social studies to include emphasis on civics education; requires social studies standards to be included in assessments and requires the FCAT to measure student content knowledge and skills in social studies. SB 2174 has not yet been referred to a committee. HB 13 (Mc Burney), the companion bill, is in the House Pre K-12 Policy Committee.

Environmental Control (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:19:00 GMT

HB 1219 (Van Zant) and SB 2294 (Wise) direct the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan for implementation of expedited permitting process for nuclear power plants and for offshore oil and natural gas drilling programs. The bills have not yet been referred to a committee.

Commuter Rail – FLC Priority (Support)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:09:00 GMT

HB 7009 (House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council) and SB 1212 (Constantine) establish the necessary legislative framework for the Central Florida Commuter Rail Project (SunRail) and all future commuter rail projects in the state. SB 1212 passed the Senate Transportation Committee on March 4 and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Unlawful Use of Utility Services (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:09:00 GMT

SB 236 (Dean) provides prima facie evidence for the unlawful use of utility services for the purpose of manufacturing a controlled substance. SB 236 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Firearm Transactions (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:08:00 GMT

HB 177 (Adams) and SB 1340 (Crist) prohibit government agencies and their employees from knowingly and willfully keeping a list, record, or registry of privately owned firearms or owners of those firearms. The bills create several exceptions to this prohibition, including firearm records kept by pawn shops and secondhand dealers which are submitted to law enforcement agencies pursuant to law. HB 177 passed the Criminal and Civil Justice Policy Council and is in the House Policy Council. SB 1340 is in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

Eminent Domain (Watch)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:07:00 GMT

SB 1826 (Community Affairs Committee) and HB 7013 (Governmental Affairs Policy Committee) provide that any information submitted with an eminent domain business-damage offer, is exempt from the public records provisions of section 119. 07(1), Florida Statutes, and s. 24(a), Article I, of the State Constitution. The exemption is subject to the Open Government Sunset Review Act 1 and is repealed October 2, 2009 unless reviewed and reenacted by the Legislature.

Automatic Sprinkler System (Oppose)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:05:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 494 (Bennett) and HB 755 (Reed) direct the Department of Environmental Protection to create a model ordinance by January 15, 2010 and mandate that local governments adopt and enforce the model ordinance that includes penalties for operators of automatic sprinkler systems not in compliance with sprinkler system contractor reporting requirements by October 1, 2010. Funds generated through penalties are to be retained by local governments to further water conservation activities. CS/CS/SB 494 passed in the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is General Government Appropriations. HB 755 passed in the House Agriculture and Nature Resources Policy Committee and is in the General Government Policy Council.

1.35% Tax Cap (FLC Priority – Oppose)

Robby Fuselier — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 05:01:00 GMT

SJR 738 (Bennett) is a proposed constitutional amendment that would restrict the aggregate taxation on a parcel of real property to 1. 35% of the property’s taxable value. If this constitutional amendment was placed on the ballot and passed by the electors, it would mean that municipalities, counties, school boards and special districts would only be able to levy 13. 5 mils to any piece of property in the aggregate.

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:19:05 GMT

CS/CS/SB 50 (Negron) and CS/HB 23 (Rodrigues, R.) require local governments to provide members of the public with an opportunity to be heard on a proposition before the board or commission. The opportunity to be heard does not have to occur at the same meeting at which the board or commission takes official action on the item, if the opportunity occurs at a meeting that is during the decision-making process and is within reasonable proximity to the meeting at which the board takes the official action. The bills allow local governments to adopt policies or rules on providing testimony, while putting into place criteria that these policies must meet. Local governments may maintain orderly conduct and proper decorum in public meetings.

Relating to Manufacturing Development (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:09:23 GMT

CS/SB 582 (Galvano) and CS/HB 357 (Boyd) authorize local governments to establish local manufacturing development programs that provide for master development approval for certain sites. The legislation requires the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to develop a model ordinance that local governments may adopt. Once a local government adopts this program, it must wait two years before the program can be terminated. During the two-year period, local governments must continue to accept applications from manufactures that wish to enter the program.

Fracturing Chemical Usage Disclosure Act (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:33 GMT

CS/CS/HB 743 (Rodrigues) and CS/CS/SB 1028 (Clemens) create the Fracturing Chemical Usage Disclosure Act. The act requires the Division of Resource Management within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish an online registry for all wells on which hydraulic fracturing treatments are performed. The owners and operators of wells where fracturing occurs must report information to the DEP as to which chemicals are used in the operation of the well, including any additional chemicals that are used during ongoing operations. CS/CS/HB 743 passed the House by a vote of 92-19 and was sent to the Senate for action by that body.

Recreational Vehicle Parks (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:18:58 GMT

CS/HB 969 (Raburn) and CS/SB 938 (Dean) provide that separation distances within recreational vehicle sites and set-back distances for a park must be the distances established at the time of initial approval by the local government. CS/HB 969 passed the House Health and Human Services Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House. CS/SB 938 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now awaiting action by the full Senate. (Conn).

Relating to Manufacturing Development (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:15:51 GMT

CS/HB 357 (Boyd) and CS/SB 582 (Galvano) authorize local governments to establish local manufacturing development programs that provide for master development approval for certain sites. The legislation requires the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to develop a model ordinance that local governments may adopt. Once a local government adopts this program, it must wait two years before the program can be terminated. During the two-year period, local governments must continue to accept applications from manufactures that wish to enter the program.

Public Records of Utilities (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:48:47 GMT

CS/HB 649 (Cummings) and CS/SB 714 (Simmons) create a public record exemption for proprietary confidential business information held by an electric utility that is subject to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, in conjunction with a due diligence review of an electric project or a project to improve the delivery, cost, or diversification of fuel or renewable energy resources. The bills provide that those proprietary records are to be kept confidential and exempt from the public records laws. CS/HB 649 passed the House by a vote of 109-8 and is now in the Senate awaiting action by that body. CS/SB 714 passed the Senate Rules Committee and is now available for action by the full Senate.

Animal Shelters and Animal Control Agencies (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:01:09 GMT

CS/CS/SB 674 (Montford) and CS/CS/HB 997 (Cummings) require that publicly and privately owned animal shelters and animal control agencies prepare and maintain records detailing the total number of dogs and cats taken in, the reason for the animal being turned over and whether the animal was adopted, reclaimed by the owner or put down. The bills require that shelters provide a written statement of their euthanasia policy and keep track of the total number of animals euthanized. CS/CS/SB 674 passed the Senate by a vote of 40-0 and is now in the House. CS/CS/HB 997 passed the House State Affairs Committee and now awaits action by the full House.

Fossil Fuel Combustion Products (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:50:54 GMT

CS/CS/SB 682 (Simpson) and CS/CS/CS/HB 659 (Goodson) establish standards for storage of certain fossil fuel combustion products. Fossil fuel combustion products are defined as fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, flue gas emission control materials and other nonhazardous materials. These fossil fuels must not be in contact with groundwater, surface water bodies or wetlands and may not be placed within 25 feet of a potable well that is being used for human or livestock water consumption. CS/CS/SB 682 passed the Senate Rules Committee and is now awaiting action by the full Senate.

Internet Sweepstakes Establishments (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:48:22 GMT

CS/HB 155 (Trujillo) and CS/SB 1030 (Thrasher) clarify current law to prohibit Internet gaming establishments in Florida. CS/HB 155 has passed both chambers and now awaits the governor’s signature. CS/SB 1030 was substituted for CS/HB 155 passed by the Senate and awaits the governors signature. (Cook).

State-Owned or State-Leased Space (Oppose - Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:39:03 GMT

CS/SB 1074 (Hays) and CS/HB 1145 (La Rosa) revise provisions relating to the update of an inventory of certain facilities needing repairs or innovation maintained by the Florida Department of Management Services. SB 1074 was amended in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee to include the “Underused Property Maximization Program.” The amendment requires that all governmental entities inventory all real property that is owned or leased and report this information to the Department of Management Services. The inventory list is then to be used by all governmental entities looking to purchase or lease additional real property. Governmental entities must consult the inventory list to determine if the property of another governmental entity that is not being fully used would fulfill their needs.

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:36:32 GMT

CS/CS/CS/HB 375 (Roberson) and CS/SB 1160 (Bullard) state that septic tanks installed subsequent to July 1, 2010, are not required to connect to central sewer until December 31, 2020, so long as those septic tanks comply with current law maintained by the Florida Department of Health, as well as the permitting process developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The bills allow for a property owner of a single-family residence to be approved and permitted by the Department of Health as a maintenance entity for his or her own aerobic treatment unit system upon written certification from the system’s manufacturer. CS/CS/CS/HB 375 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House. CS/SB 1160 is in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Erika Branchcomb — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:23:09 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1392 (Simpson) provides that a member initially enrolled in the Florida Retirement System on or after January 1, 2014, is vested in the pension plan after 10 years of creditable service. Employees initially enrolled on or after January 1, 2014, in positions covered by the Elected Officers’ Class or the Senior Management Service Class are compulsory members of the investment plan. The bill also restricts the ability of an elected officer eligible for membership in the Elected Officers’ Class from being enrolled in the Senior Management Service Class. CS/CS/SB 1392 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and is headed to the Senate floor for consideration by the full Senate.

Publicly Funded Defined Benefit Retirement Plans: Reporting (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:37:12 GMT

CS/CS/SB 534 (Brandes) and CS/HB 599 (Caldwell) provide that the state is not liable for shortfalls in local government retirement systems or plans and create additional reporting standards for publicly funded defined benefit retirement plans. The bills require each defined benefit retirement plan to submit a report to the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS). The report must include the long-term funded ratio calculated under set standards, the amount of unfunded accrued liability and other detailed information regarding the plan. The bills establish assumptions and methods that must be followed in determining the information required for the report, and require a report using a rate of return on investments at 200 basis points lower than the assumed rate of return.

Florida Small Business Development Center Network (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:24:53 GMT

CS/SB 224 (Detert) makes several changes to the Florida Small Business Development Center Network. The bill establishes an innovative incentive program to encourage the adoption of small-business assistance best practices among regional small business development centers. CS/SB 224 is awaiting a final vote by the Senate. (Cruz).

Publicly Funded Defined Benefit Retirement Plans: Reporting (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:40 GMT

CS/SB 534 (Brandes) and CS/HB 599 (Caldwell) provide that the state is not liable for shortfalls in local government retirement systems or plans and create additional reporting standards for publicly funded defined benefit retirement plans. The bills require each defined benefit retirement plan to submit a report to the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS). The report must include the long-term funded ratio calculated under set standards, the amount of unfunded accrued liability and other detailed information regarding the plan. The bills establish assumptions and methods that must be followed in determining the information required for the report, and set the assumed rate of return on investments at a specified corporate bond rate.

Inhibiting Encroachment of Military Installations (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:32:32 GMT

VMAS2 (Veteran and Military Affairs Subcommittee) is a proposed committee bill that would allow the state to purchase lands near military installations that have no conservation value in order to secure buffers around military bases. Current law only allows the state to purchase land if it has conservation value. VMAS 2 passed the House Veteran and Military Affairs Committee and is awaiting further committee references. (Cruz).

Rental of Homestead Property (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:30:32 GMT

HB 279 (Hood) and CS/SB 342 (Thrasher) revise criteria regarding the abandonment of homestead property. Under current law, the rental of a dwelling previously claimed to be a homestead for tax purposes constitute the abandonment of such dwelling as a homestead. However, under the bill such abandonment of the homestead after January 1 of any year does not affect the homestead exemption for tax purposes for that particular year, unless the property is rented for more than 30 days per calendar year. HB 279 is in the House Finance and Tax Subcommittee.

Fire-Flow Requirements (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:10 GMT

SB 1122 (Simpson) and HB 971 (Raburn) exempt local governments with populations under 30,000 from any minimum fire-flow requirements for one-story or two-story residential dwellings in the Florida Fire Prevention Code. SB 1122 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 971 is in the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee. (Cook).

Developments of Regional Impact (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:36:41 GMT

HB 4035 (Spano) deletes the current statute authorizing the state land planning agency or a local government to petition the Administration Commission to increase or decrease the numerical thresholds of statewide guidelines and standards used in determining whether developments are subject to development of regional impact review. HB 4035 is in the House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee. (Cruz).

Water Supply (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:05:58 GMT

SB 948 (Grimsley) and HB 1063 (Hutson) include utility companies, private landowners, water consumers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to the existing list of cities, counties, and water management districts in order to achieve cooperative efforts to plan for adequate water supply. The bills also include DEP and DACS in the regional water supply planning process in coordination with the governing board of the water management districts. In addition, the bills mandate that each regional water supply plan must be based on at least a 20-year planning period. The language includes a provision that allows DACS to establish an agricultural water supply planning program that will develop data projecting future agricultural water supply needs and demands over a 20-year planning period.

Animal Shelters and Animal Control Agencies (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:24 GMT

SB 674 (Montford) and HB 839 (Kerner) require that publicly and privately owned animal shelters and animal control agencies prepare and maintain records detailing the total number of dogs and cats taken in by said agency, the reason for the animal being turned over, and whether the animal was adopted, reclaimed by the owner or put down. The bills require that shelters provide a written statement of their euthanasia policy and keep track of the total number of animals euthanized. Finally, the bills limit the cost of providing these records to the public at a rate that does not exceed $1 per one-sided copy. SB 674 is in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Commission on Ethics (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:49:22 GMT

HB 285 (McBurney) and SB 424 (Detert) provide the Florida Commission on Ethics (COE) the authority to place judgment liens on property to recover unpaid fines. The bills allow the COE to initiate an investigation based on a referral from specified government officials rather than having to wait for a written complaint to be filed. HB 285 is now in the House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee. SB 424 was withdrawn from further consideration in the Senate.

Community Transportation Projects (Oppose - Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:48:18 GMT

HB 319 (Ray) and SB 972 (Hukill) revise provisions of the Community Planning Act by defining a “mobility plan” and extend the requirements from proportionate-share payments to mobility plans. The bills provide that certain developments may not be delayed or denied if the applicant has provided payments for transportation impacts. The bills require local governments to calculate proportionate-share contributions based only on certain capital improvements projects necessary to relieve transportation deficiencies. HB 319 is in the House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Springs Revival Act (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:05 GMT

HB 789 (Stewart) and SB 978 (Bullard) enact the Springs Revival Act, which requires each water management district, by October 1, 2013, to identify the first and second magnitude springs within the district that are in decline based upon historic average water quality and flow levels. By July 1, 2014, each water management district shall develop a five-year plan to restore historic average water quality and flow levels to the springs identified. This report will be compiled quarterly and will be submitted to the speaker of the House, president of the senate, and governor. HB 789 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Governmental Entity Liens (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:32:29 GMT

HB 267 (Wood) and SB 404 (Stargel) provide that a lien imposed on real property by a governmental or quasi-governmental entity for an improvement, service, fine or penalty, other than a lien for taxes, non-ad valorem or special assessments, or utilities, is valid and effectual against creditors and subsequent purchasers for a valuable consideration only if the lien is recorded in the official records of the county in which the property is located. The recorded notice of lien must contain the name of the owner of record, a description or address of the property, and the tax or parcel identification number applicable to the property as of the date of recording. HB 267 is on the House Civil Justice Subcommittee agenda for February 13. SB 404 is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Bonds for Florida Keys Areas of Statewide Critical Concern (Support)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:10:36 GMT

HB 467 (Raschein) provides for legislative funding for the City of Key West, not to exceed $200 million and limited to $50 million per fiscal year, for the purpose of funding the City of Key West and the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern protection program. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection will enter into financial assistance agreements with the City of Key West and local governments located in the Florida Keys Area of Critical State Concern to finance or refinance the cost of constructing stormwater management facilities and sewage collection, treatment and disposal facilities. HB 467 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee. (Matthews).

Petroleum Contamination and Cleanup (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 GMT

CS/SB 2592 (Baker) and CS/HB 1385 (Poppell) amend existing law relating to contaminated petroleum sites. Of particular concern is language prohibiting local governments from denying development orders and permits on the grounds that a property is contaminated. The bills were amended to address League concerns and now specify that local governments cannot deny a building permit for an existing operational retail fuel facility based solely on evidence of petroleum contamination. CS/HB 1385 is on Second Reading in the House.

Water Conservation/Reclaimed Water (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:04:00 GMT

CS/HB 7177 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee) clarifies that the Conserve Florida Clearinghouse Guide (Guide) is an appropriate tool to assist public water supply utilities in developing plans in order to meet conservation requirements for obtaining consumptive use permits (CUPs). CS/HB 7177 requires a utility to provide reasonable assurances that the goal-based water conservation plan will provide cost-effective water conservation. If such assurances are met, the water management district must approve the utility's plan and the water conservation requirements for a CUP are presumed satisfied.

Transfers of Right of Way by Deed (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:43:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 829 (Bovo) and CS/CS/SB 1004 (Gelber) authorize county commissioners to negotiate the lease of certain county property for a limited period of time, and authorize transfer of right–of‐way between local governments by deed. CS/CS/SB 1004 passed the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee and is now ready for action from the floor. CS/CS/HB 829 is in the House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council.

Street Racing (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:38:00 GMT

CS/HB 97 (Soto) and SB 768 (Constantine) revise the penalties for violating provisions prohibiting certain speed competitions and exhibitions. SB 768 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now in the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee. CS/HB 97 is in the House Criminal and Civil Justice Policy Council.

Petroleum Contamination and Cleanup (Oppose—Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:31:00 GMT

SB 2592 (Baker) and HB 1385 (Poppell) amend existing law relating to contaminated petroleum sites. Of particular concern is language prohibiting local governments from denying development orders and permits on the grounds that a property is contaminated. SB 2592 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Transportation Committee. HB 1385 was amended to limit the scope of the preemption language so that local governments cannot deny a building permit for an existing structure based solely on evidence of petroleum contamination.

Violation of Traffic Laws / Penalties (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:56:00 GMT

SB 1604 (Smith) and CS/HB 795 (Jones) creates a new “payment plan” system allowing non-criminal traffic fines to be paid in installments. The bill allows clerks of court to implement these plans, and requires them to amend the plans based on the offender’s ability to pay. CS/HB 795 passed the House Roads, Bridges and Ports Policy Committee and has been referred to the House Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development. SB 1604 has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.

Landfills (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

CS/HB 569 (Poppell) and SB 1052 (Gaetz) authorize certain Class I landfills designed to use an active gas collection system to accept yard trash for disposal. CS/HB 569 passed the House General Government Policy Council and is now on the House Calendar awaiting action by the full House. SB 1052 was again temporarily postponed by the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee this week.

Water Protection and Sustainability Trust Fund (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:55:00 GMT

CS/HB 307 (Boyd) and SB 604 (Dean) expand the types of projects eligible for funding from the Water Protection and Sustainability Program for projects within the Northwest Florida and Suwannee River Water Management Districts. CS/HB 307 passed the House General Government Policy Council and is now awaiting action from the full House. SB 604 has been referred to the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.

Pain Management Clinics (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:51:00 GMT

SB 2272 (Fasano) provides authority for the Florida Department of Health to establish regulation standards for pain management clinics and practitioners who prescribe, administer, or dispense specified dangerous controlled substances. SB 2272 has not yet been assigned to a committee.

Surface Water Quality (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:05:00 GMT

SB 2056 (Oelrich) directs the Department of Environmental Protection to contract with the National Academy of Science for an evaluation of issues related to the establishment of numeric nutrient criteria for Florida’s surface waters. The bill also requires the DEP and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to evaluate the sources and quantities of nutrients in surface water and provide a report to the Governor and Legislature by January 31, 2011. SB 2056 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate Agriculture Committee; and the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee.

Public Safety Telecommunicators/E911 (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:31:00 GMT

HB 355 (Roberson) and SB 742 (Detert) provide all 911 operators must be certified by a training program approved by the Department of Health by October 1, 2011. The bill expands the allowable uses of E-911 trust fund dollars to include certification of dispatchers and allows for local governments to train dispatchers. HB 355 has been referred to the following committees: House Health Care Regulation Policy Committee; House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee; House Health Care Appropriations Committee; House Health and Family Services Policy Council. SB 742 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Health Regulation Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee.

Jamming of Electronic Speed-measuring Devices (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:22:00 GMT

SB 1982 (Aronberg) prohibits a vehicle from being equipped with a device designed to jam, scramble, or interfere with a speed-measuring device used by a law enforcement agency to measure the speed of a moving vehicle. SB 1982 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Transportation Committee; Senate Criminal Justice Committee; and the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Immigration (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:07:00 GMT

HB 219 (Adams) and SB 1880 (Detert) create the “Florida Security and Immigration Compliance Act,” and primarily concerns the Federal work authorization program. The bills require a county or municipal detention facility to verify the immigration status of any new detainees. HB 219 has been referred to the House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee; House Policy Council; House Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development; and the House Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 1880 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee; Senate Criminal Justice Committee; Senate Higher Education Committee; and the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.

Homestead Property (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:47:00 GMT

SB 1402 (Garcia) proposes a constitutional amendment that would set the assessed value of all homestead property at just value on January 1 following the adoption of the amendment. The assessment would then change annually by the percentage change in the market value, provided any increase does not exceed 3% or CPI. It further states that the tax rate on homestead property shall not exceed 1.5% of the just value of the property. SB 1402 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Education Pre-K-12 Appropriations Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Senate Rules Committee.

Unemployment Compensation (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:24:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1666 (Garcia) and CS/HB 7033 (Murzin) amend portions of the unemployment compensation statutes to extend benefits up to eight additional weeks. Extended benefits for former state and local government employees do not qualify for federal funding, and must be paid by the governmental entity. The cost estimate is approximately $180,000 from state funds and $433,000 from local government funds (which includes cities, counties, school districts, etc.). CS/CS/SB 1666 has passed all committees of reference and has been placed on the Senate Special Order Calendar.

Expedited Permitting (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

HB 773 (Kreegel) and SB 1126 (Altman) transfer existing authority over expedited permitting and comprehensive plan amendments for certain qualified businesses from the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to the Secretary of Environmental Protection and reduces the number of jobs that are required to be created by an eligible business to qualify for expedited processes. The bills also add certain renewable energy projects to the list of businesses that are eligible to be considered for expedited permitting. HB 773 is in the House Economic Development Policy Committee. SB 1126 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee; and Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.

Public Meetings (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:25:00 GMT

SB 138 (Rich) and HB 405 (Kiar) provide that the risk manager and certain division agency heads may meet privately with the relevant agency’s attorneys to discuss pending legislation. SB 138 has been referred to the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 405 has been referred to the House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee.

Public Meetings (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:23:00 GMT

Sales Tax/Exemption/Books/Clothing/School Supplies (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

SB 160 (Baker), SB 514 (Fasano), HB 483 (Rivera), HB 597 (Fitzgerald) and HB 469 (Flores) provide a sales tax holiday for clothing, books, and other school supplies. SB 160 and SB 514 have been referred to the following committees: Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means. HB 469 has been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Council; House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council. HB 483 has not yet been referred.

Election of Members of Governing Boards Possessing Authority to Adopt Millage Rates (Support)

Jenny Anderson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:32:00 GMT

HB 493 (Domino) and SB 1180 (Negron) propose a constitutional amendment that would require the election of members to any governing board with authority to adopt millage rates. HB 493 has been referred to the following committees: House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee; House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee; House Finance and Tax Council; House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 1180 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate Ethics and Elections Committee; Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Senate Rules Committee.

Construction Bonds (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:02:00 GMT

HB 693 (Plakon) and SB 1048 (Baker) prohibit the authority issuing a building permit from inspecting the property being improved until certain documents have been filed and the information in the notice of commencement meets certain standards. HB 693 has been referred to the House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee; House General Government Policy Council; House Government Operations Appropriations Committee; and the House Economic & Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 1048 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Regulated Industries Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Judiciary Committee; and the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee.

Local Government Revenue Intercept Act (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:32:00 GMT

SB 1130 (Constantine) and HB 967 (Gonzalez) are designed to offer a voluntary process for cities and counties to improve their credit rating when issuing bonds. The bills provide a process to back bond repayments by authorizing the state Department of Revenue to intercept certain funds when bond payments are not timely met. SB 1130 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee, and HB 967 is in the House Finance and Tax Council.

Firefighter and Police Officer Pension Plans - FLC Priority (Oppose - Mandate)

Tom Hare — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:50:57 GMT

CS/CS/CS/HB 5 (Hooper) and CS/SB 538 (Baker) modify chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes, relating to firefighter and police officer pension plans. The bills revise the process for terminating a pension plan with the potential for an increase in the costs to cities when terminating a plan. The bills have been amended to require the divestiture of securities of identified companies operating in Iran and Sudan. Unfortunately, CS/SB 538 was stripped of the League-supported amendments that would have provided a 2-year relief period to cities, allowing them to use non-committed insurance premium tax revenues to pay for the current level of police and fire pension benefits rather than providing new, "extra" pension benefits.

Agricultural Land Exemptions (Oppose)

Joel Easley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:36:00 GMT

SB 1974 (Bennett) and CS/CS/CS/HB 1133 (Poppell) create the "Agricultural Land Acknowledgement Act," which requires that as a condition of issuing a local land use permit, building permit, or certificate of occupancy for nonagricultural land located contiguous to agricultural land, the applicant for the permit or certificate must sign and submit to the political subdivision a written acknowledgement of neighboring agricultural land and that certain generally accepted agricultural practices will take place.

Water Quality Trading Credits/ Business Recycling (Watch)

Joel Easley — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:44:00 GMT

CS/SB 1462 (Constantine) delete an obsolete deadline for the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt rules regarding water quality credit trading among the pollutant sources to a water body or water body segment. The bill was amended to include language creating the Recycling Business Assistance Center to help facilitate recycling and new market development efforts between the public and private sectors. CS/SB 1462 was passed by the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee.

Beach Access (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:13:00 GMT

CS/HB 527 (Sachs) and CS/SB 488 (Justice) prohibit businesses, individuals, and local governments from restricting access to public beaches. Governmental entities are prohibited from placing fencing, barricades or other obstructions on a public beach unless they are necessary to protect public health, safety and welfare or to protect wildlife, habitat or other environmental resources or are erected for no more than 30 days. CS/HB 527 is in the House Civil Justice and Courts Policy Committee. CS/SB 488 was passed out of the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Public K-12 Education (FLC Priority - Support)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:34:00 GMT

CS/HB 13 (McBurney) and SB 2174 (Wise) requires Sunshine State Standards for social studies to include emphasis on civics education requires social studies standards to be included in assessment at grade 7 to measure student content knowledge and skills in social studies. HB 13 was temporarily postponed by the House Education Policy Council. SB 2174 has not been heard in committee.

Community Development Districts (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:18:00 GMT

CS/HB 821 (O’Toole) revises deed restriction enforcement rulemaking authority of boards of directors of Community Development Districts under s. 190.012, F.S., in a manner that expands their powers, and the powers of Homeowner Associations, over real property within and outside the Community Development Districts geographic limits subject to an interlocal agreement with another district, or the consent of the county or municipality in the area that enforcement is to occur. CS/HB 821 passed the House Military & Local Affairs Committee and is in the House Civil Justice & Courts Policy Committee. SB 1602 (Baker) has not been heard in a committee.

Taxation of Conservation Lands (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:56:00 GMT

SB 2244 (Altman) specifies conservation purposes for which land must be used in order to qualify for an ad valorem tax exemption. The bill also requires such land be perpetually encumbered by requiring an owner of land that is exempt from ad valorem taxation to take actions to preserve the perpetual effect of the conservation easement. Properties less than 40 acres do not qualify for the ad valorem tax exemption unless certain geographical conditions are present on the property. SB 2244 was passed by the Senate Community Affairs Committee is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Agriculture Committee on March 31st.

Property Tax Credit for Military Personnel (Watch)

Tom Hare — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 21:48:33 GMT

HB 833 (Horner) and SB 1302 (Gardiner) provide an ad valorem tax credit for deployed military personnel. HB 833 is in the House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee. SB 1302 passed the Senate Military Affairs and Domestic Security Committee. (Stanfield).

Recreational Vehicle Parks (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:19:05 GMT

CS/HB 969 (Raburn) and CS/SB 938 (Dean) provide that separation distances within recreational vehicle sites and set-back distances for a park must be the distances established at the time of initial approval by the local government. The Senate amended and passed CS/HB 969 on April 26, and the bill now goes back to the House for consideration. (Conn).

Inhibiting Encroachment of Military Bases (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:09:23 GMT

SB 1784 (Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security) and HB 7101(House Veteran and Military Affairs Subcommittee) allow the state to purchase lands near military installations that have no conservation value in order to secure buffers around military bases. SB 1784 passed the Senate by a vote of 38-0 and is awaiting action by the House. HB 7101 is awaiting a vote on the House floor. (Cruz).

Water Supply (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:33 GMT

CS/SB 948 (Grimsley) and CS/HB 1063 (Hutson) include utility companies, private landowners, water consumers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to the existing list of cities, counties and water management districts in order to achieve cooperative efforts to plan for adequate water supply. The bills require DACS to establish an agricultural water supply planning program to develop data regarding prospective agricultural water supply demand. For purposes of regional water supply plans, the water management districts are required to consider the data supplied by DACS, and agricultural demand projection data and analysis submitted by local governments, in determining the best available data for future agricultural water supply demands. CS/SB 948 passed the full Senate by a vote of 38-0.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:18:58 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1392 (Simpson) provides that a member initially enrolled in the Florida Retirement System on or after July 1, 2014, is vested in the pension plan after 10 years of creditable service. Employees initially enrolled on or after July 1, 2014, in positions covered by the Elected Officers’ Class or the Senior Management Service Class are compulsory members of the investment plan. The bill also restricts the ability of an elected officer eligible for membership in the Elected Officers’ Class from being enrolled in the Senior Management Service Class. CS/CS/SB 1392 is available for consideration by the full Senate.

Inhibiting Encroachment of Military Bases (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:15:51 GMT

SB 1784 (Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security) and HB 7101 (House Veteran and Military Affairs Subcommittee) allow the state to purchase lands near military installations that have no conservation value in order to secure buffers around military bases. SB 1784 is awaiting a final vote in the Senate. HB 7101 is awaiting a vote on the House floor. (Cruz).

Fossil Fuel Combustion Products (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:48:47 GMT

CS/CS/SB 682 (Simpson) and CS/CS/CS/HB 659 (Goodson) establish standards for storage of certain fossil fuel combustion products. Fossil fuel combustion products are defined as fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, flue gas emission control materials and other nonhazardous materials. These fossil fuels must not be in contact with groundwater or surface water bodies or within three feet of groundwater, 15 feet of wetlands or natural water bodies, or 100 feet of a potable water well that is being used or might be used for human or livestock water consumption. CS/CS/SB 682 is awaiting action by the full Senate.

Recreational Vehicle Parks (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:01:09 GMT

CS/HB 969 (Raburn) and CS/SB 938 (Dean) provide that separation distances within recreational vehicle sites and set-back distances for a park must be the distances established at the time of initial approval by the local government. CS/HB 969 passed the House Health and Human Services Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House. CS/SB 938 passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee. (Conn).

Environmental Regulation (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:50:54 GMT

CS/CS/HB 999 (Patronis) and CS/SB 1684 (Altman), in addition to a host of “regulatory streamlining” issues, amend existing law relating to municipal review of development permits. The bills add an enforcement mechanism for private companies against local governments that participate in recovered material collection in competition with private companies. The mechanism provides for injunctive relief and damages if a local government violates the fair competition aspects of solid waste and recovered materials found in Florida statutes. The bills limit a city from making more than three requests for additional information (RAI) from certain designated professionals, including engineers, landscapers, architects, etc.

Public Construction Projects (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:48:23 GMT

CS/CS/HB 269 (Beshears) and SB 578 (Clemens) require state agencies, cities and counties to use lumber, timber and other forest products that are produced and manufactured in Florida for public construction projects if such products are available and their price, fitness and quality are equal to those products produced outside of the state. CS/CS/HB 269 passed the House Regulatory Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House. SB 578 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook).

Relating to Manufacturing Development (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:39:03 GMT

Brownfields (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:36:33 GMT

CS/HB 415 (Hutson) and CS/CS/SB 554 (Altman) revise the Brownfield Program administration process, which allows local governments with jurisdiction over a proposed brownfield area to designate the area for rehabilitation through a resolution adopted by the local government body. The local government must notice a public hearing to convene and conduct public input about the rehabilitation project within the brownfield area. The Senate version was amended to require local governments to notify the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the local pollution control program when a brownfield area is designated. CS/HB 415 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Erika Branchcomb — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:23:09 GMT

CS/CS/HB 7011 (House Government Operations Subcommittee) provides that all eligible employees in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) initially enrolled on or after January 1, 2014, are compulsory members of the investment plan, and membership in the pension plan is not permitted. The bill revises the required employer retirement contribution rates for members of each membership class and subclass of the FRS. The bill requires members of the Special Risk Class (primarily police and firefighters) enrolled on or after January 1, 2014, to be provided with an in-line-of-duty disability benefit and an in-line-of-duty death benefit equal to 10 times the employee’s salary. CS/CS/HB 7011 passed the full House and is now in the Senate.

Searches and Seizures (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:37:12 GMT

CS/CS/SB 92 (Negron) and CS/CS/HB 119 (Workman) prohibit law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather evidence or other information. A drone is defined as an aerial vehicle that can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely and does not carry a human operator. Both bills were amended to allow law enforcement agencies to use drones to counter terrorism, if the agency has received a search warrant from a judge, or if the agency possesses reasonable suspicion that swift action is needed to prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property. The bills allow for aggrieved parties to file civil lawsuits against law enforcement agencies for violations and prohibit evidence obtained or collected in violation of the bills.

Water Quality Credit Trading (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:24:53 GMT

CS/HB 713 (Pigman) and CS/SB 754 (Grimsley) allow the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to authorize a voluntary water quality trading credit program in adopted basin management action plans. Participants in the program must notify DEP of the price for credits, how the price was determined, as well as any state funding received for the facilities/activities that generated the credits. The bills delete a provision of law that limited water quality credit trading to the Lower St. Johns River basin.

Local Bids and Contracts for Public Construction (Oppose – Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:40 GMT

SB 602 (Hukill) and HB 687 (McBurney) eliminate specified conditions under which a local government is exempt from the requirement to competitively award contracts. SB 602 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 687 is in the House Government Operations Subcommittee. (Cook).

Governmental Entity Liens (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:11 GMT

CS/HB 267 (Wood) and CS/SB 404 (Stargel) provide that a lien imposed on real property by a governmental or quasi-governmental entity for an improvement, service, fine or penalty, other than a lien for taxes, non-ad valorem or special assessments, or utilities, is valid and effectual against creditors or subsequent purchasers for a valuable consideration only if the lien is recorded in the official records of the county in which the property is located. The recorded notice of lien must contain the name of the owner of record, a description or address of the property, and the tax or parcel identification number applicable to the property as of the date of recording. CS/HB 267 passed the House Local and Federal Affairs Committee and is now in the House Judiciary Committee. CS/SB 404 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Foreclosures (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:36:42 GMT

HB 87 (Passidomo) facilitates lenders to secure foreclosures through the courts on abandoned properties. The legislation contains provisions allowing any lienholder to instigate the foreclosure process, speeding up the amount of time it takes to foreclose. HB 87 passed the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee and is now in the House Judiciary Committee. (Cruz).

Environmental Regulation (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:05:58 GMT

HB 999 (Patronis) and SB 1684 (Altman) address municipal review of development permits. The bills state that a municipality may not request additional information from an applicant more than three times, unless the applicant waives the limitation in writing. The bills allow the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund to issue leases to riparian landowners, special event promoters and boat show owners authorizing the installation of temporary structures, including docks, moorings, pilings and access walkways on sovereign submerged lands solely for the purpose of boat shows in, or adjacent to, established marinas or government-owned upland property. These leases shall be exempt from lease fees and shall not exceed a period of 30 days and duration not to exceed 10 consecutive years.

Family or Medical Leave Benefits/Regulation (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:24 GMT

SB 726 (Simmons) prohibits a political subdivision, including a city, from requiring or otherwise regulating family or medical leave benefits for employees, and preempts the regulation of family or medical leave benefits to the state. The bill establishes certain family or medical leave benefits for specified employees, and does not prohibit a political subdivision from establishing family or medical leave benefits for its employees. SB 726 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Conn).

Freight Logistic Zones (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:49:22 GMT

HB 879 (Ray) and SB 1058 (Ring) allow a local government to file an application with the Florida Department of Transportation to have a geographical area in its jurisdiction be designated as a freight logistic zone and, therefore, be eligible for certain funding and incentives. The bills create a pilot project that allows the secretary of the Department of Transportation to designate up to four areas as a freight logistics zone beginning July 1, 2013. HB 879 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee. SB 1058 is in the Senate Transportation Committee.

Agricultural Lands (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:05 GMT

CS/HB 203 (Beshears) preempts municipalities from passing any duplicative ordinance, resolution or rule on a bona fide agricultural operation if that operation follows a best management practice, interim measures, or a regulation adopted by rule under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes, under the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or a water management district as part of a statewide or regional program; or if such activity is expressly regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Water Management Districts (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:10:37 GMT

HB 7 (Porter) and SB 244 (Dean) direct each water management district to adopt a priority list of water bodies that have a potential to be affected by withdrawals in an adjacent district. Each water management district shall submit a report to The Florida Department of Environmental Protection for review and approval. This report shall include a schedule for the establishment of minimum flows and levels for surface watercourses, aquifers and surface waters within the district. The bills allow water management districts to create interagency agreements if the geographic area of a resource management activity, study or project crosses water management district boundaries.

Recycling (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 570 (Constantine), HB 1559 (Rehwinkel-Vasilinda) and HB 7243 (House General Government Policy Council) are comprehensive bills dealing with a variety of recycling-related issues. CS/CS/SB 570 was substantially amended to delete a number of provisions that the League opposed, including language that would have changed definitions of recovered materials and adversely impacted local government waste franchises. CS/CS/SB 570 requires all cities, county, state entities, public schools to report their recycling rates on all recyclable material to the applicable county.

Water Management District Governance (Support – FLC Priority)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:04:00 GMT

CS/SB 142 (Baker) and HB 659 (Van Zant) delete language adopted during the 2009 Session that requires a water management district governing board to delegate its authority to the Executive Director to take final actions on certain permits. The bills also delete a restriction against appealing delegations by a board. The bills prohibit the obstruction of public canals, drains, ditches or other structures that are maintained by a water management district and clarify the penalties for doing so. Finally, they require governing boards to provide a process for referring certain delegated actions to the board for final action.

Violation of Traffic Laws / Penalties (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:38:00 GMT

CS/SB 1604 (Smith) and CS/HB 795 (Jones) create a new “payment plan” system allowing non-criminal traffic fines to be paid in installments. The bills allow clerks of court to implement these plans, and require them to amend the plans based on the offender’s ability to pay. CS/SB 1604 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. CS/HB 795 is in the House Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development.

Recycling (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:31:00 GMT

HB 1559 (Rehwinkel-Vasilinda) directs Enterprise Florida, in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Protection, to create the Recycling Business Assistance Center by July 1, 2011. The Recycling Business Assistance Center will coordinate recycling efforts among state agencies and implement a plan for developing new recycling markets and provide grants, loans and incentives to enhance the use of recycling materials and products. The bill requires each county to reduce the amount of solid waste disposed in landfills by 50 percent in 2012 with continued reductions up to 75 percent in 2020. HB 1559 was temporarily postponed by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee.

Students with Diabetes (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:06:00 GMT

CS/SB 896 (Peaden) and HB 747 (Thompson, N.) require each district school board and the governing body of each private and charter school to provide training to a minimum number of school employees. The Department of Health is given authority to develop guidelines for the training of the district’s diabetes personnel. CS/SB 896 passed the Senate Education Pre-K - 12 Committee and has been referred to the Senate Health Regulation Committee. HB 747 has been referred to the House Pre-K-12 Policy Committee. (Pratt)

Model Ordinance For Fertilizer Use (OPPOSE--Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

HB 1445 (Nelson) and SB 2546 (Baker) revise existing laws relating to local government regulation of urban fertilizers. The bills enumerate the potential components of a comprehensive program to address nonpoint source of pollution. SB 2546 requires local governments with impaired waterbodies to adopt the DEP model fertilizer ordinance within 6 months of an impaired waterbody being listed in the jurisdiction. All local governments that currently have impaired waterbodies must adopt the model ordinance by January 1, 2011.

Water Resources (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:55:00 GMT

CS/SB 1952 (Detert) and HB 1367 (Holder) revise the requirements for membership of a basin board. The bills delete obsolete provisions of law and clarify that water management districts’ cooperative funding decisions are subject challenge under the Administrative Procedure Act. CS/SB 1952 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and has been referred to the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. HB 1367 has been referred to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee; the House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee; and the House General Government Policy Council.

Agricultural Lands (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:05:00 GMT

SB 2074 (Peaden) prohibits a county from adopting or enforcing any ordinance or policy to limit an activity of a bona fide farm operation on land classified as agricultural land if such activity is regulated through implemented best management practices, interim measures, or regulations of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or a water management district as part of a statewide or regional program.

Texting While Driving (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:22:00 GMT

Numerous bills have been filed that prohibit or restrict the use of text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Some narrow the prohibition to operators of public transportation vehicles or drivers under age 18; others prohibit such activity for all drivers with a few identified exceptions. HB 41 (Holder), SB 448 (Detert), SB 168 (Altman), HB 323 (Long), SB 328 (Dockery), HB 893 (Thurston), SB 244 (Wilson), SB 324 (Baker), SB 321(Boyd), SB 326 (Baker), SB 374 (Wilson), SB 522 (Gelber) and SB 592 (Crist). The House bills were workshopped in the House Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee and will likely be consolidated if the issue moves forward.

Lottery Prize Winners and Local Ordinances Relating to Illegal Aliens (Oppose-Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:07:00 GMT

HB 421 (Adkins) and SB 856 (Baker) require the Department of the Lottery to verify citizenship or the lawful presence of certain prize winners, prohibits local ordinances relating to illegal aliens, and requires other various state agencies to determine residency status upon application for various government services. SB 856 requires FDLE to establish a memorandum of understanding with federal officials concerning illegal aliens confined in county detention facilities.

Workplace Safety/Mandatory OSHA Standards (Oppose–Unfunded Mandate)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:24:00 GMT

SB 154 (Lynn) and HB 359 (Gibson) require all public employers, including cities, to comply with certain federal Occupation Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) standards by a specified date. The bills also require all public employers to submit and retain injury and illness data as incidents occur using a specified OSHA form and also to submit the information to the Division of Workers Compensation. SB 154 is in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, and HB 359 is in the House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee.

Water Efficient Appliances (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

SB 1176 (Bennett) authorizes the DEP to develop and implement a consumer rebate program for water efficient appliances. SB 1176 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate Commerce Committee; and the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee.

Public Records and Meeting Exemptions (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:23:00 GMT

HB 241 (Fitzgerald) and SB 440 (Gelber) propose a constitutional amendment to provide that 2/3 of each house membership is required to enact public records or public meetings exemptions. The bills prohibit the Legislature from considering certain amendments during special session, the last 5 days of session or any extension of special or regular session. HB 241 has been referred to the House Governmental Affairs Policy Committee, House Rules & Calendar Council, House Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development and the House Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 440 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Ethics and Elections Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means, and the Senate Rules Committee.

Tax on Sales, Use, and Other Transactions (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

HB 173 (Poppell) and SB 220 (Fasano) reduce the sales tax applied to aircraft purchased in the state and provide a limited exemption for aircraft belonging to non-residents for specified periods of time. HB 173 has been referred to the following committees: House Economic Development Policy Committee; House Finance and Tax Council; House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 220 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Commerce Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.

Fire Sprinklers (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:02:00 GMT

SB 846 (Bennett) prohibits any local amendments to the Florida Building Code relating to mandatory fire sprinklers. SB 846 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Regulated Industries Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; and the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

Sovereign Immunity (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:32:00 GMT

SB 2060 (Bennett) and HB 1107 (Nehr) provide that a subdivision of the state (city) may pay a judgment in excess of the statutory limits on the waiver of sovereign immunity without an act of the Legislature if it so chooses. Payment in excess of the statutory limits does not waive the subdivision’s defense of sovereign immunity or increase the limits of its liability. Effective July 1, 2011 the waiver limit is increased to $250,000 per claim or judgment by any one person, and effective July 1, 2012 this amount is automatically increased yearly based on the Consumer Price Index. The current law waivers of sovereign immunity are $100,000 for any individual claim or judgment and $200,000 for all claims or judgments arising out of the same incident.

Permit Streamlining - FLC Priority (Oppose - Mandate/Preemption)

Tom Hare — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:50:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 2026 (Altman) and CS/HB 7143 (House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee) amend a number of statutes to implement permit streamlining measures proposed by various governmental agencies, associations, and the regulated community. The bills extend and automatically renew for 3 years, any development order, building permit or other land use application that has been approved by any state agency or local government. The bills prohibit local governments from requiring, as a condition of approval for a development permit, that an applicant obtain a permit or approval from any other state or federal agency, and from specifying the method or form of documentation that a project meets the provisions for authorization under Florida Statutes.

Sovereignty Submerged Lands (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:36:19 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1012 (Constantine) provides statutory guidance to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund and the DEP for the development of rules relating to the use of sovereignty submerged lands. Among the provisions in the bill is language standardizing lease terms for both short and long term leases for sovereignty submerged lands. Extended leases will be limited to exclusive public water access facilities on a first-come, first-served basis and defines “first-come, first-served” as any water dependent facility operated on state-owned submerged land where at least 90 percent of the slips are open to the public. The bill establishes a new fee schedule for a variety of applications and uses of sovereignty submerged lands.

Water Protection and Sustainability Trust Fund (Support)

Joel Easley — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:44:00 GMT

CS/SB 1740 (Baker) and HB 7059 (House Natural Resources Appropriations Committee) re-create the Water Protection and Sustainability Program Trust Fund within the DEP without modification and repeal the language that would have terminated the trust fund. CS/SB 1740 passed the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee and is now in the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means. HB 7059 passed the House of Representatives and was sent to the Senate for consideration where it was referred to the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.

Contaminated Property Notification (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:13:00 GMT

CS/HB 1229 (Kriseman) and SB 114 (Justice) revise property contamination notification provisions. The bills require entities responsible for site rehabilitation to provide notice of contamination within 10 days and revises provisions relating to the content and delivery of such notice. The owner of the contaminated property must provide notice of site contamination to homeowners, neighborhood associations, and local and state elected officials within the affected area. The bills also expand the notification requirements for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) when contamination is discovered beyond the property boundary of a site.

Affordable Housing (FLC Priority - Support)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:34:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 161 (Aubuchon) was amended with numerous changes to housing statutes, including a provision that redefines the term "infrastructure" to allow the proceeds of a local government infrastructure surtax to be used to purchase land for the construction of affordable housing. CS/CS/HB 161 implements a portion of the League's affordable housing legislative priority authorizing the use of Sadowski Trust Funds for manufactured housing. CS/CS/HB 161 passed the Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council. (Carper) .

Emergency Managers (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:18:00 GMT

SB 2202 (Garcia) provides that each county emergency management director must meet minimum certification qualifications and requirements for appointment as a county emergency director or to an equivalent position. SB 2202 will be heard in Senate Community Affairs Committee on Tuesday. HB 1047 (Garcia) has not been heard in committee.

Environmental Permit Streamlining (Oppose-Preemption)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:56:00 GMT

PCB ANR 09-02 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee) amends a number of statutes to implement permit streamlining measures proposed by various governmental agencies, associations, and the regulated community. Among other things, PCB ANR 09-02 provides for a three-year extension for all construction and operating permits, development orders, building permits or other land use approvals that are due to expire or did expire October 1, 2008 through October 1, 2011.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:19:05 GMT

Underground Storage of Natural Gas (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:33 GMT

CS/CS/CS/HB 1083 (Eagle) and CS/CS/CS/SB 958 (Richter) declare underground natural gas storage to be in the public interest and authorize the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue permits to establish natural gas storage facilities. The bills were amended to remove the state preemption of local governments from adopting any ordinance, rule or land development regulation relating to these facilities. However, under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, local governments are restricted from adopting ordinances relating the siting and zoning of underground natural gas facilities. CS/CS/CS/HB 1083 passed the House by a vote of 102-13 and was sent to the Senate for action by that body.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:18:58 GMT

SB 1810 (Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee) and HB 5005 (House Appropriations Committee) set the 2013-2014 employer contribution rates for members of each membership class and sub-class of the Florida Retirement System. SB 1810 passed the Senate but the House refused to concur, which means the bill now moves to the budget conference committee process. HB 5005 was temporarily postponed in the House. (Conn).

Development Permits (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:15:51 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1840 (Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee) and CS/HB 7019 (House Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee) require counties and municipalities to attach disclaimers to development permits in flood zones that include a condition that all other applicable state or federal permits must be obtained before commencement of the development in a mapped flood hazard area. The legislation addresses concerns raised by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that Florida statutes were out of compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program. CS/CS/SB 1840 passed the Senate Rules Committee and is awaiting action by the full Senate. CS/HB 7019 is awaiting a final vote by the House.

Development Permits (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:15:00 GMT

Development Permits (Watch) CS/HB 7019 (House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee) and CS/CS/SB 1840 (Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee) require counties and municipalities to attach disclaimers to development permits in flood zones that include a condition that all other applicable state or federal permits must be obtained before commencement of the development in a mapped flood hazard area. The legislation addresses concerns raised by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that Florida statutes were out of compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program.

Water Supply (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:48:48 GMT

Public Construction Projects (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:01:09 GMT

CS/SB 1080 (Evers) and CS/CS/HB 269 (Beshears) require state agencies, cities and counties to use lumber, timber and other forest products that are produced and manufactured in Florida for public construction projects if such products are available and their price, fitness and quality are equal to those products produced outside of the state. CS/SB 1080 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and now goes to the Senate Community Affairs Committee. CS/CS/HB 269 passed the House by a vote of 117-0 and has been sent to the Senate for action by that body. (Cook).

Public Records Exemption for Underground Storage of Natural Gas (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:50:54 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1085 (Eagle) creates an exemption from the public records requirements for certain information provided in an application for natural gas storage facility permit to inject and recover gas into and from a natural gas storage reservoir. CS/CS/HB 1085 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House. (Matthews).

Animal Shelters and Animal Control Agencies (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:48:23 GMT

CS/SB 674 (Montford) and CS/HB 997 (Cummings) require that publicly and privately owned animal shelters and animal control agencies prepare and maintain records detailing the total number of dogs and cats taken in, the reason for the animal being turned over and whether the animal was adopted, reclaimed by the owner or put down. The bills require that shelters provide a written statement of their euthanasia policy and keep track of the total number of animals euthanized. Both bills limit the cost of providing these records to the public at a maximum of $.15 per one-sided copy. CS/SB 674 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full Senate.

Inhibiting Encroachment of Military Bases (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:39:04 GMT

HB 7101(House Veteran and Military Affairs Subcommittee) and SB 1784 (Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security) allow the state to purchase lands near military installations that have no conservation value in order to secure buffers around military bases. HB 7101 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and is awaiting a vote on the House floor. SB 1784 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cruz).

Public Records of Utilities (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:36:33 GMT

CS/HB 649 (Cummings) CS/SB 714 (Simmons) create a public record exemption for proprietary confidential business information held by an electric utility that is subject to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, in conjunction with a due diligence review of an electric project or a project to improve the delivery, cost, or diversification of fuel or renewable energy resources. The bills provide that those proprietary records are to be kept confidential and exempt from the public records laws. CS/HB 649 passed the House Regulatory Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House. CS/SB 714 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and is now in the Senate Rules Committee.

Design Professionals (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:37:12 GMT

CS/SB 286 (Negron) and CS/HB 575 (Passidomo) limit the individual liability of design professionals for contracts executed by a business entity for negligence arising from the performance of professional services if certain conditions are met. CS/SB 286 is on third reading in the Senate. CS/HB 575 is in the House Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee. (Cook).

Numeric Nutrient Criteria (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:24:54 GMT

SPB 7034 (Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee) and PCB SAC 13-02 (no link available) (House State Affairs Committee) are two proposed committee bills that codify an agreement between the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding the state’s implementation of the DEP’s numeric nutrient criteria water quality program for estuaries, streams, canals and other conveyances. The bills also clarify that DEP is entitled to adopt its nutrient criteria for streams, lakes and estuaries. SPB 7034 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.

Family or Medical Leave Benefits / Regulation (Oppose – Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:40 GMT

CS/SB 726 (Simmons) prohibits a political subdivision, including a city, from requiring or otherwise regulating family or medical leave benefits for employees, and preempts the regulation of family or medical leave benefits to the state. The bill does not prohibit a political subdivision from establishing family or medical leave benefits for its employees. CS/SB 726 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Health Policy Committee. (Conn).

Preference in Award of State Contracts (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:11 GMT

CS/HB 307 (Tobia) and SB 684 (Hays) preempt any local preference ordinance for personal property or construction services if state funds are used. The bills require cities to disclose in the solicitation document whether state funds will be used for the project. Finally, the bill requires a city to match the preference of the state from which the low bidder is from or, if that state does not grant a preference to in-state businesses, cities must give a 5 percent preference to Florida-based businesses. CS/HB 307 passed the House Government Operations Subcommittee and is now in the House Local and Federal Affairs Committee.

Special Districts (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:36:42 GMT

CS/SB 538 (Ring) and HB 881 (Ray) require public facilities projects of independent special districts with taxing authority to be approved by the appropriate local general-purpose government. The legislation requires that a local government representative serve as an ex-officio, nonvoting member of the district. CS/SB 538 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. HB 881 is in the House Local and Federal Affairs Committee.

Water and Wastewater Utilities (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:05:58 GMT

SB 1386 (Hays) establishes an obligation of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to determine the value and quality of water services provided by an investor-owned utility and whether such a utility has satisfied its obligation to provide water service to its customers. The PSC must consider the extent to which the utility meets secondary drinking water standards regarding the taste, odor, color or corrosiveness which are established by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and local governments. If an investor owned utility does not satisfy the secondary water quality standards, the utility must provide estimates of the costs and benefits of various solutions to the problems. SB 1386 is in the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee.

Pharmacy and Controlled Substance Prescription (Oppose – Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:25 GMT

HB 831 (Fasano) limits the authority of cities and counties to regulate pain management clinics. The bill places a moratorium on new ordinances and orders the creation of a model local ordinance that would allow cities and counties to regulate on zoning matters. The bill removes some exemptions from the definition of “pain management clinic,” mandates use of the prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) in certain instances, and removes the restriction on public funding for the PDMP. HB 831 is in the House Health Quality Subcommittee.

Environment (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:05 GMT

SB 1104 (Brandes) clarifies that a road that provides access to a property within the state park system must be maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) if the road is a part of the state highway system and may be improved and maintained by the department if the road is part of a county road system or city street system. If the DOT does not maintain a city road that provides access to a state park, the road must be maintained by the appropriate municipality. The bill requires the DOT to include funding for environmental mitigation for its projects within the department’s work program. The bill will also expand the 2012 law that finds that each water management district own, acquire, develop, construct, operate and manage public information systems.

Fire Alarms (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:32:29 GMT

HB 47 (Hooper) and CS/SB 264 (Hays) require that any battery-operated smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing smoke alarm must be powered by a nonreplaceable, nonremovable battery capable of powering the smoke alarm for at least 10 years. The bills exempt electrically operated smoke alarms, fire alarm systems with smoke detectors, or any other fire alarms that use a low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal. HB 47 is on the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee agenda for February 13. CS/SB 264 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Water Conservation/Reclaimed Water (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 GMT

Sewage Disposal Facilities (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:31:00 GMT

CS/HB 1225 (Gibbons) and CS/SB 2354 (Sobel) require facilities discharging domestic wastewater through ocean outfalls that divert flows for reuse purposes to meet the 60 percent reuse requirement established in 2008. CS/SB 2354 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. CS/HB 1225 passed the House General Government Policy Council and is now on Second Reading in the House.

Tax Collections, Sales, and Liens (Oppose - Unfunded Mandate - Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:06:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 664 (Altman) and HB 265 (Reagan) provide changes to the process by which tax deed certificates are bought and sold. Further, the bills provide that code enforcement liens survive tax deed certificate sales only as to the principal of the lien. CS/CS/SB 664 passed the Senate Finance and Tax Committee and has been referred to the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means. HB 265 has been referred to the House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council.

Petroleum Contamination and Cleanup (Oppose—Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

SB 2592 (Baker) and HB 1385 (Poppell) amend existing law relating to contaminated petroleum sites. Of particular concern is language prohibiting local governments from denying development orders and permits on the grounds that a property is contaminated where the responsible party or property owner has not imposed certain controls relating to the contamination. The bills also amend the existing monitoring provisions for contaminated sites. HB 1385 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee and has been referred to the House Natural Resources Appropriations Committee.

Petroleum Contamination and Cleanup (Oppose—Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:05:00 GMT

SB 2592 (Baker) and HB 1385 (Poppell) amend existing law relating to contaminated petroleum sites. Of particular concern is language prohibiting local governments from denying development orders and permits on the grounds that a property is contaminated where the responsible party or property owner has not imposed certain controls relating to the contamination. The bills also amend the existing monitoring provisions for contaminated sites. Neither bill has been referred to any committee.

Cellular Telephone Use (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:22:00 GMT

HB 687 (Chestnut) and SB 418 (Bullard) prohibit the use of cellphones while operating a motor vehicle in a school zone. A violation would result in a noncriminal traffic infraction punishable as a nonmoving violation, except that the violator shall pay a fine that is double the amount for a nonmoving violation. HB 687 was one of a number of phone-use-while-driving bills workshopped by the House Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee. SB 418 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Transportation Committee; Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee; and the Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee.

Immigration Status Information Reporting (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:07:00 GMT

HB 503 (Schenck) and SB 2368 (Storms) prohibit restrictions on the reporting of certain immigration status information by public employees, and prohibits certain restrictions on counties concerning communication or cooperation with federal officials concerning immigration law enforcement. HB 503 has been referred to the House Policy Council, House Full Appropriations Council on Education & Economic Development, and the House Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 2368 has not yet been referred to a committee.

Renewable Energy (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

SB 1186 (Bennett) repeals existing law requiring the Public Service Commission (PSC) to develop and adopt rules for a renewable portfolio standard (RPS). The bill also requires the PSC to allow full cost recovery for renewable projects that result in a net decrease in green house gas emissions and which generate up to 300 megawatts of power in 2010 and up to an additional 200 megawatts annually in 2011 and 2012. Rooftop or pole-mounted solar energy applications generating up to 15 megawatts for 2010 and up to 10 megawatts annually for 2011-2012 also qualify for the full cost recovery provisions. The bill requires PSC approval of any renewable energy facility and specifies certain criteria the new facilities must meet in order to receive PSC approval.

Tax on Sales, Use, and Other Transactions (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

HB 187 (Rouson) and SB 366 (Wise) require a tax of 25% to be charged on pipes or other devices used for smoking. HB 187 has been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Council; House Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee; House Criminal and Civil Justice Policy Council. SB 366 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Regulated Industries Committee; Senate Criminal Justice Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.

Cost Benefit Analysis of Legislation (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:32:00 GMT

HB 93 (Crisafulli/Hudson) and SB 1178 (Haridopolos) would allow the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House to call a special impact session of the Revenue Estimating Conference to consider both the costs and benefits of proposed legislation. HB 93 has been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Council; House Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development; House Policy Council; House Rules and Calendar Council. SB 1178 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Senate Rules Committee.

Construction Contracting/Nonpayment Notices (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:02:00 GMT

SB 878 (Thrasher) requires subcontractors and suppliers that have not received payment for labor, services or material to notify the contractor and provide certain information regarding the nonpayment on bonded construction projects. The subcontractors and suppliers must indicate the nature of the labor or services performed, the material furnished, the amount paid on the account, the amount due, and the amount to become due, and the portion of the amount claimed for retainage. The bill passed Senate Regulated Industries Committee and has also been referred to the Senate Community Affairs Committee and the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Public Employee Group Health Insurance (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:32:00 GMT

SB 1710 (Fasano) and HB 1025 (Workman) amend current law that requires governmental entities to provide subsidized health insurance to retirees. The bills provide for a market determination of premium cost for health insurance for retirees, and requires the cost of continued participation by retirees in insurance plans to be paid by the retiree. The bills authorize employers to segregate claims experience of the retiree group from the claims experience of active employees and to set rates accordingly. SB 1710 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee, and HB 1025 has not yet been referred to a committee.

Traffic Enforcement/Red Light Cameras - FLC Priority (Support)

Tom Hare — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:50:57 GMT

CS/CS/CS/HB 439 (Reagan) and CS/CS/CS/SB 2004 (Altman) authorize the use of cameras at traffic intersections by local governments. Both bills impose a fine for infractions of $150.00 and authorize local government to retain a portion of the fine with the remainder being distributed to the state and trauma care centers. Both bills include a grandfather provision for existing camera enforcement equipment being operated by municipalities as well as language requiring the FDOT to develop statewide standards and criteria for the cameras. CS/CS/CS/HB 439 grandfathers existing ordinances and other components of a camera based traffic enforcement system (public notice and signage requirements, etc.) but the Senate bill does not include these same provisions and as such may adversely impact local governments utilizing traffic enforcement cameras.

Taxation of Conservation Lands (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:36:19 GMT

CS/SB 2244 (Altman) specifies conservation purposes, including silvicultural and agricultural uses, for which land must be used in order to qualify for an ad valorem tax exemption. The bill requires such land be perpetually encumbered by requiring an owner of land that is exempt from ad valorem taxation to take actions to preserve the perpetual effect of the conservation easement. The legislature must appropriate money to replace the decrease in ad valorem taxes experienced by fiscally constrained counties as a result of this legislation. Properties less than 40 acres do not qualify for the ad valorem tax exemption unless certain geographical conditions are present on the property.

Environmental Permit Activities/Fines (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:13:00 GMT

CS/HB 1349 (Patronis) and CS/SB 2104 (Constantine) are comprehensive bills addressing environmental permitting and penalties. The bills revise the penalties that may be assessed for violations involving drinking water contamination, wastewater, dredge, fill, or stormwater, mangrove trimming or alterations, solid waste, air emission, and waste cleanup violations. The bills also increase fines for various violations relating to the maintenance and construction of public water systems. CS/HB 1349 includes a provision specifying that if an environmental resource permit is prepared by a licensed or certified professional and deemed complete by the DEP, it is presumed to be in compliance with the provisions of the permitting statutes.

Impact Fees Burden of Proof (FLC Priority - Oppose)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:34:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 227 (Aubuchon) and CS/SB 580 (Haridopolos) place the burden of proof on the local government in an impact fee challenge and changes the standard of review to the preponderance of the evidence. The bills also remove any deference to the local government’s decision. HB 227 was amended to include a 2-year freeze on impact fee increases. CS/CS/HB 227 passed the House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council and is now available for House floor action.

Veterans (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 23:18:00 GMT

SB 644 (Fasano) removes the requirement that an honorably discharged 100-percent permanently and totally disabled veteran must be confined to a wheelchair before being eligible for waiver of county or municipality license or permit fees. The bill authorizes a fee waiver for improvements that would make the residence safe. SB 644 will be heard in the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Tuesday. HB 509 (Zapata) is referred to the House Full Appropriations Council on General Government & Health Care.

Water Management District Governing Boards (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:56:00 GMT

PCB GAAC 09-03 (House Government Accountability Act Council) creates the Florida Water Management District Governing Board Nominating Council (Council). The Council is comprised of 12 members—four from the House of Representatives, four form the Florida Senate and four members of the general public. The Council is directed to establish procedures and guidelines for nominating individuals to the water management district governing boards. Candidates would only be considered for nomination if they reside within the boundaries of the water management district, possess “substantial technical expertise” in a field related to the duties and functions of the water management districts or are members of the business community in the water management district boundaries.

Property Tax Discounts / Disabled Veterans (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:17:00 GMT

SB 1550 (Aronberg) extends the constitutional property tax discount for disabled veterans to veterans that were not Florida residents when they joined the military. SB 1550 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:19:05 GMT

Public Records Exemption for Underground Storage of Natural Gas (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:34 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1085 (Eagle) creates an exemption from the public records requirements for certain information provided in an application for natural gas storage facility permit to inject and recover gas into and from a natural gas storage reservoir. CS/CS/HB 1085 passed the House by a vote of 97-16 and was sent to the Senate for action by that body. (Matthews).

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:18:58 GMT

Underground Storage of Natural Gas (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:48:48 GMT

CS/CS/CS/HB 1083 (Eagle) and CS/CS/SB 958 (Richter) declare underground natural gas storage to be in the public interest and authorize the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue permits to establish natural gas storage facilities. The bills were amended to remove the state preemption of local governments from adopting any ordinance, rule or land development regulation relating to these facilities. However, under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, local governments are restricted from adopting ordinances relating the siting and zoning of underground natural gas facilities. CS/CS/CS/HB 1083 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:01:09 GMT

Environment (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:50:54 GMT

CS/SB 1104 (Brandes) clarifies that a road providing access to a property within a state park must be maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) if the road is a part of the State Highway System and may be improved and maintained by DOT if the road is part of a county road system or city street system. If the DOT does not maintain a city road that provides access to a state park, the road must be maintained by the appropriate municipality. The bill requires the DOT to include funding for environmental mitigation for its projects within the DOT work program. The bill sets a method for the DOT to purchase mitigation credits from a permitted mitigation bank when DOT projects are within a water management district area.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:48:23 GMT

Development Permits (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:39:04 GMT

SB 1840 (Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee) and HB 7019 (Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee) require counties and municipalities to attach disclaimers to development permits in flood zones that include a condition that all other applicable state or federal permits must be obtained before commencement of the development, including developments in mapped flood hazard areas. The legislation addresses concerns raised by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that Florida Statutes were out of compliance with the National Flood Insurance Program. SB 1840 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 7019 is in the House Economic Affairs Committee.

Fossil Fuel Combustion Products (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:36:33 GMT

CS/CS/SB 682 (Simpson) and CS/CS/CS/HB 659 (Goodson) establish standards for storage of certain fossil fuel combustion products. Fossil fuel combustion products are defined as fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, flue gas emission control materials and other nonhazardous materials. These fossil fuels must not be in contact with groundwater, surface water bodies or wetlands and may not be placed within 25 feet of a potable well that is being used for human or livestock water consumption. CS/CS/SB 682 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Rules Committee.

Internet Sweepstakes Establishments (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:37:12 GMT

HB 155 (Trujillo) and CS/SB 1030 (Thrasher) clarify current law to prohibit Internet gaming establishments in Florida. HB 155 passed the House Select Committee on Gaming and is on third reading in the House. CS/SB 1030 passed the Senate Gaming Committee and is now in the Senate Rules Committee. (Cook).

Total Maximum Daily Loads (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:24:54 GMT

SPB 7036 (Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee) and PCB ANRS 13-03 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) amend current law to exempt rules establishing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) from the legislative ratification requirement found in the Administrative Procedure Act. SPB 7036 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. It will be assigned a bill number and will likely be referred to another committee or to the Senate calendar for action by that body. PCB ANRS 13-03 (no link available) passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee and will be assigned a bill number and be referred to a committee or the House calendar.

Project Labor Agreements (Oppose – Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:40 GMT

SB 1118 (Hays) and HB 181 (Van Zant) prohibit cities that contract for public works projects from imposing requirements or limitations on staffing, sources of employee referrals, assignments of work, sources of insurance or benefits, or require the contractor to hire employees from a particular source. HB 181 is in the House Government Operations Subcommittee. SB 1118 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook).

Publicly-Funded Defined Benefit Retirement Plans: Reporting (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:11 GMT

State Contracting (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:36:42 GMT

SB 1150 (Benacqusito) and HB 1261 (Diaz, J.) require state agreements funded by state or federal financial assistance to be audited and approved by the state’s chief financial officer prior to the execution of the agreements. SB 1150 is in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. HB 1261 is awaiting committee references. (Cruz).

Animal Shelters or Animal Control Agencies (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:25 GMT

SB 872 (Abruzzo) and HB 839 (Kerner) require animal shelters that euthanize dogs or cats or both to compile monthly and annual summaries of the number of animals that were taken in, adopted, reclaimed, or euthanized. These agencies would then be required to post those summaries on their website within five business days after the first day of each month. SB 872 is in the Senate Agriculture Committee. HB 839 is in House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Community Development Block Grants (Oppose - Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:48:18 GMT

SB 494 (Simpson) authorizes the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to have rule-making authority over the Small City community development block grants program. The bill requires that a local government’s future community development block grant will be reduced by the proportionate share of the section 108 loan default. The bill provides restrictions on the expenditure of block grant funds by local governments. SB 494 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Water Management Districts (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:05 GMT

HB 7 (Porter) and SB 244 (Dean) direct each water management district to adopt a priority list of water bodies that have a potential to be affected by withdrawals in an adjacent district. Each water management district is directed to submit a report to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for review and approval. This report must include a schedule for the establishment of minimum flows and levels for surface watercourses, aquifers and surface waters within the district. The bills allow water management districts to create interagency agreements if the geographic area of a resource management activity, study or project crosses water management district boundaries.

Drones (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:32:29 GMT

HB 119 (Workman) and SB 92 (Negron) prohibit law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather evidence or other information. A drone is defined as an aerial vehicle that can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely and does not carry a human operator. SB 92 was amended to allow law enforcement agencies to use drones to counter terrorism, if the agency has received a search warrant from a judge, or if the agency possesses reasonable suspicion that swift action is needed to prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property. The bills allow for aggrieved parties to file civil lawsuits against law enforcement agencies for violations and prohibits evidence obtained or collected in violation of the bills.

Water Funding (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 GMT

HB 7207 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee) renames the Florida Water Pollution Control Financing Corporation as the Florida Water Pollution Control and Drinking Water Financing Corporation (Corporation) and expands the authority of the Corporation to authorize bonds for the Department Environmental Protection Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. The proceeds from the bonds related to the DWSRF will be used to fund local government drinking water infrastructure projects. Projects and activities that may be funded are those eligible under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Expansion of the Corporation’s authority to issue bonds to finance drinking water projects does not require the appropriation of state dollars nor are any state dollars at risk as a result of bond issuance.

Water Funding (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:31:00 GMT

PCB ANR 10-14 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee) renames the Florida Water Pollution Control Financing Corporation as the Florida Water Pollution Control and Drinking Water Financing Corporation (Corporation) and expands the authority of the Corporation to authorize bonds for the Department Environmental Protection Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program. The proceeds from the bonds related to the DWSRF will be used to fund local government drinking water infrastructure projects. Projects and activities that may be funded are those eligible under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Expansion of the Corporation’s authority to issue bonds to finance drinking water projects does not require the appropriation of state dollars nor are any state dollars at risk as a result of bond issuance.

Homeowner Relief (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:06:00 GMT

HB 1523 (Grady) and SB 2270 (Bennett) create general provisions and responsibilities for mortgagors and mortgagees to participate in a voluntary non-judicial foreclosures system. The bill has no effect on the current status of government liens. HB 1523 is on the agenda for the House Civil Justice and Courts Policy Committee on Monday, March 22nd. SB 227 has been referred to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

Recycling (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

CS/SB 570 (Constantine) and HB 1559 (Rehwinkel-Vasilinda) are comprehensive bills dealing with a variety of recycling-related issues. CS/SB 570 was substantially amended to delete a number of provisions that the League opposed, including language that would have changed definitions of recovered materials and impacted local government waste franchises. CS/SB 570 requires all cities, county, state entities, public schools and businesses that employ more than 25 people to report their recycling rates on all recyclable material. CS/SB570 authorizes local governments to enact ordinances to require multi-family dwellings and apartment complexes to establish programs for the separation of recyclable materials.

Model Ordinance For Fertilizer Use

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:05:00 GMT

HB 1445 (Nelson) and SB 2546 (Baker) revise existing law relating to local government regulation of urban fertilizers. The bills enumerate the potential components of a comprehensive program to address nonpoint source of pollution. SB 2546 requires local governments with impaired waterbodies to adopt the DEP model fertilizer ordinance within 6 months of an impaired waterbody being listed in the jurisdiction. All local governments that currently have impaired waterbodies must adopt the model ordinance by January 1, 2011.

Penalties for Violation of Traffic Laws (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:22:00 GMT

HB 795 (Jones) and SB 1604 (Smith) give persons convicted of a traffic violation the option of paying their fines through a series of payments. The bill would require the clerks of the court to establish a system for accepting periodic payments of civil penalties and applicable fees and charges associated with the disposition of traffic infraction citations. HB 795 has been referred to House Roads, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee; House Full Appropriations Council on Economic Development; and the House Economic Development & Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 1604 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Transportation Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Judiciary Committee; and the Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee.

Emergency Management (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:07:00 GMT

SB 412 (Bullard) requires the Department of Children and Family Services, to the extent permitted by federal law, to expedite application procedures for immediate cash, shelter and food assistance for residents of major disaster areas. SB 412 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee, Senate Military Affairs and Domestic Security Committee, and the Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee. There is no House companion.

Florida Forever Trust Fund (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

SB 1640 (Fasano) reauthorizes the Florida Forever Trust Fund within the Department of Community Affairs until July 1, 2014. SB 1640 has been referred to the Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee.

Sales Tax/Review of Exemptions and Exclusions (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

SB 216 (Lynn) tasks the Joint Legislative Sunset Committee with the periodic review of sales tax exclusions and exemptions, and provides for the repeal of exclusions and exemptions under certain circumstances. SB 216 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate General Government Appropriations Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Senate Rules Committee.

Economic and Demographic Research (Watch)

Jenny Anderson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:32:00 GMT

HB 121 (Poppell) would require the Office of Economic and Demographic Research to perform an analysis of proposed laws that would change laws relating to taxation. HB 121 has been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Council; House Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development; House Policy Council; House Rules & Calendar Council.

Assessment of Homestead Property with Declining Value (Oppose - Unfunded Mandate)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:32:00 GMT

HB 27 (Flores), HB 39 (Llorente), and SB 718 (Fasano) propose a constitutional amendment that would prohibit an increase of an assessment for a homestead property if the just value of the property declined during the previous year. HB 27 and HB 39 have been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Council; House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee; House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 718 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Education Pre-K – 12 Appropriations Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means; Senate Rules Committee.

Environmental Permitting (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:36:19 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1123 (T. Williams) and CS/SB 2016 (Bennett) declare the Legislature’s intent to facilitate the coordination between state and federal agencies responsible for environmental permitting to eliminate duplication of permitting caused by overlapping regulations for activities that affect wetlands and waters of the United States. The bills authorize the DEP and water management districts to implement a state programmatic general permit for dredge and fill activities affecting up to 5 acres if the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees and if the general permit is at least as protective of the environment and natural resources as existing state law.

Environmental Permitting (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:13:00 GMT

CS/HB 1123 (T. Williams) and SB 2016 (Bennett) declare the Legislature’s intent to facilitate the coordination between state and federal agencies responsible for environmental permitting to eliminate duplication of permitting caused by overlapping regulations for activities that affect wetlands and waters of the United States. The bills authorize the DEP and water management districts to implement a state programmatic general permit for dredge and fill activities affecting up to 5 acres if the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agrees and if the general permit is at least as protective of the environment and natural resources as existing state law.

Local Government Campaign Expenditures/Restrictions (Oppose –Preemption)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:34:00 GMT

SB 216 (Justice) and HB 591 (Long) restrict the ability of local governments to use or expand public funds to advocate for or against an issue presented to voters. SB 216 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. HB 591 is in the House Civil Justice and Courts Policy Committee.

Property Tax Credit for Military Personnel (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:17:00 GMT

HB 833 (Horner) and SB 1302 (Gardiner) provide an ad valorem tax credit for deployed military personnel. HB 833 passed the House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee and is in the House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 1302 is now in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:19:05 GMT

Energy, Water, and Wastewater Savings (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:34 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1357 (Cummings) CS/CS/CS/SB 1594 (Bradley) allow for school districts, colleges and universities access to entering into contracts that produce immediate and long-term energy cost savings through Energy Savings Contracting (ESCO). ESCO projects are required to produce a net cost savings to the state in every year of the contract. Agencies may use the recurring cost savings to repay the third-party loans, but they are required to gain the spending authority through an annual legislative budget request process. The League supported an amendment that failed in the Senate Community Affairs Committee that would have allowed for municipalities to have access to the $192 million in federal funding for Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds.

Energy, Water, and Wastewater Savings (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:48:48 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1357 (Cummings) CS/CS/CS/SB 1594 (Bradley) allow for school districts, colleges and universities access to entering into contracts that produce immediate and long-term energy cost savings through Energy Savings Contracting (ESCO). ESCO projects are required to produce a net cost savings to the state in every year of the contract. Agencies may use the recurring cost savings to repay the third-party loans, but they are required to gain the spending authority through an annual legislative budget request process. The League supported an amendment that failed in the Senate Community Affairs Committee, that would have allowed for municipalities to have access to the $192 million in federal funding for Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:01:09 GMT

SB 1810 (Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee) and HB 5005 (House Appropriations Committee) set the 2013-2014 employer contribution rates for members of each membership class and sub-class of the Florida Retirement System. SB 1810 passed the Senate by a vote of 39-0 and is now in the House. HB 5005 was temporarily postponed and will likely be considered at a future date. (Conn).

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:50:55 GMT

CS/HB 7087 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) expands current law prohibiting local governments from banning agricultural or silvicultural open burning in Florida to apply when an emergency order is declared. The bill allows the Florida Forest Service to delegate open burning of land clearing debris to local governments. The bill grants the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking authority to distribute 70 percent of state matching funds for local mosquito control programs to mosquito control programs that have a budget of less than $1 million when the amount of matching funds appropriated by the Legislature is insufficient to grant each local program state funds on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis. Among other provisions, the bill moves the nutrient standards and thresholds for ensuring that fertilizer sold in the state contains the amount of nutrients guaranteed to be in the product from statute to rule.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:48:23 GMT

SB 1810 (Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee) and HB 5005 (House Appropriations Committee) set the 2013-2014 employer contribution rates for members of each membership class and sub-class of the Florida Retirement System. SB 1810 is available for consideration by the full Senate. HB 5005 is available for consideration by the full House. (Conn).

Water Supply (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:36:33 GMT

CS/SB 948 (Grimsley) and CS/HB 1063 (Hutson) include utility companies, private landowners, water consumers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to the existing list of cities, counties, and water management districts in order to achieve cooperative efforts to plan for adequate water supply. The bills also include DEP and DACS in the regional water supply planning process in coordination with the governing board of the water management districts. In addition, the bills mandate that each regional water supply plan must be based on at least a 20-year planning period. The language includes a provision that allows the DACS to establish an agricultural water supply planning program that will develop data projecting future agricultural water supply needs and demands over a 20-year planning period.

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:37:12 GMT

Wage Theft (Oppose – Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:40 GMT

SB 1216 (Bradley) preempts local regulation of wage theft issues and provides a new civil claim for wage theft that is brought in the county court and governed by Florida Small Claims Rules. The wage theft claim must be brought in the county in which the unpaid work was alleged to have been performed within one year of the last date of performance. The bill allows local governments to establish an administrative program to help an employee recover unpaid wages. SB 1216 is in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

Political Subdivisions (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:11 GMT

CS/HB 655 (Precourt) prohibits political subdivisions from requiring employers to provide certain employment benefits or from requiring or awarding preference on the basis of certain wages or employment benefits when contracting for goods or services. CS/HB 655 was amended to exempt local governments that require contractors to provide living wages to continue doing so. The bill passed the House State Affairs Committee and has moved onto the House Floor. (Cook).

Developments of Regional Impacts (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:36:42 GMT

SB 1698 (Latvala) and HB 4041 (Raulerson) repeal provisions relating to certification of local governments to conduct developments of regional impact reviews. SB 1698 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 4041 is in the House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee. (Cruz).

Fire Alarms (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:25 GMT

CS/HB 47 (Hooper) and CS/SB 264 (Hays) require that any battery-operated smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing smoke alarm must be powered by a nonreplaceable, nonremovable battery capable of powering the smoke alarm for at least 10 years. The bills exempt electrically operated smoke alarms, fire alarm systems with smoke detectors, or any other fire alarms that use a low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal. CS/HB 47 is now in the House Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee. CS/SB 264 is now in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Purchase of Land by a Governmental Entity (Oppose - Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:48:18 GMT

SB 584 (Hays) and HB 901 (Stone) limit the ability of the state and local governments to purchase land for conservation purposes, unless exiting land held for conservation is sold first. SB 584 is in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. HB 901 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee. (Cruz).

Lease of Sovereignty Submerged Lands for Private Docks (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:06 GMT

HB 199 (Peters) and SB 588 (Brandes) provide exemptions from lease fees for private residential single-family docks on sovereignty submerged lands for a preempted area equal to or less than 10 times the riparian shoreline on the affected water body. HB 199 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee. SB 588 is in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. (Matthews).

Stand Your Ground (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:32:29 GMT

HB 331 (Antone) and SB 136 (Smith) authorize a person to use deadly force in the defense of property, to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony. The bills direct the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to collect, maintain and disseminate data on all incidents related to the alleged use of justifiable force. The bills require law enforcement agencies to report monthly to the FDLE all cases in which a claim regarding the justifiable use of force is raised. HB 331 is now in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

Water Management Districts (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1407 (Hays) requires cities and counties that use state water resources for water supply purposes to coordinate with the appropriate water management district to conduct an evaluation of water resources that might reasonably be considered a primary source of water. The bill also includes language clarifying local government authority to adopt irrigation restrictions and related ordinances. CS/CS/HB 1407 was combined with CS/HB 1367 (Holder) and CS/HB 1605 (Mayfield) by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee. CS/CS/HB 1407 passed the House Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development and is now in the House General Government Policy Council.

Water Management Districts (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:31:00 GMT

CS/HB 1407 (Hays) requires cities and counties that use state water resources for water supply purposes to coordinate with the appropriate water management district to conduct an evaluation of water resources that might reasonably be considered a primary source of water. The bill also includes language clarifying local government authority to adopt irrigation restrictions and related ordinances. CS/HB 1407 was combined with CS/HB 1367 (Holder) and CS/HB 1605 (Mayfield) and passed by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee and is now in the House Natural Resources Appropriations Committee.

Black Business Investment Board (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:06:00 GMT

CS/HB 1551 (Carroll) removes provision making the BBIB a private and public entity and places the organization under the direction of the Office of Trade Tourism and Economic Development. CS/HB 1551 passed the House Economic Development Policy Committee and has been referred to the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee.

Water Policy (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

CS/HB 1109 (Williams, T.) creates a new Part VII to Chapter 373, F.S., to include all those existing sections of Chapter 373, F.S., that address water supply policy, planning, production and funding. There are no substantive changes to the language and the bill is simply an effort to make chapter 373, F.S. easier to read. CS/HB 1109 passed the House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee and has been referred to the House Natural Resources Appropriations Committee.

Street Racing (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:22:00 GMT

HB 97 (Soto) and SB 768 (Constantine) revise the penalties for violating provisions prohibiting certain speed competitions and exhibitions. HB 97 passed the House Road, Bridges & Ports Policy Committee and is now in the House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Committee. SB 768 passed through the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

Vessel Safety (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:07:00 GMT

SB 100 (Rich) and CS/HB 233 (Kiar) revise requirements for operating personal watercrafts by increasing the age for operators and requiring all operators to successfully complete a boating safety course. SB 100 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and has now been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee. HB 233 passed the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Policy Committee and is now in the House Public Safety & Domestic Security Policy Committee.

Septic Tanks (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

SB 1738 (Oelrich) and HB 727 (Patronis) require, beginning July 1, 2013, inspection of all onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems at least once every five years. The bill requires the Department of Health (DOH) to develop rules implementing the program, including a county-by-county implementation plan phased in over a 10-year period with first priority given to those areas within a springshed protection area, and enforcement procedures. The bills also direct DOH to develop and implement a grant program for lower income homeowners. HB 727 has been referred to the House Health Care Regulation Policy Committee; House Agriculture & Natural Resources Policy Committee; House Health Care Appropriations Committee; and the House Health & Family Services Policy Council.

Vanpools (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

SB 236 (Baker) and HB 269 (O’Toole) define “vanpool” and exempt vans leased for “vanpools” from applicable sales and use taxes. SB 236 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Transportation Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means. HB 269 has been referred to the following committees: House Roads, Bridges and Ports Policy Committee; House Finance and Tax Council; House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council.

Reactive Drywall (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:02:00 GMT

HB 975 (Fetterman) and SB 1044 (Aronberg) create the Legislative Task Force on Reactive Drywall. The bill also requires Class III landfills to develop a management plan to segregate or refuse to accept loads that are predominantly drywall and direct them to a Class I facility. Any Class III facility that accepts loads that are predominantly drywall are required to apply at least 6 inches of cover soil over the drywall at least weekly. HB 975 has not been referred to any committees, while SB 1044 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Regulated Industries Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee; and the Senate Rules Committee.

Nonhomestead Property Assessment Limit; Additional Homestead Exemption (Oppose - Unfunded Mandate)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:32:00 GMT

HB 655 (Domino) and SB 1254 (Fasano) propose a constitutional amendment that will provide an additional homestead exemption in the amount of 50% of the just value of the property for properties that are established as a homestead within one year of purchase. The exemption is valid for 5 years and is reduced by 20% each year. Further, the bill limits the property to only one of the available homestead exemptions. The bill also reduces maximum annual increase in assessed value for nonhomestead property from 10% to 5%.

Environmental Control (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:36:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1219 (Van Zant) and SB 2294 (Wise) direct the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan for implementation of expedited permitting process for nuclear power plants and for offshore oil and natural gas drilling programs. CS/CS/HB 1219 passed the House General Government Policy Council and is now in the House Natural Resources Appropriations Committee.

Taxation of Conservation Lands (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:13:00 GMT

SB 2244 (Altman) specifies conservation purposes for which land must be used in order to qualify for an ad valorem tax exemption. The bill also requires such land be perpetually encumbered by requiring an owner of land that is exempt from ad valorem taxation to take actions to preserve the perpetual effect of the conservation easement. Properties less than 40 acres do not qualify for the ad valorem tax exemption unless certain geographical conditions are present on the property. SB 2244 was passed by the Senate Agriculture Committee and is now in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.

Property Tax Exemption / Military Personnel (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:17:00 GMT

SB 1934 (Fasano) and HB 1155 (Holder) propose a constitutional amendment to exempt homestead properties owned by members of the US Military while they are receiving hostile-fire or imminent danger pay from ad valorem taxation. SB 1934 is now in the Senate Military Affairs and Domestic Security Committee. HB 1155 has passed the House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee and is now in the House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council.

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:34 GMT

CS/HB 7087 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) expands current law prohibiting local governments from banning agricultural or silvicultural open burning in Florida to apply when an emergency order is declared. The bill allows the Florida Forest Service to delegate open burning of land clearing debris to local governments. The bill grants the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rule-making authority to distribute 70 percent of state matching funds for local mosquito control programs to mosquito control programs that have a budget of less than $1 million when the amount of matching funds appropriated by the Legislature is insufficient to grant each local program state funds on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis. Among other provisions, the bill moves the nutrient standards and thresholds for ensuring that fertilizer sold in the state contains the amount of nutrients guaranteed to be in the product from statute to rule.

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:48:48 GMT

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:01:09 GMT

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:48:23 GMT

Environmental Regulation (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:36:33 GMT

CS/HB 999 (Patronis) and CS/SB 1684 (Altman), in addition to a host of “regulatory streamlining” issues, amend existing law relating to municipal review of development permits. The bills add an enforcement mechanism for private companies against local governments that participate in recovered material collection in competition with private companies. The mechanism provides for injunctive relief and damages if a local government violates the fair competition aspects of solid waste and recovered materials found in Florida statutes. The bills limit a city from making more than three requests for additional information from certain designated city professionals, including engineers, landscapers, architects, etc.

Recreational Vehicle Parks (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:37:12 GMT

HB 969 (Raburn) and CS/SB 938 (Dean) require the Florida Department of Health to adopt rules establishing uniform standards for the regulation, permitting and design of recreational vehicle parks and recreational camps. Separation distances within recreational vehicle sites and set-back distances for a park must be the distances established at the time of initial approval by the local government. CS/SB 938 passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services and is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee. HB 969 is in the House Health Quality Subcommittee.

Firesafety Devices (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:41 GMT

CS/HB 47 (Hooper) and CS/CS/SB 264 (Hays) require that any battery-operated smoke alarm that is newly installed or replaces an existing smoke alarm must be powered by a nonreplaceable, nonremovable battery capable of powering the smoke alarm for at least 10 years. The bills exempt electrically operated smoke alarms, fire alarm systems with smoke detectors, or any other fire alarms that use a low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal. CS/HB 47 passed the House Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee and is now in the House Regulatory Affairs Committee. CS/CS/SB 264 is now in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Recreational Vehicle Parks (Oppose – Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:11 GMT

HB 969 (Raburn) and SB 938 (Dean) require the Department of Health to adopt rules establishing uniform standards for the regulation, permitting and design of recreational vehicle parks and recreational camps. The bills require that local government regulations of such parks and camps be consistent with the uniform standards. Separation distances between recreational vehicle sites and set-back distances for a park must be the distances established at the time of initial approval by the local government. SB 938 is in the Senate Health Policy Committee.

Transparency in Government Spending (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:36:42 GMT

SB 7026 (Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee) requires the Office of the Governor to create a single website providing access to information relating to the fiscal planning of the state. This website will contain a database of state financial plans and expenditures. SB 7026 was proposed as a committee bill in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and is awaiting further references. (Cruz).

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:25 GMT

CS/SB 50 (Negron) and HB 23 (Rodrigues, R.) require local governments to provide members of the public with an opportunity to be heard on a proposition before the board or commission. The opportunity to be heard does not have to occur at the same meeting at which the board or commission takes official action on the item, if the opportunity occurs at a properly noticed meeting, occurs at a meeting that is during the decision-making process, and is within reasonable proximity to the meeting at which the board takes the official action. The bills allow local governments to adopt policies or rules on providing testimony, while putting into place criteria that these policies must meet. Local governments may maintain orderly conduct and proper decorum in public meetings.

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Trust Funds (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:06 GMT

SB 212 (Hays), among other things, creates the Land Acquisition Trust Fund for acquiring and assisting other agencies or local governments in acquiring or managing lands important to the conservation of fish and wildlife. SB 212 has cleared the committee process and is now on the second reading calendar in the Senate. (Matthews).

Design Professionals (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:32:29 GMT

SB 286 (Negron) limits the individual liability of design professionals for contracts executed by a business entity for negligence arising from the performance of professional services if certain conditions are met. SB 286 passed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Cook).

Water Policy (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 GMT

CS/HB 1109 (Williams T.) creates a new Part VII to Chapter 373, F.S., to reorganize and consolidate existing sections of law that address water supply policy, planning, production and funding. There are no substantive changes to the law. CS/HB 1109 is on Third Reading in the House.

Water Quality and Regulation (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:31:00 GMT

CS/SB 550 (Constantine) is a comprehensive bill (170 pages) addressing a variety of water quality and water quantity issues. SB 570 includes a non-substantive restructuring of Chapter 373, Florida Statutes to create a new Part VII relating to water supply policy, planning, production and funding. CS/SB 550 also repeals language passed during the 2009 Session that allows a water management district governing board to delegate certain permit decisions. Additionally, the bill deletes current law that prohibits a governing board member from intervening in certain permit review processes.

Charter Schools (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:06:00 GMT

CS/HB 1569 (Stargel) authorizes charter schools that are operated by a municipality and provides various powers, including eligibility for a 15 year charter and use of the accounting system of the municipality. CS/HB 1569 passed the House PreK-12 Policy Committee and has been referred to the House PreK-12 Appropriations Committee.

Sewage Disposal Facilities (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

CS/HB 1225 (Gibbons) and SB 2354 (Sobel) amend the ocean outfalls legislation adopted during the 2008 Session. The bills require facilities discharging domestic wastewater through ocean outfalls that divert flows for reuse purposes meet the 60 percent reuse requirement. The bills clarify that such reuse contributes to the reuse requirement of the facilities originally accepting the flows. CS/HB 1225 was amended and passed by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee and has been referred to the House Natural Resources Appropriations Committee.

Juvenile Civil Citation Program (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:07:00 GMT

SB 1210 (Wise) requires a juvenile civil citation program to be established at the local government level with concurrence of the county’s chief judge and other persons. It requires a law enforcement officer to issue a civil citation if the juvenile admits to having committed a misdemeanor. SB 1210 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Criminal Justice Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, and the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee. There is no House companion.

Stormwater Regulations (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

SB 1748 (Bennett) requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in coordination with the water management districts to develop a uniform statewide stormwater quality treatment rule by July 1, 2011. The bill establishes minimum levels of stormwater quality treatment necessary to achieve an 85% average annual reduction of nutrient load. For discharges to Outstanding Florida Waters or to impaired waters, the post development nutrient loads must be less than or equal to the estimated nutrient loads under natural conditions. SB 1748 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; and Senate General Government Appropriations Committee.

Tax Collections, Sales, and Liens (Oppose - Unfunded Mandate - Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

HB 265 (Reagan) and SB 664 (Altman) provide changes to the process by which tax deed certificates are bought and sold. Further, the bills provide that code enforcement liens survive tax deed certificate sales only as to the principal of the lien. HB 265 has been referred to the following committees: House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council; House Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development; House Finance and Tax Council. SB 664 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.

Playground Safety Requirements (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:02:00 GMT

SB 1586 (Justice) requires the Department of Community Affairs to adopt rules establishing safety requirements for playgrounds constructed after January 1, 2011. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of public funds for the planning, development, or re-development of any playground, unless the playground will conform to the rules adopted. The bill has been referred to the following committees: Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee; and the Senate Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Committee.

Water Management District Liability (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:36:20 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1078 (Baker) and CS/HB 1131 (Poppell) expand the limitation of liability of a water management district (WMD), with respect to areas made available to the public for recreational purposes without charge, to include district lands and water areas. The bill provides that a WMD retains the limitation of liability for certain temporary commercial activities. CS/CS/SB 1078 passed the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee and is now headed to the Senate floor. CS/HB 1131 is in the House Civil Justice & Courts Policy Committee.

Sovereignty Submerged Lands (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:13:00 GMT

CS/SB 1012 (Constantine) provides statutory guidance to the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund and the DEP for the development of rules relating to the use of sovereignty submerged lands. Among the provisions in the bill is language standardizing lease terms for both short and long term leases for sovereignty submerged lands. Extended leases will be limited to exclusive public water access facilities on a first-come, first-served basis and defines “first-come, first-served” as any water dependent facility operated on state-owned submerged land where at least 90 percent of the slip are open to the public. The bill establishes a new fee schedule for a variety of applications and uses of sovereignty submerged lands.

Nuclear Cost Recovery (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:34 GMT

CS/HB 7167 (House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee) and CS/CS/SB 1472 (Legg) address the issue of investor-owned utilities’ ability to recoup expenses through a 2006 law known as Nuclear Cost Recovery. The bills establish a process by which the Public Service Commission (PSC) reviews and approves the development of a new power plant that is attempting to collect cost recovery from its customers. Under the Senate version, after obtaining the license or certificate, the utility must petition the PSC for approval before proceeding with preconstruction work beyond those activities necessary to maintain a license or certificate. The only costs a utility may recover before obtaining PSC approval are those that are previously approved or necessary to maintain the license or certification.

Nuclear Cost Recovery (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:48:48 GMT

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:36:33 GMT

HB 7087 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) expands current law prohibiting local governments from banning agricultural or silvicultural open burning in Florida to apply when an emergency order is declared. The bill allows the Florida Forest Service to delegate open burning of land clearing debris to local governments. The bill grants the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking authority to distribute 70 percent of state matching funds for local mosquito control programs to mosquito control programs that have a budget of less than $1 million when the amount of matching funds appropriated by the Legislature is insufficient to grant each local program state funds on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis. Among other provisions, the bill moves the nutrient standards and thresholds for ensuring that fertilizer sold in the state contains the amount of nutrients guaranteed to be in the product from statute to rule.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:37:12 GMT

CS/SB 1392 (Simpson) provides that a member initially enrolled in the Florida Retirement System on or after January 1, 2014, is vested in the pension plan after 10 years of creditable service. Employees initially enrolled on or after January 1, 2014, in positions covered by the Elected Officers’ Class or the Senior Management Service Class are compulsory members of the investment plan. The bill also restricts the ability of an elected officer eligible for membership in the Elected Officers’ Class from being enrolled in the Senior Management Service Class. CS/SB 1392 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:41 GMT

Low-Voltage Alarm System Contracting and Permitting (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:11 GMT

HB 973 (Brodeur) and SB 1442 (Lee) preempt ordinances relating to alarm installation and create a uniform notice of installation. The bills require cities to offer to contractors uniform basic permit labels available for purchase in bulk for no more than $60 per label. The bills allow an alarm contractor to commence work on a low-voltage alarm system project without having to notify the local government. Instead, the contractor must notify the local enforcement agency no later than 21 days after the installation and submit a uniform notice of installment.

Initiatives and Referendums (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:36:42 GMT

CS/HB 537 (Moraitis) and CS/SB 528 (Simpson) make revisions to the Community Planning Act provision that addressed the Yankeetown lawsuit. The legislation allows cities such as Yankeetown that had specific initiative and referendum language for comprehensive plan amendments in their charter before June 1, 2011, to remain in place. However, the legislation clarifies that those provision do not apply to cities that have general charter provisions dealing with initiatives and referendums for ordinances. CS/HB 537 passed the House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee and is now in the House Local and Federal Affairs Committee.

Drones (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:25 GMT

CS/HB 119 (Workman) and CS/SB 92 (Negron) prohibit law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather evidence or other information. A drone is defined as an aerial vehicle that can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely and does not carry a human operator. Both bills were amended to allow law enforcement agencies to use drones to counter terrorism, if the agency has received a search warrant from a judge, or if the agency possesses reasonable suspicion that swift action is needed to prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property. The bills allow for aggrieved parties to file civil lawsuits against law enforcement agencies for violations and prohibit evidence obtained or collected in violation of the bills.

Florida Forever Program Trust Fund/Department of Environmental Protection (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:06 GMT

CS/SB 214 (Hays) terminates the Florida Forever Program Trust Fund within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and transfers all of the fund’s current balances and revenues to the Florida Forever Trust Fund, which is an identical fund. The Florida Constitution requires the termination of all state trust funds within four years of their initial creation, unless the trust fund is exempted by the constitution or operation of law. This measure is enacted to sunset the Florida Forever Program Trust Fund. CS/SB 214 is on the second reading calendar in the Senate.

Public Records Exemption for Financial Statement from Construction Companies (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:32:30 GMT

HB 403 (Raschein) exempts certain financial statements that agencies of the state require in order to prequalify for bidding or responding to request for proposals. The bill contains language requiring the Legislature to repeal the statute by October 2, 2018, unless the language is reenacted by the Legislature prior to that date. HB 403 is in the House Government Operations Subcommittee. (Cook).

Water Quality and Regulation (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 550 (Constantine) is a comprehensive bill addressing a variety of water quality and water quantity issues. CS/CS/CS/SB 550 includes a non-substantive restructuring of Chapter 373, Florida Statutes to create a new Part VII relating to water supply policy, planning, production and funding. CS/CS/CS/SB 550 also repeals language passed during the 2009 Session that allows a water management district governing board to delegate certain permit decisions. Additionally, the bill deletes current law that prohibits a governing board member from intervening in certain permit review processes.

Water Policy (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:31:00 GMT

CS/HB 1109 (Williams, T.) creates a new Part VII to Chapter 373, F.S., to reorganize and consolidate existing sections of law that address water supply policy, planning, production and funding. There are no substantive changes to the law. CS/HB 1109 passed the House General Government Policy Council and is now on Second Reading in the House.

Stormwater Management (OPPOSE-Preemption)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

SB 1748 (Bennett) and PCB 10-11 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee) require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in coordination with the water management districts, to develop a uniform statewide stormwater quality treatment rule by July 1, 2011. SB 1748 establishes minimum levels of stormwater quality treatment necessary to achieve an 85% average annual reduction of nutrient load. For discharges to Outstanding Florida Waters or to impaired waters, the post development nutrient loads must be less than or equal to the estimated nutrient loads under natural conditions.

Florida Energy and Climate Commission (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

HB 77 (Gibbons) and SB 90 (Joyner) require the Florida Energy and Climate Commission to prepare a report on energy efficiency with respect to low-income households and rental housing. HB 77 has been referred to the following committees: House Energy and Utilities Policy Committee; House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee; House Government Operations Appropriations Committee; House General Government Policy Council. SB 90 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee; Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate General Government Appropriations Committee.

Discretionary Sales Surtaxes (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

HB 767 (Gibson) and SB 1036 (Peaden) expand the eligibility for the adoption of an indigent care and trauma center sales surtax to all counties with a population of 800,000 or more. SB 1036 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Health Regulation Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means. HB 767 has been referred to the following committees: House Military and Local Affairs Policy Committee; House Health Care Regulation Policy Committee; House Finance and Tax Council.

Mangrove Trimming (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:36:20 GMT

CS/CS/SB 148 (Aronberg) and CS/HB 625 (Kriseman) enhance the penalties against individuals who illegally trim mangroves. The bill allows the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide for exemptions and general permits for trimming activities that have minimal adverse impacts on the water resources of the state. The bills allow the DEP to revoke the Professional Mangrove Trimmer status for persons who become repeat violators. The bills clarify the applicability of the Mangrove Trimming and Protection Act to certain public and private lands.

Landfills (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:13:00 GMT

SB 2416 (Gaetz) authorizes the disposal of yard trash at a Class I landfill if the landfill has a system for collecting landfill gas and arranges for the reuse of the gas. SB 2416 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:37:12 GMT

CS/CS/HB 7011 (House Government Operations Subcommittee) provides that all eligible employees in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) initially enrolled on or after January 1, 2014, are compulsory members of the investment plan, and membership in the pension plan is not permitted. The bill revises the required employer retirement contribution rates for members of each membership class and subclass of the FRS. The bill requires members of the Special Risk Class (primarily police and firefighters) enrolled on or after January 1, 2014, to be provided with an in-line-of-duty death benefit equal to 10 times the employee’s salary. CS/CS/HB 7011 is available for a final vote by the full House.

Searches and Seizures (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:41 GMT

CS/SB 92 (Negron) and CS/CS/HB 119 (Workman) prohibit law enforcement agencies from using drones to gather evidence or other information. A drone is defined as an aerial vehicle that can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely and does not carry a human operator. Both bills were amended to allow law enforcement agencies to use drones to counter terrorism, if the agency has received a search warrant from a judge, or if the agency possesses reasonable suspicion that swift action is needed to prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property. The bills allow for aggrieved parties to file civil lawsuits against law enforcement agencies for violations and prohibit evidence obtained or collected in violation of the bills.

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:11 GMT

Design Professionals (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:25 GMT

SB 286 (Negron) and HB 575 (Passidomo) limit the individual liability of design professionals for contracts executed by a business entity for negligence arising from the performance of professional services if certain conditions are met. SB 286 passed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. HB 575 is now in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. (Cook).

Agritourism(Oppose - Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:48:19 GMT

HB 927 (Raschein) and SB 1106 (Hays) preempt local governments from adopting any ordinance, regulation, rule or policy that restricts or otherwise limits agritourism activity on land classified as agricultural. HB 927 has not been referred to a committee yet. SB 1106 is in the Senate Agriculture Committee. (Cruz).

Renewable Energy Producers (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:06 GMT

HB 309 (Rehwinkel Vasilinda) and SB 498 (Thompson) revise the definition of public utility to exclude an entity that produces and sells no more than five megawatt hours per hour of renewable energy to users of that renewable energy if use is contiguous, adjacent or located within ½ mile of where the renewable energy is produced. HB 309 is in the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee. SB 498 is in the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee. (Matthews).

Joint Use of Public School Facilities (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:32:30 GMT

SB 392 (Brandes) and HB 525 (Raburn) encourage each district school board to adopt written policies to promote public access to outdoor recreation and sports facilities on school property, and to increase the number of joint-use agreements with local governments or private entities. The bills provide immunity from liability for a district school board that adopts public access policies or enters into a joint-use agreement, except in instances of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. HB 525 is in the House Choice and Innovation Subcommittee, and SB 392 is in the Senate Education Committee. (Conn).

Water Conservation (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:16:00 GMT

PCB 10-10 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee) clarifies that the Conserve Florida Clearinghouse Guide (Guide) is an appropriate tool to assist public water supply utilities in developing plans in order to meet conservation requirements for obtaining consumptive use permits (CUPs). Water management districts and public water supply utilities are encouraged to use the Guide to develop and assess conservation plans.

Energy (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

SB 596 (Detert) requires electric utilities in the state to meet or exceed “clean energy” standards provided in the bill. The bill would also allow for advance cost recovery for conversion of generation facilities that use fossil fuels to biomass generation facilities and encourages the increased use of natural gas. SB 596 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee; Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.

Admissions Tax (Support)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

HB 579 (Holder) and SB 1070 (Altman) create a tax exemption for admission to events sponsored by a governmental entity, sports authority, or sports commission. HB 579 has been referred to the following committees: House Economic Development Policy Committee; House Finance and Tax Council; House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council. SB 1070 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Commerce Committee; Senate Community Affairs Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.

Coral Reef Protection (Watch)

Joel Easley — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:36:20 GMT

HB 1453 (R. Saunders) CS/CS/SB 1004 (Constantine) Creates the "Florida Coral Reef Protection Act." Requires responsible parties to notify the DEP if their vessel runs aground or damages a coral reef. It authorizes the department to enter into settlement agreements that require responsible parties to pay another government entity or nonprofit organization to fund projects consistent with the conservation or protection of coral reefs. CS/CS/SB 1004 passed the Senate General Government Appropriations Committee and is headed to the Senate floor.

Expedited Permitting for Economic Development Projects (Support)

Joel Easley — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:13:00 GMT

SB 852 (Fasano) and HB 73 (Schenck) require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the water management districts to adopt programs that create a 45-day expedited permitting process for businesses identified by a municipality or county as a target industry business. The programs are limited to wetland resource and environmental resource permits and require a mandatory pre-application review process to reduce permitting conflicts. SB 852 is on the Senate Community Affairs Committee agenda on Monday, April 6, 2009. HB 73 is on second reading in the House.

Public Construction Projects (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:41 GMT

CS/HB 269 (Beshears) and SB 578 (Clemens) require state agencies, cities and counties to use lumber, timber and other forest products that are produced and manufactured in Florida for public construction projects if such products are available and their price, fitness and quality are equal to those products produced outside of the state. CS/HB 269 passed the House Government Operation Appropriations Subcommittee and is now in the House Regulatory Affairs Committee. SB 578 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook).

Public Construction Projects (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:12 GMT

CS/HB 269 (Beshears) and SB 578 (Clemens) require state agencies, cities and counties to use lumber, timber and other forest products that are produced and manufactured in Florida for public construction projects if such products are available and their price, fitness and quality are equal to those products produced outside of the state. CS/HB 269 passed the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee and is now in the House Government Operation Appropriations Subcommittee. SB 578 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook).

Internet Sweepstakes Establishments (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:26 GMT

HB 951 (Patronis) and SB 1030 (Thrasher) place a moratorium on Internet sweepstakes establishments in Florida. Any operator in place prior to July 1, 2013, would be allowed to continue operations provided that they register with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by August 1, 2013. HB 951 is in the House Select Committee on Gaming. SB 1030 is in the Senate Gaming Committee.

Department of Economic Opportunity (Oppose - Preemption)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:48:19 GMT

SB 1024 (Commerce and Tourism) and HB 7007 (Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee) are comprehensive bills for the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Key provisions affecting cities include authorizing the DEO to have rule-making authority over the Small City Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The bills require that a local government’s future CDBG funding be reduced in the event of a Section 108 loan default. The bills provide restrictions on the expenditure of block grant funds by local governments, including a preference for economic development applications over other approved uses.

Fossil Fuel Combustion Products (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:06 GMT

HB 659 (Goodson) and SB 682 (Simpson) establish standards for storage of certain fossil fuel combustion products. Fossil fuel combustion products are defined as fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, flue gas emission control materials and other nonhazardous materials. The bills prohibit fossil fuels from being in contact with groundwater, surface water bodies or wetlands and may not be placed within 25 feet of a potable well that is being used for human or livestock water consumption. HB 659 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:32:30 GMT

CS/SB 50 (Negron) and HB 23 (Rodrigues, R.) require local governments to provide members of the public with an opportunity to be heard on a proposition before the board or commission. The opportunity to be heard does not have to occur at the same meeting at which the board or commission takes official action on the item, if the opportunity occurs at a properly noticed meeting, occurs at a meeting that is during the decision-making process, and is within reasonable proximity to the meeting at which the board takes the official action. The bills allow local governments to adopt policies or rules to ensure the orderly conduct of the meeting, while putting into place criteria that these policies must meet. There is an exemption for certain emergency situations, for ministerial acts, for meetings exempt from the Sunshine Law, or when a board or commission is acting in a quasi-judicial capacity with respect to the rights of a person.

Renewable Energy Policy (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

SB 774 (Constantine) ratifies rules related to renewable portfolio standard adopted by the Florida Public Service Commission. SB 774 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee; Senate Commerce Committee; Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee; Senate Rules Committee.

Admissions Tax (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

HB 637 (Dorworth), HB 905 (Chestnut) and SB 1128 (Altman) extend a tax exemption to admission tickets to specified championship and all-star games for professional sports leagues. SB 1128 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Commerce Committee; Senate Finance and Tax Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means. HB 637 has been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Council; House Policy Council; House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council. HB 905 has been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Council; House Full Appropriations Council on Education and Economic Development.

Design Professionals (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:41 GMT

CS/SB 286 (Negron) and CS/HB 575 (Passidomo) limit the individual liability of design professionals for contracts executed by a business entity for negligence arising from the performance of professional services if certain conditions are met. CS/SB 286 passed the Community Affairs Committee and is on the Senate special order calendar on second reading. CS/HB 575 is in the House Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee. (Cook).

Design Professionals (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:12 GMT

CS/SB 286 (Negron) and CS/HB 575 (Passidomo) limit the individual liability of design professionals for contracts executed by a business entity for negligence arising from the performance of professional services if certain conditions are met. CS/SB 286 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. CS/HB 575 passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and is now in the House Business and Professional Regulation Subcommittee. (Cook).

Foreclosures (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:48:19 GMT

HB 87 (Passidomo) facilitates lenders to secure foreclosures through the courts on abandoned properties. The legislation contains provisions allowing any lienholder to instigate the foreclosure process, speeding up the amount of time it takes to foreclose. HB 87 passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and is now in the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee. (Cruz).

Water Quality Credit Trading (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:06 GMT

HB 713 (Pigman) and SB 754 (Grimsley) allow the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to authorize a water quality trading credit program in adopted basin management action plans. Participants in the program must notify the DEP of the prices for credits, how the price was determined, as well as any state funding received for the facilities/activities that generated the credits. The bills delete a provision of law that limited water quality credit trading to the lower St. Johns River basin.

Renewable Energy (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 16:28:00 GMT

SB 1086 (Detert) requires purchase contracts offered to producers of renewable energy to contain payment provisions that are based upon a public utility’s cost recovery authorized for renewable energy projects, rather than the utility’s avoided cost. SB 1086 has been referred to the following committees: Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee; Senate General Government Appropriations Committee; Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means.

Tax on Sales, Use, and Other Transactions (Watch)

Rikkia Rellford — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:52:00 GMT

HB 711 (Grady) limits the amount of sales and use tax on a boat to $18,000. HB 711 has been referred to the following committees: House Finance and Tax Council; House Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council.

Energy and Environmental Quality

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:24:01 GMT

HB 137 (Raburn) and SB 298 (Brandes) Department of Citrus.

Governmental Entity Liens (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:19:04 GMT

CS/HB 267 (Wood) and CS/SB 404 (Stargel) provide that a lien imposed on real property by a governmental or quasi-governmental entity for an improvement, service, fine or penalty, other than a lien for taxes, non-ad valorem or special assessments, or utilities, is valid and effectual against creditors or subsequent purchasers for a valuable consideration, only if the lien is recorded in the official records of the county in which the property is located. The recorded notice of lien must contain the name of the owner of record, a description or address of the property, and the tax or parcel identification number applicable to the property as of the date of recording. CS/HB 267 passed the Legislature, and next goes to the Governor. (Conn).

Department of Transportation (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:16:51 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 1132 (Brandes) and CS/CS/HB 7127 (House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee) are the omnibus transportation bills. The majority of the bills’ provisions apply only to the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT). The Florida Transportation Commission is required to conduct a study of the locations and revenues generated from parking meters located on state roads. Public transit providers would be prohibited from using federal block grant funds for advocacy purposes.

Initiatives and Referendums (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 20:09:22 GMT

CS/CS/SB 528 (Simpson) and CS/CS/HB 537 (Moraitis) make revisions to the Community Planning Act provision that addressed the Yankeetown lawsuit. The legislation allows cities such as Yankeetown that had specific initiative and referendum language for comprehensive plan amendments in their charter before June 1, 2011, to remain in place. However, the legislation clarifies that those provisions do not apply to cities that have general charter provisions dealing with initiatives and referendums for ordinances. CS/CS/HB 537 was substituted for CS/CS/SB 528.

Community Development – Affordable Housing (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:54:43 GMT

CS/CS/HB 437 (Davis) and CS/CS/SB 928 (Simpson) delete an ad valorem tax exemption for property owned by certain Florida-based limited partnerships and used for affordable housing for certain income-qualified individuals. The bills clarify the process used by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) to allocate low-income housing tax credits and other federal and state resources. The bills modify the annual reporting requirements, clarify the information and reports included in the FHFC’s audited financial statements, and remove obsolete terms and provisions. CS/CS/HB 437 was substituted for CS/CS/SB 928.

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:53:32 GMT

CS/HB 109 (Young) and CS/SB 364 (Hays) specify conditions for issuance of consumptive use permits (CUPs) of alternative water supplies approved after July 1, 2013. These CUPs shall be granted for a term of 30 years if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance will be met during the life of the permit. The bills grant further extensions if the permittee issues bonds to finance the project for the life of the bond or 30 years after the date construction of the project is complete. CS/SB 364 was substituted for CS/HB 109 and passed the House by a vote of 117-0 and is now awaiting final action by the governor.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:51:34 GMT

CS/CS/SB 458 (Ring) and CS/HB 1399 (Rooney) are the two bills this session relating to city firefighter and police officer pensions. CS/CS/SB 458 as amended and passed by the Senate is NOT meaningful pension reform, but rather a victory for police and fire unions. Because of this action by the Senate, the League is in opposition to both bills and urges you to contact your legislators today to OPPOSE the bills..

Red Light Cameras (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:03:39 GMT

CS/CS/HB 7125 (Raburn), the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles legislative package, was amended with language prohibiting local governments with red light camera programs from issuing tickets for right-on-red violations via traffic infraction detectors. The bill also includes language allowing for people receiving a notice of violation via affidavit a 30-day window to pay the original violation before it becomes a uniform traffic citation (UTC). CS/CS/HB 7125 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and now awaits action by the full House. SB 1458 (Brandes), the Senate companion, does not contain any red light camera language at this point.

Energy and Environmental Quality

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:21:10 GMT

HB 137 (Raburn) and SB 298 (Brandes) Department of Citrus.

Texting While Driving (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:18:57 GMT

CS/CS/HB 13 (Holder) and CS/CS/CS/SB 52 (Detert) make it illegal to text or type while driving, but as a secondary offense. This means that a law enforcement officer could not pull a person over for texting while driving, but could issue a ticket for the violation if the driver was pulled over for another reason. CS/CS/HB 13 is awaiting action by the full House. CS/CS/CS/SB 52 passed the Senate unanimously and has been sent to the House for action by that body.

Department of Transportation (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:16:47 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1132 (Brandes) and CS/CS/HB 7127 (House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee) are the omnibus transportation bills. The majority of the bills’ provisions apply only to the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT). The following three provisions were of particular concern to municipalities: allowing the DOT to conduct ancillary development that does not have to comply with local comprehensive plans and regulations in state-owned rail corridors (SunRail and Tri Rail); requiring local governments to take potential noise from limited access roadways into account in their land use plans or pay 50 percent of the cost of constructing any necessary noise walls; and requiring local governments to remit to the DOT 50 percent of the revenue from fees collected from parking meters on state roads. All three provisions were removed from the Senate version.

Initiatives and Referendums (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:15:50 GMT

CS/CS/HB 537 (Moraitis) and CS/SB 528 (Simpson) make revisions to the Community Planning Act provision that addressed the Yankeetown lawsuit. The legislation allows cities such as Yankeetown that had specific initiative and referendum language for comprehensive plan amendments in their charter before June 1, 2011, to remain in place. However, the legislation clarifies that those provisions do not apply to cities that have general charter provisions dealing with initiatives and referendums for ordinances. CS/CS/HB 537 passed the House with a vote of 116-0 and is now in the Senate awaiting action by that body.

Community Development (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:05:01 GMT

Domestic Wastewater Discharged Through Ocean Outfalls (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:48:46 GMT

CS/SB 444 (Diaz de la Portilla) and CS/CS/HB 707 (Diaz, M.) revise the measurement standard for wastewater flow, stating that the discharge of domestic wastewater through ocean outfalls must meet advanced wastewater treatment and management requirements by December 18, 2018. The bills also require a utility that had a permit for a domestic wastewater discharge through an ocean outfall on July 1, 2008, to ensure the installation of a functioning reuse system within the utility’s service area, or by contract with another utility, within Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties. CS/SB 444 passed the Senate by a vote of 40-0 and passed the House by a vote of 117-0. CS/CS/HB 707 was substituted with CS/SB 444.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 18:46:52 GMT

Energy and Environmental Quality

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:30:11 GMT

HB 137 (Raburn) and SB 298 (Brandes) Department of Citrus.

Texting While Driving (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:01:08 GMT

CS/CS/HB 13 (Holder) and CS/CS/CS/SB 52 (Detert) make it illegal to text or type while driving, but as a secondary offense. This means that a law enforcement officer could not pull a person over for texting while driving, but could issue a ticket for the violation if the driver was pulled over for another reason. CS/CS/HB 13 is awaiting action by the full House. CS/CS/CS/SB 52 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now awaiting action by the full Senate.

Legislative Gift Ban (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:58:26 GMT

CS/CS/SB 544 (Braynon) and HB 593 (Rogers) clarify that a governmental entity can provide a legislator with the use of a public facility or public property for a public purpose without violating the legislative gift ban. HB 593 is in the House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee. The substance of CS/SB 1634 was amended onto CS/CS/SB 544. The substance of CS/CS/SB 544 was amended onto CS/SB 1634.

Initiatives and Referendums (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:57:04 GMT

Workers’ Compensation – Repackaged Drugs (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:53:45 GMT

HB 605 (Hudson) and SB 662 (Hays) revise the requirements for determining the amount of a reimbursement for repackaged or relabeled prescription medication. The bills limit the price of the repackaged or relabeled drug to the amount that would have been payable if the drug had not been repackaged or relabeled. HB 605 was not considered by the House Health and Human Services Committee. SB 662 passed the Senate Health Policy Committee and is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Stormwater Management Permits (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:50:53 GMT

CS/HB 183 (Raulerson) and CS/SB 934 (Lee) authorize municipalities and counties to adopt stormwater adaptive management plans and obtain conceptual permits for urban redevelopment projects. Municipalities creating a community redevelopment area or an urban infill and redevelopment area may adopt a stormwater adaptive management plan that addresses the quantity and quality of stormwater discharges for the area. The bills require the DEP to include in its statewide environmental resource permit, a conceptual permit for a city or county creating stormwater management master plan for urban infill and redevelopment areas. CS/HB 183 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 17:38:22 GMT

CS/CS/SB 458 (Ring) and CS/HB 1399 (Rooney) are the two bills this session relating to city firefighter and police officer pensions. CS/CS/SB 458 was amended and passed by the Senate this week. The bill is NOT meaningful pension reform, but rather a victory for police and fire unions. Because of this action by the Senate, the League is in opposition to both bills and urges you to contact your legislators to OPPOSE the bills..

Energy and Environmental Quality

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:09:37 GMT

HB 137 (Raburn) and SB 298 (Brandes) Department of Citrus.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 20:04:18 GMT

CS/CS/SB 458 (Ring) and CS/HB 1399 (Rooney) are the two bills this session relating to city firefighter and police officer pensions. While the League has aggressively pursued more favorable bill language in this area to, give cities greater flexibility to negotiate pension benefit levels and the use of insurance premium tax revenues, it does not appear this level of flexibility will be granted..

Sober Homes (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:48:21 GMT

CS/SB 738 (Clemens) and HB 1089 define the term “sober house transitional living home” and require that an applicant seeking licensure for a sober house that provides specified substance abuse services adhere to municipal or county standards for zoning and occupancy. The bills allow local governments to adopt ordinances governing facilities that offer certain substance abuse services. CS/SB 738 passed the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 1089 is in the House Health Innovation Subcommittee.

Legislative Gift Ban (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:41:43 GMT

CS/SB 544 (Braynon) and HB 593 (Rogers) clarify that a governmental entity can provide a legislator with the use of a public facility or public property for a public purpose without violating the legislative gift ban. CS/SB 544 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and is now in the Senate Rules Committee. HB 593 is in the House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee. The substance of CS/SB 544 was amended onto CS/SB 1634.

Initiatives and Referendums (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:39:02 GMT

CS/CS/HB 537 (Moraitis) and CS/SB 528 (Simpson) make revisions to the Community Planning Act provision that addressed the Yankeetown lawsuit. The legislation allows cities such as Yankeetown that had specific initiative and referendum language for comprehensive plan amendments in their charter before June 1, 2011, to remain in place. However, the legislation clarifies that those provisions do not apply to cities that have general charter provisions dealing with initiatives and referendums for ordinances. CS/CS/HB 537 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House.

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:36:31 GMT

CS/HB 109 (Young) and CS/SB 364 (Hays) specify conditions for issuance of consumptive use permits (CUP) of alternative water supplies approved after July 1, 2013. These CUPs shall be granted for a term of 30 years if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance will be met during the life of the permit. The bills grant further extensions if the permittee issues bonds to finance the project for the life of the bond or 30 years after the date construction of the project is complete. CS/HB 109 is awaiting action by the full House.

Emergency Communication Systems - E911 (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:30:41 GMT

CS/HB 807 (Stuebe) and SB 1070 (Hays) deal with the E911 fee, which funds costs incurred by local governments to install and operate 911 emergency systems. CS/HB 807 authorizes the collection of a prepaid telephone wireless E911 fee by retailers at the point of sale. It also reduces the existing E911 fee to $0.46 per month per service identifier, and sets the prepaid wireless E911 fee at $0.46 per month for each retail transaction. CS/SB 1070 was amended to remove all substantive issues and now only permanently extends an existing moratorium on the collection of the E911 fee on prepaid phones.

Energy and Environmental Quality

Erika Branchcomb — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:24:34 GMT

HB 137 (Raburn) and SB 298 (Brandes) Department of Citrus .

Sound Devices in Motor Vehicles (Support)

Erika Branchcomb — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:23:08 GMT

HB 1019 (Rader) and SB 634 (Simpson) clarify current law to allow cities to regulate the time, place and manner in which certain sound devices may be used within their respective jurisdictions. The bills direct the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to adopt rules defining “plainly audible” and establish standards regarding how sound should be measured by law enforcement personnel who enforce the provisions of this law. HB 1019 passed the House Transportation & Highway Safety Subcommittee and is now in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. SB 634 is in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

Campaign Finance (Watch)

Erika Branchcomb — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:21:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1382 (Latvala) and CS/CS/CS/HB 569 (Schenck) make several changes to campaign finance laws applicable to both local and statewide candidates. In the Senate bill, the contribution limit for candidates for municipal office remains at $500 per person per election. In the House version, the contribution limit for candidates for municipal office is increased to $3,000 per person per election. In both bills, candidates for municipal office are required to file monthly campaign finance reports until the 60th day before the primary, and weekly reports beginning the 60th day before the primary.

Economic Development (Support)

Erika Branchcomb — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:20:48 GMT

FTSC7 (Finance and Tax Subcommittee) is the House comprehensive economic development package for the 2013 session. The bill contains several provisions designed to encourage economic development including; a tax incentive for certain aircraft sales, a tax incentive for a baseball spring training facility, removing the cap for qualified target industry incentives and for defense and space contractors program, increasing the new markets development program tax credit by $15 million, allowing certain wineries to also be licensed distributors, and creating the back-to-school sales tax holiday for August 2, 1013. FTSC7 passed the House Finance and Tax Subcommittee and is awaiting a bill number and further committee references. (Cruz).

Tax Refund Programs (Support)

Erika Branchcomb — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:10:00 GMT

HB 4013 (Santiago) and SB 236 (Hukill) remove the $7 million cap or maximum amount of tax refunds that qualified defense contractors and space flight businesses can receive. The bills also remove the cap or maximum amount of tax refunds that a qualified target industry business can receive. Currently, that limit is $7 million, or $7.5 million if the project is located in an enterprise zone. HB 4013 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and is now awaiting action by the full House.

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Erika Branchcomb — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:08:00 GMT

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Erika Branchcomb — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:07:00 GMT

CS/SB 458 (Ring) and HB 1399 (Rooney), while attempting to provide some relief to cities in the funding of city police and firefighter pensions, do not accomplish the League’s policy goals for police and firefighter pension reform. The bills substantially change how insurance premium tax revenues must be used in funding police and firefighter pension plans in Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes. One effect of the bills, which is problematic for cities, is that they would void the current Florida Department of Management Services interpretation on the use of insurance premium tax revenues, as reflected in the “City of Naples” letter..

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:45:46 GMT

Stormwater Management Permits (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:45:17 GMT

CS/HB 183 (Raulerson) and CS/SB 934 (Lee) authorize municipalities and counties to adopt stormwater adaptive management plans and obtain conceptual permits for urban redevelopment projects. Municipalities creating a community redevelopment area or an urban infill and redevelopment area may adopt a stormwater adaptive management plan that addresses the quantity and quality of stormwater discharges for the area. The bills provide that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection must include in its statewide environmental resource permit a conceptual permit for a city or county that creates a stormwater management master plan for urban infill and redevelopment areas. CS/HB 183 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee and is now in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee.

Domestic Wastewater Discharged Through Ocean Outfalls (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:44:49 GMT

CS/SB 444 (Diaz de la Portilla) and CS/CS/HB 707 (Diaz, M.) revise the measurement standard for wastewater flow, stating that the discharge of domestic wastewater through ocean outfalls must meet advanced wastewater treatment and management requirements by December 18, 2018. The bills also require a utility that had a permit for a domestic wastewater discharge through an ocean outfall on July 1, 2008, to ensure the installation of a functioning reuse system within the utility’s service area, or by contract with another utility, within Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties. CS/SB 444 passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government and is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee. CS/CS/HB 707 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and is now in the House State Affairs Committee.

Biodiesel (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:44:13 GMT

CS/SB 522 (Bradley) and CS/HB 633 (Perry) exempt local governments that manufacture biodiesel for internal use from reporting, bonding and licensing requirements prescribed for wholesalers in Chapter 206, Florida Statutes. CS/SB 522 passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax and is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee. CS/HB 633 is in the House Regulatory Affairs Committee. (Matthews).

Natural Gas Motor Fuel (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:43:08 GMT

CS/SB 560 (Simpson) and CS/HB 579 (Ray) address multiple issues relating to the use of natural gas as a motor fuel. The bills establish a state fuel tax structure for natural gas similar to that of diesel fuel. The bills also revise provisions governing distribution of state alternative fuel fee proceeds as well as provide for a five-year incentive program to purchasers of natural gas vehicles funded by a portion of the State Comprehensive Enhanced Transportation System Tax. CS/SB 560 is in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.

Public Records of Utilities (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:41:22 GMT

CS/HB 649 (Cummings) CS/SB 714 (Simmons) create a public record exemption for proprietary confidential business information held by an electric utility that is subject to chapter 119, Florida Statutes, in conjunction with a due diligence review of an electric project or a project to improve the delivery, cost or diversification of fuel or renewable energy resources. The bills provide that those proprietary records are to be kept confidential and exempt from the public records laws. CS/HB 649 passed the House Government Operations Subcommittee and is now in the House Regulatory Affairs Committee. CS/SB 714 is in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee.

Fossil Fuel Combustion Products (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:40:42 GMT

CS/SB 682 (Simpson) and CS/CS/HB 659 (Goodson) establish standards for storage of certain fossil fuel combustion products. Fossil fuel combustion products are defined as fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, flue gas emission control materials and other nonhazardous materials. These fossil fuels must not be in contact with groundwater, surface water bodies or wetlands and may not be placed within 25 feet of a potable well that is being used for human or livestock water consumption. CS/SB 682 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Fracturing Chemical Usage Disclosure Act (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:40:02 GMT

CS/HB 743 (Rodrigues) and SB 1028 (Clemens) create the Fracturing Chemical Usage Disclosure Act. The act requires the Division of Resource Management within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish an online registry for all wells on which hydraulic fracturing treatments are performed. The owners and operators of wells where fracturing occurs must report to the DEP which chemicals are used in the operation of the well, including any additional chemicals that are used during ongoing operations. CS/HB 743 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and is now in the House State Affairs Committee.

Water Supply (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:39:06 GMT

SB 948 (Grimsley) and CS/HB 1063 (Hutson) include utility companies, private landowners, water consumers, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) to the existing list of cities, counties, and water management districts in order to achieve cooperative efforts to plan for adequate water supply. The bills also include the DEP and DACS in the regional water supply planning process in coordination with the governing board of the water management districts. In addition, the bills mandate that each regional water supply plan must be based on at least a 20-year planning period. The language includes a provision that allows the DACS to establish an agricultural water supply planning program that will develop data projecting future agricultural water supply needs and demands over a 20-year planning period.

Environment (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:38:30 GMT

Controlled Substances (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:37:10 GMT

SB 294 (Bradley) and HB 619 (Ingram) add a variety of chemical compounds and substances to the list of Schedule I controlled substances. The bills also provide criminal penalties for a person who knowingly sells, purchases, manufactures, delivers or brings into Florida, or is in possession of, one of these controlled substances. SB 294 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now on Second Reading. HB 619 passed the House Judiciary Committee and is now on Second Reading.

Ethics (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:30:08 GMT

CS/SB 2 (Senate Ethics and Elections Committee) and PCB EES 13-02 (House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee) make several changes to ethics laws that affect both state and local government officials. This summary only provides information on provisions that affect municipalities. The bills give the Commission on Ethics (COE) additional authority to collect financial disclosure fines, specifically garnishment of wages and placing liens on real property. The bills allow financial disclosure filers to use a certified public accountant to prepare financial disclosure forms and provide a grace period to amend financial disclosure forms.

Small-Business Participation in State Contracting (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:28:31 GMT

SB 1142 (Gibson) and HB 985 (Rogers) require the state to structure agency contracts to facilitate competition by and among small businesses in Florida. The legislation defines small business as one with 50 or fewer employees that has been domiciled in Florida for at least three years. SB 1142 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. HB 985 is in the House Government Operations Subcommittee.

Workers’ Compensation – Repackaged Drugs (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:26:51 GMT

HB 605 (Hudson) and SB 662 (Hays) revise the requirements for determining the amount of a reimbursement for repackaged or relabeled prescription medication. The bills limit the price of the repackaged or relabeled drug to the amount that would have been payable if the drug had not been repackaged or relabeled. HB 605 passed the House Health Quality Subcommittee and is now in the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee. SB 662 passed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and is now in the Senate Health Policy Committee.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:24:52 GMT

Energy and Environmental Quality

Rachel Tala — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:02:14 GMT

HB 137 (Raburn) and SB 298 (Brandes) Department of Citrus.

Energy and Environmental Quality

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:57:42 GMT

HB 137 (Raburn) and SB 298 (Brandes) Department of Citrus.

Domestic Wastewater Discharged Through Ocean Outfalls (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:43:39 GMT

CS/SB 444 (Diaz de la Portilla) and CS/HB 707 (Diaz, M.) revise the measurement standard for wastewater flow, stating that the discharge of domestic wastewater through ocean outfalls must meet advanced wastewater treatment and management requirements by December 18, 2018. The bills also require a utility that had a permit for a domestic wastewater discharge through an ocean outfall on July 1, 2008, to install, or cause to be installed, a functioning reuse system within the utility’s service area or, by contract with another utility, within Miami-Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties. CS/SB 444 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. CS/HB 707 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee.

Biodiesel (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:43:04 GMT

CS/SB 522 (Bradley) and CS/HB 633 (Perry) exempt local governments that manufacture biodiesel for internal use from reporting, bonding and licensing requirements prescribed for wholesalers in Chapter 206, Florida Statutes. CS/SB 522 is in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. CS/HB 633 passed the House Finance and Tax Subcommittee and is now in the House Regulatory Affairs Committee. (Matthews).

Natural Gas Motor Fuel (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:42:15 GMT

Water Quality Credit Trading (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:41:40 GMT

CS/HB 713 (Pigman) and CS/SB 754 (Grimsley) allow the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to authorize a voluntary water quality trading credit program in adopted basin management action plans. Participants in the program must notify DEP of the prices for credits, how the price was determined, as well as any state funding received for the facilities/activities that generated the credits. The bills delete a provision of law that limited water quality credit trading to the Lower St. Johns River basin.

Agricultural Lands (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:40:53 GMT

SB 1190 (Brandes) and CS/CS/HB 203 (Beshears) preempt municipalities from passing any duplicative ordinance, resolution or rule dealing with a bona fide agricultural operation if that operation follows a best management practice, interim measures or regulations adopted as rules under Florida Statutes, Chapter 120 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, or a water management district as part of a statewide or regional program; or if such activity is expressly regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Distracted Driving (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:38:39 GMT

CS/HB 13 (Holder) and CS/CS/SB 52 (Detert) make it illegal to text or type while driving, but as a secondary offense. This means that a law enforcement officer could not pull a person over for texting while driving, but could issue a ticket for the violation if the driver was pulled over for another reason. CS/HB 13 passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and is now in the House Economic Affairs Committee. CS/CS/SB 52 is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Ethics (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:33:39 GMT

CS/SB 544 (Braynon) and HB 593 (Rogers) clarify the use of a public facility or public property that is made available by a governmental entity to a legislator for a public purpose is not an expenditure for purposes of the legislative gift ban. CS/SB 544 passed the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee and is now in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. HB 593 is in the House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee. (Padgett).

Initiatives and Referendums (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:32:30 GMT

CS/HB 537 (Moraitis) and CS/SB 528 (Simpson) make revisions to the Community Planning Act provision that addressed the Yankeetown lawsuit. The legislation allows cities such as Yankeetown that had specific initiative and referendum language for comprehensive plan amendments in their charter before June 1, 2011, to remain in place. However, the legislation clarifies that those provisions do not apply to cities that have general charter provisions dealing with initiatives and referendums for ordinances. CS/HB 537 passed the House Local and Federal Affairs Committee and is now in the House Economic Affairs Committee.

Public Depositories (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:30:31 GMT

HB 251 (Hager) and SB 918 (Garcia) expand the definition of “qualified public depositary” in which governmental entities can deposit money to include any financial institution. HB 251 was temporarily postponed by the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee. SB 918 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. (Hughes).

Brownfields (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:02:46 GMT

CS/HB 415 (Hutson) and CS/SB 554 (Altman) revise the Brownfield Program administration process by allowing local governments with jurisdiction over a proposed brownfield area to designate the area for rehabilitation through a resolution adopted by the local government body. The local government must notice a public hearing to allow public input about the rehabilitation project within the brownfield area as specified in the bill. The bills also set requirements for proposals of brownfield area designation by a third party other than the local government. The bills also address liability protections for claims of any person for property damages, including, but not limited to, diminished value of real property or improvements.

Fossil Fuel Combustion Products (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:02:07 GMT

SB 682 (Simpson) and CS/HB 659 (Goodson) establish standards for storage of certain fossil fuel combustion products. Fossil fuel combustion products are defined as fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, flue gas emission control materials and other nonhazardous materials. These fossil fuels must not be in contact with groundwater, surface water bodies or wetlands and may not be placed within 25 feet of a potable well that is being used for human or livestock water consumption. SB 682 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 20:01:35 GMT

HB 7087 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) expands current law prohibiting local governments from banning agricultural or silvicultural open burning in Florida to apply when an emergency order is declared. The bill allows the Florida Forest Service to delegate open burning of land clearing debris to local governments. The bill grants the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) rulemaking authority to distribute 70 percent of state matching funds for local mosquito control programs that have a budget of less than $1 million when the amount of matching funds appropriated by the Legislature is insufficient to grant each local program state funds on a dollar-for-dollar matching basis. Among other provisions, the bill also moves the nutrient standards and thresholds for ensuring that fertilizer sold in the state contains the amount of nutrients guaranteed to be in the product from statute to rule.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:34:37 GMT

Energy and Environmental Quality

Rachel Tala — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 20:43:08 GMT

SB 1040 (Stargel) and HB 7023 (House Business & Professional Regulation Subcommittee) Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Energy and Environmental Quality

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:49:55 GMT

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – SB 1040 (Stargel) and HB 7023 (House Business & Professional Regulation Subcommittee).

Distracted Driving (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:47:09 GMT

CS/HB 13 (Holder) and CS/CS/SB 52 (Detert) make it illegal to text or type while driving, but as a secondary offense. This means that a law enforcement officer could not pull a person over for texting while driving, but could issue a ticket for the violation if the driver was pulled over for another reason. CS/HB 13 passed the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee and is now in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. CS/CS/SB 52 passed the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Elections (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:40:07 GMT

CS/HB 7013 (House Ethics and Elections Subcommittee) makes several changes to the Florida Election Code. The early voting period would be a minimum of eight days and a maximum of 14 days, ending the second day prior to an election. Early voting hours would be a minimum of 64 hours and a maximum of 168 hours, for at least eight hours per day. The list of authorized voting location sites is expanded.

New Markets Development Program (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:36:40 GMT

SB 98 (Richter) and HB 515 (Oliva) increase from $163.8 million to $263.8 million the cumulative amount of tax credits that may be awarded to the Florida New Markets Tax Credit Program. The program encourages capital investment in rural and urban low-income communities by allowing taxpayers to earn credits against specified taxes by investing in qualified community development entities that make qualified low-income community investments in qualified active low-income community businesses to create and retain jobs. SB 98 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. HB 515 passed the House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee and is now in the House Finance and Tax Subcommittee.

Public Depositories (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:11:04 GMT

HB 251 (Hager) and SB 918 (Garcia) expand the definition of “qualified public depositary” in which governmental entities can deposit money to include any financial institution. HB 251 is in the House Insurance and Banking Subcommittee. SB 918 is in the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. (Hughes).

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:05:57 GMT

CS/HB 109 (Young) and CS/SB 364 (Hays) specify conditions for issuance of consumptive use permits (CUP) of alternative water supplies approved after July 1, 2013. These CUPs shall be granted for a term of 30 years if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance will be met during the life of the permit. The bills grant further extensions if the permitted issues bonds to finance the project for the life of the bond or 30 years after the date construction of the project is complete. CS/HB 109 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is now on the special order calendar for first reading.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:49:35 GMT

CS/SB 458 (Ring) and HB 1399 (Rooney), while attempting to provide some relief to cities in the funding of city police and firefighter pensions, do not accomplish the League’s policy goals for police and firefighter pension reform. The bills substantially change how insurance premium tax revenues must be used in funding police and firefighter pension plans in Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes. An effect of the bills would be to void the current Florida Department of Management Services interpretation on the use of insurance premium tax revenues, as reflected in the “City of Naples” letter, which in itself is problematic..

Energy and Environmental Quality

Rachel Tala — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:14:23 GMT

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – SB 1040 (Stargel) and HB 7023 (House Business & Professional Regulation Subcommittee).

Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act (Support)

Rachel Tala — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 01:07:19 GMT

HB 739 (Metz) and SB 1002 (Soto) would allow cities to use, at their discretion, a best value selection process, which creates a two-stage procurement process, for architectural, engineering, landscape architectural, or surveying and mapping services. In stage one, agencies would evaluate firms using the same criteria in current law. In stage two, agencies could consider cost. However, compensation may not exceed 50 percent of the total weight of any agency’s evaluation criteria.

Regulation of Smoking by Cities and Counties (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:52:23 GMT

HB 439 (Hager) and CS/SB 258 (Bradley) allow counties and municipalities to restrict outdoor smoking on municipal property with designated smoking areas. HB 439 is in the House Health Quality Subcommittee. SB 258 was amended to allow cities or counties to restrict smoking at government-owned property if certain conditions are met. CS/SB 258 passed the Senate Regulated Industries Committee unanimously on February 21 and is now in the Senate Health Policy Committee.

Ethics (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:49:21 GMT

CS/SB 2 (Senate Ethics and Elections Committee) makes several changes to ethics laws that affect both state and local governments. This summary only provides information on provisions that affect municipalities. The bill allows the Florida Commission on Ethics (COE) additional authority to collect financial disclosure fines, specifically, garnishment of wages and placing liens on real property. The bill allows filers to use a certified public accountant to prepare financial disclosure forms and provides a grace period to amend financial disclosure forms.

Urban Infill and Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:48:17 GMT

HB 89 (Pafford) and SB 348 (Soto) provide for a state program administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to issue grants to counties and municipalities with urban infill and redevelopment areas. This program was removed from state statute during the 2012 legislative session due to lack of funding. This legislation would reinstate the program in the hopes it may be funded in the future. HB 89 is the House Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:46:33 GMT

HB 505 (Rehwinkle Vasilinda) revises and simplifies Florida’s sales and use laws to conform to the definitions, collections and administration of the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. This agreement is the result of the cooperative effort of 44 states, the District of Columbia, local governments and the business community to simplify sales and use tax collection and administration by retailers and states. The agreement minimizes costs and administrative burdens on retailers that collect sales tax, particularly retailers operating in multiple states. It encourages "remote sellers" selling over the Internet and by mail order to collect tax on sales to customers living in the streamlined states.

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:45:04 GMT

HB 109 (Young) and CS/SB 364 (Hays) specify conditions for issuance of consumptive use permits (CUPs) of alternative water supplies approved after July 1, 2013. These CUPs shall be granted for a term of 30 years if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that the conditions for permit issuance will be met during the life of the permit. The bills grant further extensions if the permitted issues bonds to finance the project for the life of the bond or 30 years after the date construction of the project is complete. HB 109 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee and is now in the House State Affairs Committee.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose – Unfunded Mandate)

Rachel Tala — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:43:26 GMT

CS/SB 458 (Ring), while attempting to provide some relief to cities in the funding of city police and firefighter pensions, does not accomplish the League’s policy goals for police and firefighter pension reform. The bill substantially changes how insurance premium tax revenues must be used in funding police and firefighter pension plans in Chapters 175 and 185, Florida Statutes. An effect of the bill would be to void the current Department of Management Services interpretation on the use of insurance premium tax revenues, as reflected in the “City of Naples” letter, which in itself is problematic..

Other Bills of General Interest

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 20:14:00 GMT

This is a list of other bills the League is monitoring. Should these bills be scheduled for a hearing or amended to have a more direct impact on cities, they will be moved from monitor status to League Priority or highlighted status.

Concealed Weapons and Firearms (Support)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:32:28 GMT

HB 97 (Powell) and SB 374 (Braynon) create exception to the preemption on firearms by the Legislature to allow local governments and state agencies to prohibit firearms and ammunition at specified publicly sanctioned or sponsored events conducted in public buildings or at government-sponsored outdoor public venues. HB 97 is in the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee. SB 374 is in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. (Cook).

Ethics (Oppose)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:21:00 GMT

SB 2 (Senate Ethics and Elections Committee) makes several changes to ethics laws that affect both state and local governments. This summary only provides information on provisions that affect municipalities. The bill allows the Commission on Ethics (COE) additional authority to collect financial disclosure fines, specifically, garnishment of wages and placing liens on real property. The bill allows filers to use a certified public accountant to prepare financial disclosure forms and provides a grace period to amend financial disclosure forms.

Florida Small Business Development Center Network (Support)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:18:40 GMT

SB 224 (Detert) makes several changes to the Florida Small Business Development Center Network. The bill establishes an innovative incentive program to encourage the adoption of small business assistance best practices among regional small business development centers. SB 224 is on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development agenda for February 12. (Cruz).

Tax on Sales, Use and Other Transactions (Support)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:13:14 GMT

SB 88 (Margolis), SB 316 (Detert) and HB 497 (Moskowitz) revise the term “mail order sale” to include sales of tangible personal property purchased over the Internet. The bills provide that certain people who make mail order sales and who have a substantial nexus with this state are subject to this state’s power to levy and collect the sales and use tax when they engage in certain activities. The bills also create a rebuttable presumption that dealer is subject to state's power to levy and collect sales or use tax. HB 497 also states that it is the Legislature’s intent to reduce the state Communication Services Tax rate, which will be offset by the increase in the taxes collected for mail order sales.

Lease of Sovereignty Submerged Lands for Private Docks (Watch)

Rachel Tala — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:10:35 GMT

HB 199 (Peters) provides exemptions from lease fees for private residential single-family docks on sovereignty submerged lands for a preempted area equal to or less than 10 times the riparian shoreline on the affected water body. HB 199 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee. (Matthews).

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Oppose)

AJ Soto — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:03:30 GMT

SB 458 (Ring), while attempting to provide some relief to cities in the funding of city police and firefighter pensions, does not accomplish any of the League’s policy goals for police and firefighter pension reform. In broad terms, SB 458 imposes another pension funding mandate onto cities, but provides no comprehensive relief from the current mandate on cities to perpetually provide “extra” retirement benefits to police officers or firefighters..

Administration of Property Taxes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:44:00 GMT

CS/HB 7097 (House Economic Affairs Committee) and CS/CS/SB 1256 (Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax) update and clarify the administration of property taxes by the Department of Revenue. The bills also clarify that property must be assessed at full value when it is divided or combined, which could have the potential to increase a municipality’s property tax revenue. The bills also allow disabled veterans to apply for property tax exemptions before they have received required documentation from certain agencies of the federal government. CS/HB 7097 passed the House by a vote of 98-17 and is now in the Senate.

Exemptions from Local Business Tax (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:41:00 GMT

CS/SB 770 (Hays) and HB 7125 (House Economic Affairs Committee) would exempt real estate brokers and sales associates from paying the local business tax or obtaining a local business tax receipt. CS/SB 770 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 7125 passed the House by a vote of 105-9 and is now in the Senate. (Hughes).

Collection and Disposal of Household Pharmaceuticals (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:12:00 GMT

CS/SB 626 (Richter) and HB 333 (Passidomo) require the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a grant program to reimburse local law enforcement agencies for the expenses associated with the collection and disposal of household pharmaceuticals. Funding from this grant program comes from an additional surcharge for certain drug-related offenses. CS/SB 626 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 333 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee, and is likely dead for this session.

Building Construction and Inspection (Oppose HB 651 - Watch SB 704)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:12:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 651 (Davis) and CS/CS/SB 704 (Bennett) are comprehensive building construction packages. CS/CS/HB 651 was amended with language requiring local governments to open, during a public meeting, sealed bids that include price and that are received for a competitive solicitation for construction or repairs on a public building or public work. CS/CS/HB 651 requires cities to announce the name of each bidder and the price submitted; allows local governments to accept electronically filed construction plans; and changes the length of provisional building code administrator certificates from five years to three years, as long as the certificate is renewed each year. CS/CS/HB 651 also requires building inspectors to identify reasons why building permits were not issued if the building or structure is found not in compliance with the Florida Building Code and preempts local governments from regulating hoisting equipment.

Local Requirements for Dangerous Dogs (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:12:00 GMT

SB 1322 (Norman) and HB 997 (Trujillo) remove the provision that exempts local ordinances adopted before a specified date from the prohibition on ordinances that are breed specific (affects Miami-Dade County). SB 1322 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations. HB 997 was temporarily postponed on second reading in the House. (Cook).

Internet Sweepstakes Cafes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:12:00 GMT

Several bills have been filed dealing with Internet cafes. CS/CS/HB 3 (Plakon) and SB 428 (Oelrich) make Internet sweepstakes cafes illegal in the state. CS/SB 380 (Diaz de la Portilla) and HB 467 (Gonzalez) allow local governments to regulate or prohibit these establishments. SB 468 (Fasano) contains similar provisions, but also requires the operators of these facilities to follow rules established by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Metal Theft (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:11:00 GMT

CS/HB 1323 (Drake) and CS/SB 1324 (Norman) increase criminal penalties for violations relating to secondary metal theft. The bills make it illegal to remove or assist in the removal of copper or other metals from electrical substations without the authorization of the utility. CS/HB 1323 passed the House by a vote of 107-6 and is now in the Senate. CS/SB 1324 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations and is now the Senate Budget Committee.

Clerks of Court (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:11:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 860 (Wise) and CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 481 (Pilon) are the comprehensive bills that include language which makes technical changes to the clerks’ Public Records Modernization Trust Fund clarifying the payout for red light camera violations. CS/CS/SB 860 is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations. CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 481 passed the House by a vote of 117-0 and is now in the Senate. (Cook).

Secondary Metals Recyclers (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:11:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 540 (Smith) and CS/CS/HB 885 (Ford) preempt local ordinances adopted after March 1, 2012, regulating secondary metals recyclers. The bills provide restrictions on secondary metals recyclers and the sale of secondary metals. CS/CS/HB 885 was amended to grandfather existing ordinances, but does not allow cities to amend those ordinances beyond state law. CS/SC/SC/SB 540 grandfathers existing ordinances and allows cities to amend ordinances that are on the books prior to March 1, 2012.

Wage Protection for Employees (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:11:00 GMT

CS/HB 609 (Goodson) and SB 862 (Simmons) preempt cities from adopting or maintaining ordinances that create requirements, regulations, rules or processes for addressing wage theft. SB 862 was amended in committee to grandfather the wage protection ordinance in place in Miami-Dade County. CS/HB 609 passed the House by a vote of 77-38 and is now in the Senate. SB 862 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Growth Management/Glitch Bill (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:10:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 842 (Bennett) and CS/HB 7081 (Workman) address glitches from last session’s comprehensive growth management legislation. Modifications include fixing cross-references, updating outdated language, and removing provisions throughout the statutes that were made obsolete. This Senate bill differs from the House version by requiring regional planning councils to determine, before accepting a grant, if the purpose of the grant is in furtherance of its functions. The bills were amended to provide that a regional planning council may not provide consulting services to a private developer if the council will serve in a reviewing capacity in the future.

Neighborhood Improvement Districts (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:10:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 582 (Simmons) and CS/HB 191 (Soto) authorize local governments to create a Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) through the adoption of a planning ordinance. The NID can borrow money, issue bonds and levy ad valorem taxes subject to referendum of the affected property owners. The NID can use these funds for neighborhood improvements such as sidewalk enhancements, landscaping, mass transit, stormwater and public utilities improvements. CS/CS/SB 582 is on third reading in the House.

Special Districts/Merger, Consolidation and Dissolution (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:10:00 GMT

CS/SB 192 (Bennett) and CS/CS/HB 107 (Caldwell) address the merger and consolidation of special districts by allowing inactive, independent special districts that were created by a municipality to merge or dissolve through the same procedure by which they were created. Two or more contiguous independent special districts that were created by the Legislature may now merge under certain circumstances. The involuntary dissolution or merger of an independent special district is subject to Legislature and referendum approval. The legislation is specifically targeting independent fire districts.

Animal Control or Cruelty Ordinances (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:10:00 GMT

CS/SB 488 (Rich) and HB 527 (Randolph) authorize cities with animal control or cruelty ordinances to impose up to a $15 surcharge on the civil penalty for violations of the ordinance. Proceeds go toward training animal control officers; to clerks of the court; and to spay/neuter programs in that city. CS/SB 488 passed the Senate by a vote of 39-0 and is now in the House. HB 527 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee and is likely dead for this session.

Homestead Property Tax Exemptions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:09:00 GMT

CS/HB 95 (Harrison) and CS/CS/SB 1058 (Norman) require a surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty or a surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty to be exempt from ad valorem taxes. These bills are contingent on the approval of a constitutional amendment similar to CS/HJR 93 (Harrison) or CS/CS/SJR 1056 (Norman). CS/HB 95 passed the House by a vote of 116-0 and is now in the Senate. CS/CS/SB 1058 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Growth Management/Developments of Regional Impact (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:09:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1180 (Bennett) and CS/CS/HB 979 (Diaz) allow for an alternate review process for developments of regional impact (DRI) that remain subject to state review. State agencies would comment on projects without having to go through the DRI process. CS/CS/SB 1180 was amended to include a provision for the rezoning of an agricultural enclave without the approval of local governments and to provide that any building permit, development orders and any permit issued by the Department of Environmental Protection or water management districts, which has an expiration date between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2014, is extended and renewed for a period of two years after its expiration date. CS/CS/SB 1180 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Department of Transportation Package (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:09:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1866 (Latvala) and CS/CS/CS/HB 1399 (Brandes) are the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) comprehensive legislative packages. CS/CS/SB 1866 still includes a provision relating to utility relocation requirements that impacts cities. The League has worked out compromise language with the DOT on the issue of noncompliant bus benches and transit shelters, in HB 1399, and bus shelters and bridge closure requirements, in both bills. CS/CS/SB 1866 passed the Senate Budget Committee.

Growth Management/Initiatives and Referenda (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:09:00 GMT

CS/SB 440 (Bennett) and HB 1489 (Boyd) authorize local governments to retain certain initiative or referendum processes in regard to any development order or to any local comprehensive plan amendment or map amendment that was in effect as of June 1, 2011. This legislation is in response to the Town of Yankeetown v. Department of Community Affairs lawsuit. CS/SB 440 passed the Senate by a vote of 39-0 and is now in the Senate.

Water Storage and Water Quality Improvements (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:08:00 GMT

CS/HB 1389 (Perman) and CS/SB 1858 (Altman) establish a baseline determination of the extent of the wetlands and other surface waters located on a property when a public-private partnership is entered into between a water management district and a private agricultural landowner. The baseline condition documented in the agreement shall consider the extent of the wetlands and other surface waters on the property for the purpose of regulation for the duration of the agreement and after its expiration. CS/HB 1389 passed the House by a vote of 118-0 and is now in the Senate. CS/SB 1858 was not considered by the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations.

Tangible Personal Property Taxes (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:08:00 GMT

CS/SJR 1064 (Detert) and CS/HJR 1003 (Eisnaugle) propose an amendment to the state constitution dealing with the tangible personal property tax. The joint resolutions were amended to remove the delegation of authority to the Legislature to modify the exemption for tangible personal property. The joint resolutions have a targeted exemption that applies only to taxpayers who have taxable value below $25,000. They include a local option component that allows municipalities to offer additional tangible personal property relief at their discretion.

Assessment of Residential and Nonhomestead Property (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:08:00 GMT

CS/SB 156 (Latvala) and CS/HB 133 (Frishe) implement a constitutional amendment that was approved by the voters in 2008. The bills prohibit a property appraiser from considering the just value of improvements to a residential property for the purpose of improving a property’s resistance to wind damage or from considering the installation of a renewable energy device when determining the assessed value of a property. This provision of the bills could reduce a municipality’s tax base. The bills also clarify that property must be assessed at full value when it is divided or combined, which could have the potential to increase a municipality’s property tax revenue.

Tax on Communications and Utility Services (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:08:00 GMT

HB 5703 (Precourt) shifts state revenue collections of the communication services tax from the general revenue fund and local governments to the Public Education Capital Outlay and Debt Service Trust Fund (PECO). The bill will reduce state general revenues by $39.9 million and local government revenue by $5.0 million in FY 2012-2013. HB 5703 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. (Hughes).

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption: Surviving Spouse of Military Veterans or First Responder (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:08:00 GMT

CS/HJR 93 (Harrison) and CS/CS/SJR 1056 (Norman) propose an amendment to the state constitution to allow the Legislature to pass a general law that would give ad valorem tax relief to a surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty or a surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty. CS/HJR 93 passed the House by a vote of 115-0 and is now in the Senate. CS/CS/SJR 1056 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. (Hughes).

Florida Climate Protection Act (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:07:00 GMT

SB 648 (Hays) and HB 4001 (Plakon) repeal provisions in statute relating to a cap-and-trade regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electric utilities that was adopted during Governor Crist’s administration. SB 648 was withdrawn from the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations and the Senate Budget Committee and is now on the Senate calendar awaiting consideration. HB 4001 passed the House by a vote of 82-34 and is now in the Senate. (Matthews).

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:07:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 820 (Dean) and CS/CS/CS/HB 999 (Dorworth) delete the requirement of the Department of Health to administer a septic tank evaluation program to assess the conditions and failures of residential septic tanks based on a five-year evaluation cycle. The bills require, effective July 1, 2012, that a county or municipality containing a first magnitude spring that has not adopted a septic tank evaluation and assessment program, or that does not opt out of that mandate, to develop an assessment program within its geographic area. A local ordinance may not deviate or exceed the substantive requirements of the bills. The adopted ordinance shall provide that: once every five years, the condition of each septic tank is assessed; the location of each system is identified; a tank and drain field is evaluated and a written assessment is given; and the evaluation must be performed by a septic tank contractor registered with the state.

Premises Liability (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:07:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 313 (Bembry) and CS/CS/SB 802 (Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee) specify that an owner or lessee that provides the public with an area for outdoor recreational purposes (hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing) owes no duty of care to keep the area safe for entry, or give warning for hazardous conditions located on the premises. The owner or lessee of such land is entitled to this limitation on liability so long as the owner/lessee gives notice of this provision to people who enter the property. The bills do not relieve any person of liability if he or she acts in a willful, deliberate or malicious manner to injure a person or piece of property. CS/CS/HB 313 passed the House by a vote of 116-0 and is now in the Senate.

Solid Waste Management Facilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:07:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 738 (Altman) and CS/CS/HB 663 (Goodson) require that a solid waste management facility designed with a leachate control system that meets Department of Environmental Protection requirements be issued a permit for a term of 20 years, unless an applicant requests a shorter time frame. The bills affect solid waste management facilities that apply for an operating or construction permit on or after July 1, 2012. CS/CS/SB 738 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. CS/CS/HB 663 passed the House by a vote of 115-0 and is now in the Senate.

Sovereignty Submerged Lands (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:07:00 GMT

HB 13 (Frishe) and SB 88 (Latvala) provide for the lease of sovereignty submerged lands for private residential single-family docks and piers, as well as private residential multifamily docks and private residential multislip docks. The bills also set up a rate structure for such leases, as well as standard lease terms. HB 13 passed the House by a vote of 111-0 and is now in the Senate. SB 88 is in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations.

Water and Wastewater Utilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:07:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1244 (Hays) and CS/CS/HB 1379 (Brodeur) create a study committee on investor-owned water and waste water utility systems. The committee is directed to “identify issues of concern” relating to such utility systems. The committee is tasked with bringing a report to the governor, president of the Senate and speaker of the House of Representatives. CS/CS/SB 1244 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:04:00 GMT

CS/HB 7045 (House Select Committee on Water Policy) and CS/CS/CS/SB 1178 (Hays) allow permits approved for the development of alternative water supplies to be granted for at least 30 years if there is sufficient data to provide “reasonable assurance” that conditions for permit issuance will be met for the duration of the permit. CS/HB 7045 passed the House by a vote of 116-0 and is now in the Senate. CS/CS/CS/SB 1178 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. (Matthews).

Economic Development (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:03:00 GMT

HB 7087 (Precourt) is a comprehensive economic development bill that increases the current corporate income tax exemption from net income from $25,000 to $50,000. The bill permits Charlotte and Citrus counties to apply for designation of enterprise zones. The legislation modifies the number of qualified employees businesses must have in certain circumstances to be eligible for tax credits. The bill also modifies several sales tax exemptions.

Mandated Vendor Preferences (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:03:00 GMT

SB 538 (Bogdanoff) and HB 153 (Hooper) require governmental entities to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state printers when the lowest responsible bid is submitted by an out-of-state printer. The bills also require state and local governments to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state vendors of commodities when the low bid is submitted by a vendor from a state that does not grant a preference. Finally, the bills also require state and local governments to grant a preference to in-state vendors of commodities in an amount equal to the preference granted by the state of the out-of-state vendor who submits the low bid. SB 538 was amended by the Senate to remove cities and counties from the mandate.

Agriculture (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:03:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1021 (Albritton) and CS/CS/CS/CS/SB 1184 (Norman) prohibit municipalities from charging stormwater management assessments or fees on certain farm operations located on lands classified as “agricultural,” if the farm operation has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES), environmental resource permit or implements specified best management practices. The bills provide a grandfather clause for those municipalities that adopted a stormwater utility ordinance or resolution, as well as those that adopted a municipal services district benefit unit before March 1, 2009. CS/CS/HB 1021 passed the House by a vote of 116-0 and is now in the Senate. CS/CS/CS/CS/SB 1184 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Environmental Permits (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:03:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 373 (Glorioso) and CS/CS/CS/SB 602 (Storms) require water management districts and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish an urban redevelopment conceptual permitting program and specify that urban redevelopment projects of a municipality that satisfy the permit qualify for a general permit. The bills allow counties and municipalities creating urban redevelopment areas or urban infill and redevelopment areas to adopt stormwater management plans, to the extent feasible, that address stormwater quality and quantity discharging from those areas. A local government that adopts a plan is entitled to obtain a conceptual permit from a water management district or the DEP on the basis of its stormwater management plan. CS/CS/HB 373 passed the House by a vote of 110-5 and is now in the Senate.

Reclaimed Water (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:02:00 GMT

CS/HB 639 (Young) and CS/SB 1086 (Garcia) revise the definition of reclaimed water to ensure that it is not subject to regulation by a water management district until it has been discharged into “waters of the state” as defined in Florida statute. The bills were amended to remove the provision that changed the definition of a “water of the state.” The bills state that reclaimed water is eligible for alternative water supply funding and may not be excluded from regional water supply planning. A water management district may not require a permit for the use of reclaimed water. However, when a use includes surface water or groundwater, the permit for such sources may include conditions that govern the use of the permitted sources in relation to the feasibility or use of reclaimed water.

Reporting of All Local Government Contracts (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:02:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1626 (Gaetz) creates additional transparency requirements of all executed local government contracts. Of specific concern, is the requirement that local governments must report all executed contracts to a state contract tracking system effective November 1, 2013. An extensive list of information required for each contract and an electronic copy of the contract must be posted on a state website. CS/CS/SB 1626 was amended in the Senate Budget Committee to remove local government reporting requirements.

Effective Public Notice (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:02:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 292 (Bennett) and CS/CS/HB 937 (Workman) address legal notice requirements for local governments. The bills require legal notices published in the newspaper to also be placed on the newspaper’s website. In addition, the bills require the Florida Press Association to create a website where legal notices from every paper in the state must be published. Finally, the bills limit the amount that can be charged for legal notices under certain conditions.

Public Safety Telecommunicators (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:02:00 GMT

CS/SB 514 (Dean) and CS/HB 1227 (Drake) exempt sworn law enforcement officers from the public safety telecommunicator certification course provided the officer can pass the certification exam. The bills allow cities to use sworn law enforcement officers as temporary public safety telecommunicators once they have passed the certification exam. CS/SB 514 was laid on the table in the Senate and substituted for CS/HB 1227. CS/HB 1227 passed the Senate by a vote of 40-0 and will now be sent to the governor for consideration.

Communications Services Tax (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:01:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 1060 (Bogdanoff) and CS/HB 809 (Grant) make changes to the communications services tax (CST). CS/HB 809 amends existing law relating to bundling of services and has an exception to the provision holding a dealer of communications services harmless from liability when the dealer fails to correct a customer’s local taxing jurisdiction following notice by the Department of Revenue under certain conditions. CS/HB 809 also creates a work group to further study changes to the Communications Services Tax. The fiscal impact to local governments of the proposed changes to law contained within CS/HB 809 is estimated to be at least $21 million per year. The Senate companion measure, CS/CS/CS/SB 1060, is now in the Senate Budget Committee and simply creates the communications services tax work group.

Texting While Driving (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:52:00 GMT

CS/SB 416 (Detert) prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device, except for specified purposes. CS/SB 416 passed the Senate Budget Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar. No House companion bills have been considered in the House this session. (Cook).

Collection and Disposal of Household Pharmaceuticals (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:51:00 GMT

SB 626 (Richter) and HB 333 (Passidomo) require the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a grant program to reimburse local law enforcement agencies for the expenses associated with the collection and disposal of household pharmaceuticals. Funding from this grant program comes from an additional surcharge for certain drug-related offenses. SB 626 passed the Senate Health Regulation Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 333 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee, and is likely dead for this session.

Metal Theft (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:51:00 GMT

CS/HB 1323 (Drake) and CS/SB 1324 (Norman) increase criminal penalties for violations relating to secondary metal theft. The bills make it illegal to remove or assist in the removal of copper or other metals from electrical substations without the authorization of the utility. CS/HB 1323 passed the House Judiciary Committee and is ready for House floor action. CS/SB 1324 is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations.

Secondary Metals Recyclers (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:51:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 540 (Smith) and CS/HB 885 (Ford) preempt local ordinances regulating secondary metals recyclers adopted after March 1, 2012. The bill language is modeled after an ordinance adopted in Orange County. The bills provide restrictions on secondary metals recyclers and the sale of secondary metals. CS/HB 885 was amended with language grandfathering existing ordinances, but does not allow cities to amend those ordinances beyond state law.

Construction Liens and Bonds (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:51:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 897 (Moraitis) and CS/SB 1202 (Bogdanoff) provide that public projects cannot require releases when processing payments for projects covered by a bond. In addition, CS/SB 1202 was amended to require local governments to open sealed bids for public construction projects at a public meeting and to list the names of bidders and price submitted. CS/SB 1202 is in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations. CS/CS/HB 897 passed the House by a vote of 114-0.

Public Safety Telecommunicators (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:51:00 GMT

CS/SB 514 (Dean) and CS/HB 1227 (Drake) exempt sworn law enforcement officers from the public safety telecommunicator certification course provided the officer can pass the certification exam. The bills allow cities to use sworn law enforcement officers as temporary public safety telecommunicators once they have passed the certification exam. CS/SB 514 is on the Senate Calendar. CS/HB 1227 passed the House by a vote of 116-0.

Construction Cranes (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:51:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 521 (Artiles) and CS/SB 992 (Dean) preempt local ordinances that pertain to the regulation of hoisting equipment and hoisting equipment operators. CS/CS/HB 521 passed the House by a vote of 114-0. The bill language has also been amended onto CS/CS/HB 651 (Davis), a bill dealing with building construction and inspection. CS/SB 992 is in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee.

Wage Protection for Employees (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:50:00 GMT

CS/HB 609 (Goodson) and SB 862 (Simmons) preempt cities from adopting or maintaining ordinances that create requirements, regulations, rules or processes for addressing wage theft. SB 862 was amended in committee to grandfather the wage protection ordinance in place in Miami-Dade County. CS/HB 609 passed the House Judiciary Committee and is ready for House floor action. SB 862 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Electronic Filing of Construction Plans (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:50:00 GMT

CS/HB 387 (Ahern) and CS/CS/SB 600 (Bennett) allow for the electronic filing of construction plans with the building code administrator’s permission. This language is also contained in CS/HB 651 (Davis) and CS/CS/SB 704 (Bennett). CS/HB 387 passed the House by a vote of 115-0. CS/CS/SB 600 passed the Senate by a vote of 40-0.

Clerks of Court (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:50:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 860 (Wise) and CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 481 (Pilon) are the comprehensive clerks of the court packages. Both bills have been amended to make technical changes to the clerks Public Records Modernization Trust Fund clarifying the payout for red light camera violations. CS/CS/SB 860 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and will now go to the Senate Budget Committee. CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 481 passed the House Judiciary Committee and is ready for House floor action.

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:49:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 206 (Negron) and CS/CS/HB 355 (Kiar) require local governments to provide members of the public with an opportunity to be heard on a proposition before the board or commission. The opportunity to be heard does not have to occur at the same meeting at which the board or commission takes official action on the item, if the opportunity occurs at a properly noticed meeting, occurs at a meeting that is during the decision-making process, and is within reasonable proximity to the meeting at which the board takes the official action. The bills allow local governments to adopt policies or rules to ensure the orderly conduct of the meeting, while putting into place criteria that these policies must meet. There is an exemption for certain emergency situations, for ministerial acts, or when a board or commission is acting in a quasi-judicial capacity with respect to the rights of a person.

Public Records Exemption for Law Enforcement Officers (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:49:00 GMT

CS/HB 629 (Hooper) and CS/SB 916 (Oelrich) create public records exemptions for law enforcement officers’ date of birth information and also for their department-issued and personal cell phone numbers. CS/HB 629 passed the House by a vote of 114-2. CS/SB 916 passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and is headed to the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. (Cook).

Building Construction and Inspection (Oppose HB 651 - Watch SB 704)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:49:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 651 (Davis) and CS/CS/SB 704 (Bennett) are comprehensive building construction packages. CS/HB 651 was amended with language requiring local governments to open at a public meeting sealed bids that include price and that are received for a competitive solicitation for construction or repairs on a public building or public work. The bill preempts local governments from regulating hoisting equipment; requires cities to announce the name of each bidder and the price submitted; allows local governments to accept electronically filed construction plans and changes the length of provisional building code administrator certificates from five years to three years, as long as the certificate is renewed each year. CS/CS/HB 651 also requires building inspectors to identify reasons why building permits were not issued if the building or structure is found not in compliance with the Florida Building Code.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:49:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 525 (Workman), SB 1334 (Oelrich) and CS/SB 2024 (Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee) make various changes to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). The bills revise the normal retirement dates for members of the “special risk class.” The bills alter the “vesting” period for people hired after July 1, 2012, in the defined benefit pension plan to either 10 years (SB 1334 and CS/SB 2024) or 11 years (CS/CS/HB 525). New hires are placed into the investment plan unless within a specified time frame the new hire elects to participate in the pension plan. The bills make other numerous clarifying changes to the FRS law passed in 2011.

Animal Control or Cruelty Ordinances (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:49:00 GMT

CS/SB 488 (Rich) and HB 527 (Randolph) authorize cities with animal control or cruelty ordinances to impose up to a $15 surcharge on the civil penalty for violations of the ordinance. Proceeds go toward training animal control officers; to clerks of the court; and to spay/neuter programs in that city. CS/SB 488 passed the Senate Budget Committee and is now on the Senate special order calendar for Monday, February 27. HB 527 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Growth Policy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:48:00 GMT

SB 188 (Flores) and HB 4003 (Diaz) repeal the Urban Infill and Redevelopment Assistance Grant Program. The program provides funding and incentives for local governments to designate an Urban Infill and Redevelopment Area, with the goal of promoting urban infill. The program has not been funded since 2000. The bills do not affect a local government’s ability to designate an area as a community redevelopment agency; however, it would be much more difficult to pass future legislation reestablishing the program.

Neighborhood Improvement Districts (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:48:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 582 (Simmons) and CS/HB 191 (Soto) authorize local governments to create a Neighborhood Improvement Districts (NID) through the adoption of a planning ordinance. The NID can borrow money, issue bonds and levy ad valorem taxes subject to referendum of the affected property owners. The NID can use these funds for neighborhood improvements such as sidewalk enhancements, landscaping, mass transit, stormwater and public utilities improvements. CS/CS/SB 582 passed the Senate Budget Committee and is now awaiting action on the Senate floor.

Special Districts/Merger, Consolidation and Dissolution (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:48:00 GMT

CS/SB 192 (Bennett) and CS/CS/CS/HB 107 (Caldwell) address the merger and consolidation of special districts by allowing inactive, independent special districts that were created by a municipality to merge or dissolve through the same procedure by which they were created. Two or more contiguous independent special districts that were created by the Legislature may now merge under certain circumstances. The involuntary dissolution or merger of an independent special district is subject to Legislature and referendum approval. The legislation is specifically targeting independent fire districts.

Federal Grants (Oppose - Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:48:00 GMT

CS/SB 1868 (Gardiner) requires local governments to disclose to the state the unfunded, long-term costs of a project funded by a federal grant. The legislation does not provide the funding to investigate and calculate those costs. The bill authorizes a person to file a civil action to enforce the disclosure. CS/SB 1868 was on the agenda of the Senate Judiciary Committee but was not heard.

Additional Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Deployed Servicemembers (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:47:00 GMT

HB 7113 (Precourt) and CS/HB 977 (Nelson) authorize service members who receive a homestead exemption and who are deployed in certain military operations to receive an additional ad valorem tax exemption. HB 7113 passed the House by a vote of 114-0. CS/HB 977 passed the House Appropriations Committee. (Hughes).

Growth Management/Developments of Regional Impact (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:47:00 GMT

CS/SB 1180 (Bennett) and CS/HB 979 (Diaz) allow for an alternate review process for developments of regional impact (DRI) that remain subject to state review. State agencies would comment on projects without having to go through the DRI process. CS/SB 1180 was amended in the Senate Community Affairs Committee to also include a provision for the rezoning of an agricultural enclave without the approval of local governments. The amendment to CS/SB 1180 also provides for a two-year extension to all environmental permits.

Growth Management/Incorporation of a New Municipality (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:47:00 GMT

SB 692 (Bennett) and HB 7001 (Diaz) revise the deadline for the submission of a feasibility study on the proposed incorporation of a new municipality. The current deadline is 90 days before the beginning of a legislative session. The bills require the feasibility study must be submitted no later than the first Monday after September 1 before the legislative session, allowing more time for staff to review the study. SB 692 was amended on the floor of the Senate to provide for a new way for independent special districts that were created by judicial decree or special act of the Legislature to convert into a new municipality by an elector-initiated referendum.

Additional Homestead Exemption for Low-Income Senior Citizens (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:46:00 GMT

SJR 1740 (Garcia) and CS/HJR 169 (Oliva) propose an amendment to the state constitution that would authorize the Legislature to allow municipalities to offer an additional homestead exemption to low-income senior citizens. SJR 1740 is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. CS/HJR 169 passed the House by a vote of 116-0. (Hughes).

Additional Homestead Exemptions for Low-Income Seniors (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:46:00 GMT

CS/SB 1738 (Garcia) and CS/HB 357 (Oliva) allow municipalities to adopt an ordinance granting an additional homestead exemption to low-income seniors. The bills are contingent on the approval of a constitutional amendment similar to CS/HJR 169 (Oliva) or SJR 1740 (Garcia). CS/SB 1738 is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. CS/HB 357 passed the House by a vote of 115-0.

Homestead Property Tax Exemptions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:46:00 GMT

CS/HB 95 (Harrison) and CS/SB 1058 (Norman) require a surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service connected causes while on active duty or a surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty to be exempt from ad valorem taxes. These bills are contingent on the approval of a constitutional amendment similar to CS/HJR 93 (Harrison) or CS/SJR 1056 (Norman). CS/HB 95 passed the House by a vote of 116-0. CS/SB 1058 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption: Surviving Spouse of Military Veterans or First Responder (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:46:00 GMT

CS/HJR 93 (Harrison) and CS/SJR 1056 (Norman) propose an amendment to the state constitution to allow the Legislature to pass a general law that would give ad valorem tax relief to a surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty or a surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty. CS/HJR 93 passed the House by a vote of 115-0. CS/SJR 1056 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. (Hughes).

Homestead Assessment Limitation for Low-Income Senior Citizens (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:45:00 GMT

CS/HJR 55 (Nuñez) and CS/SJR 838 (Diaz de la Portilla) propose an amendment to the state constitution that would authorize the Legislature to allow municipalities to limit the assessed value of homesteads of certain low-income senior citizens. CS/HJR 55 passed the House by a vote of 116-0. CS/SJR 838 is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. (Hughes).

Assessment of Residential and Non-homestead Property (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:45:00 GMT

CS/SB 156 (Latvala) and CS/HB 133 (Frishe) implement a constitutional amendment that was approved by the voters in 2008. The bills prohibit a property appraiser from considering the just value of improvements to a residential property for the purpose of improving a property’s resistance to wind damage or the installation of a renewable energy device when determining the assessed value of a property. This provision of the bills could reduce a municipality’s tax base. The bills also clarify that property must be assessed at full value when it is divided or combined, which could have the potential to increase a municipality’s property tax revenue.

Taxation of Transient Rentals (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:44:00 GMT

HB 1393 (Brodeur) and SB 1888 (Gardiner) define the terms "total rental charged," "total consideration," "consideration," and "rent" for purposes relating to tax on sales, use, and other transactions, tourist development tax, tourist impact tax, convention development tax, and municipal resort tax on rentals of transient accommodations. HB 1393 was temporary postponed in the House Finance and Tax Committee and is likely dead for this session. SB 1888 was referred to the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and the Senate Budget Committee. It is likely dead for this session.

Tax on Sales, Use and Other Transactions (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:44:00 GMT

HB 4099 (O'Toole) and SB 1548 (Hays) repeal provisions that impose a tax on a rental or license fee charged for use of commercial real property. HB 4099 was workshopped in the House Finance and Tax Committee. SB 1548 was temporarily postponed in the Senate Transportation Committee. (Hughes).

Water and Wastewater Utilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:43:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1244 (Hays) and CS/CS/HB 1379 (Brodeur) create a study committee on investor-owned water and waste water utility systems. The committee is directed to “identify issues of concern” relating to such utility systems. The committee is tasked with bringing a report to the governor, president of the Senate and speaker of the House of Representatives. CS/CS/SB 1244 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations.

Tangible Personal Property Taxes (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:43:00 GMT

CS/SJR 1064 (Detert) and CS/HJR 1003 (Eisnaugle) propose an amendment to the state constitution dealing with the tangible personal property tax. The joint resolutions were amended to remove the delegation of authority to the Legislature to modify the exemption for tangible personal property. The joint resolutions have a targeted exemption that only applies to taxpayers who have taxable value below $25,000 and has a local option component that allows municipalities to offer additional tangible personal property relief at their discretion. CS/SJR 1064 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Ad Valorem Taxation (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:43:00 GMT

CS/SJR 314 (Simmons) and HJR 1289 (Brodeur) propose amendments to the state constitution that create an additional exemption for homesteaded properties. CS/SJR 314 also reduces the current assessment limitation on non-homestead real property from 10 percent to 7 percent (which will sunset in 2023) and allows the Legislature by general law to prohibit increases in the assessed value of homestead property if the just value of the property decreases. If approved by 60 percent of the voters in the 2012 general election, it will be effective January 1, 2013. CS/SJR 314 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.

Environmental Regulation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:42:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 503 (Patronis) and CS/CS/SB 716 (Bennett) are regulatory streamlining bills that, among other things, prohibit a municipality from requiring, as a condition of processing a development permit, that an applicant obtain a state or federal permit prior to the local permit. The bills reduce and/or waive Department of Environmental Protection and water management district permit processing fees for municipalities with a population of 25,000 or less, or for an entity created by special act, local ordinance or interlocal agreement. The bills reduce permit approval time from 90 days to 60 days after receipt of the original application. CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 503 also includes language prohibiting local governments from charging fees on development orders or permits that were extended under the Community Planning Act of 2011.

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:42:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 820 (Dean) and CS/CS/CS/HB 999 (Dorworth) delete the requirement of the Department of Health to administer a septic tank evaluation program to assess the conditions and failures of residential septic tanks based on a five-year evaluation cycle. The bills state that effective July 1, 2012, a county or municipality containing a first magnitude spring that has not adopted a septic tank evaluation and assessment program, or that does not opt out of that mandate, shall develop an assessment program within its geographic area. A local ordinance may not deviate or exceed the substantive requirements of the bills. The adopted ordinance shall provide that: once every five years, the condition of each septic tank is assessed; the location of each system is identified; a tank and drain field is evaluated and a written assessment is given; and the evaluation must be performed by a septic tank contractor registered with the state.

Premises Liability (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:42:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 313 (Bembry) and CS/SB 802 (Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee) specify that an owner or lessee that provides the public with an area for outdoor recreational purposes (hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing) owes no duty of care to keep the area safe for entry, or give warning for hazardous conditions located on the premises. The owner or lessee of such land is entitled to this limitation on liability so long as the owner/lessee gives notice of this provision to people who enter the property. The bills do not relieve any person of liability if he or she acts in a willful, deliberate or malicious manner to injure a person or piece of property. CS/CS/HB 313 passed the House by a vote of 116-0.

Solid Waste Management Facilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:42:00 GMT

CS/SB 738 (Altman) and CS/CS/HB 663 (Goodson) require that a solid waste management facility designed with a leachate control system that meets Department of Environmental Protection requirements be issued a permit for a term of 20 years, unless an applicant requests a shorter time frame. The bills affect solid waste management facilities that apply for an operating or construction permit on or after July 1, 2012. CS/SB 738 is in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations. CS/CS/HB 663 passed the House by a vote of 115-0.

Sovereignty Submerged Lands (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:42:00 GMT

HB 13 (Frishe) and SB 88 (Latvala) provide for the lease of sovereignty submerged lands for private residential single-family docks and piers, as well as private residential multifamily docks and private residential multislip docks. The bills also set up a rate structure for such leases, as well as standard lease terms. HB 13 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is now on the House Calendar. SB 88 is in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations.

Tax on Severance and Production of Oil (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:42:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 87 (Hudson) and SB 1188 (Altman) provide for a rate structure for the excise tax levied on those that sever oil for transport, sale, storage, profit, etc. The bills define the term "mature field recovery oil" as barrels of oil recovered from new wells that begin production after July 1, 2012, in fields that were discovered prior to 1981. CS/CS/HB 87 passed the House by a 80-36 vote. SB 1188 is currently in the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee.

Development of Oil and Gas Resources (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:41:00 GMT

CS/SB 1158 (Evers) and CS/CS/CS/HB 695 (Ford) authorize a land management agency to enter into a public-private partnership with a business entity to develop oil and gas resources upon onshore state lands west of Tallahassee if the development yields near-term revenue for the state. The responsibility of the safety of the project is placed solely on the business entity that enters into the agreement with the State of Florida. CS/SB 1158 was temporarily postponed in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. CS/CS/CS/HB 695 passed the House State Affairs Committee.

Environmental Permits (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:41:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 373 (Glorioso) and CS/CS/SB 602 (Storms) require water management districts and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish an urban redevelopment conceptual permitting program and specify that urban redevelopment projects of a municipality that satisfy the permit qualify for a general permit. The bills allow counties and municipalities creating urban redevelopment areas or urban infill and redevelopment areas to adopt stormwater management plans, to the extent feasible, that address stormwater quality and quantity discharging from those areas. A local government that adopts a plan is entitled to obtain a conceptual permit from a water management district or the DEP on the basis of its stormwater management plan. CS/CS/HB 373 passed the House by a vote of 110-5.

Agriculture (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:39:00 GMT

CS/SB 1132 (Hays) and CS/HB 1197 (Horner) preempt local governments from adopting any ordinance dealing with the practice of beekeeping. The bills also prohibit local government regulation of farm signs and establish statewide standards for farm signs, including mandatory setbacks, non-permanent illumination, etc. A farm sign is defined as any sign that displays a message exclusively relating to farm produce, merchandise, services, or any product sold, produced, manufactured or furnished on the farm. CS/HB 1197 was amended to prohibit municipalities from collecting stormwater fees on a bona fide farming operation if that farm has a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), environmental resource permit or follows the best management practices authorized by the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Beach Management (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:39:00 GMT

CS/SB 758 (Jones) and CS/HB 691 (Frishe) streamline the permitting process for coastal construction permits, including beach restoration and nourishment projects. The bills establish new reporting requirements of active, state-funded beach erosion projects in an effort to increase the transparency of the beach management funding program. CS/SB 758 passed the Senate Budget Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar. CS/HB 691 passed the House by a vote of 114-0.

Economic Development/Funding for Infrastructure Projects (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:38:00 GMT

SB 1472 (Richter) and HB 1491 (Eisnaugle) create the Florida Infrastructure Fund Partnership. The legislation provides for a different way to bring private capital to Florida in order to build much needed infrastructure around the state that both local governments and the state cannot afford. SB 1472 is in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 1491 is on the House third reading calendar awaiting action.

Preemption of Local Vendor Preference Ordinances (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:38:00 GMT

SB 1460 (Simmons) and CS/CS/HB 673 (Brodeur) preempt and supersede local ordinances that grant preferences to vendors in a competitive solicitation for personal property or construction services when the property or services is paid for with state funds. CS/CS/HB 673 was amended to only apply to construction services. The bills preempt ordinances that give preference to vendors maintaining an office or place of business within a local jurisdiction; hiring employees or subcontractors from within a local jurisdiction; or prior payment of local taxes, assessments or duties within a particular local jurisdiction. The bills also require local governments (including school districts) to disclose whether payment will come from state funds and account for the amount of such funds.

Mandated Vendor Preferences (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:38:00 GMT

SB 538 (Bogdanoff) and HB 153 (Hooper) require state and local governments to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state printers when the lowest responsible bid is submitted by an out-of-state printer. It also requires state and local governments to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state vendors of commodities when the low bid is submitted by a vendor from a state that does not grant a preference. Finally, the bills also require state and local governments to grant a preference to in-state vendors of commodities in an amount equal to the preference granted by the state of the out-of-state vendor who submits the low bid. SB 538 passed the Senate Budget Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar.

Agriculture (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:38:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 1021 (Albritton) and CS/CS/CS/SB 1184 (Norman) prohibit municipalities from charging stormwater management assessments or fees on certain farm operations located on lands classified as “agricultural,” if the farm operation has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES), environmental resource permit or implements specified best management practices. The bills provide a grandfather clause for those municipalities that adopted a stormwater utility ordinance or resolution, as well as those that adopted a municipal services district benefit unit before March 1, 2009. CS/CS/HB 1021 passed the House State Affairs Committee. CS/CS/CS/SB 1184 is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.

Effective Public Notice (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 292 (Bennett) and CS/CS/HB 937 (Workman) address legal notice requirements for local governments. The bills require legal notices published in the newspaper to also be placed on the newspaper’s website. In addition, the bills require the Florida Press Association to create a website where legal notices from every paper in the state must also be published. Finally, the bills limit the amount that can be charged for legal notices under certain conditions.

Red Light Cameras Repeal (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT

HB 4177 (Plakon) and SB 1542 (Evers) repeal all statutes mentioning traffic enforcement detectors. HB 4177 was temporarily postponed by the House Economic Affairs Committee. SB 1542 is in the Senate Transportation Committee. (See Urban Administration section for other bills relating to red light cameras.) (Cook).

Economic Development/Public-Private Agreements (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT

CS/SB 576 (Bennett) and CS/HB 337 (Williams, T.) provide that certain qualifying projects may be fulfilled by public-private partnerships. When a qualifying project is approved and negotiated by a local government, a private entity can construct the project and charge user fees, lease payments or service payments. The bills provide a unique way to construct much needed infrastructure projects. CS/SB 576 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations.

Communication Services Tax (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:36:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1060 (Bogdanoff) and CS/HB 809 (Grant) create a work group to further study changes to the Communications Services Tax. Additionally, CS/HB 809 amends provisions relating to bundling of services and has an exception to the provision holding a dealer of communications services harmless from liability when the dealer fails to correct a customer’s local taxing jurisdiction following notice by the Department of Revenue under certain conditions. The bill’s fiscal impact to local government is estimated to be at least $21 million per year. CS/CS/SB 1060 is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Reclaimed Water (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:36:00 GMT

Airboats (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:41:00 GMT

HB 773 (Abruzzo) and SB 958 (Oelrich) where was amended to allow airboat companies working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to establish voluntary sound-testing programs for airboats. Airboats that test below 92 decibels at 100 feet would be given a certification sticker and be exempt from any local regulations, such as prohibited waterways and operating curfews. HB 773 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee. SB 958 was defeated by the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is dead for this session.

Airport Parking Fees (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:41:00 GMT

CS/SB 780 (Ring) exempts vehicles transporting power mobility devices for use by people who have a disability from payment of parking fees at a publicly owned or operated airport. CS/SB 780 passed the Senate by a vote of 40-0. (Cook).

Public Records Exemption for Law Enforcement Officers (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:41:00 GMT

CS/HB 629 (Hooper) and SB 916 (Oelrich) create public records exemptions for law enforcement officers’ date of birth information and also for their department-issued and personal cell phone numbers. CS/HB 629 passed the House by a vote of 114-2. SB 916 is in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. (Cook).

Metal Theft (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:41:00 GMT

CS/HB 1323 (Drake) and CS/SB 1324 (Norman) increase criminal penalties for violations relating to secondary metal theft. The bills make it illegal to remove or assist in the removal of copper or other metals from electrical substations without the authorization of the utility. CS/HB 1323 is in the House Judiciary Committee. CS/SB 1324 passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Charter Schools/Funding (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:40:00 GMT

CS/SB 1852 (Wise) and CS/CS/HB 903 (Adkins) authorize district school boards to share the revenue generated by their capital outlay millage levy with charter schools in the school district on a per-student basis. The legislation allows high performing charter schools to increase student enrollment, expand grade levels, submit quarterly financial reports (instead of monthly), and establish up to three virtual charter schools per year. CS/SB 1852 is in the Senate Budget Committee. CS/CS/HB 903 passed the House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee without the language that provides for the sharing of the capital outlay millage levy.

Electronic Filing of Construction Plans (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:40:00 GMT

CS/HB 387 (Ahern) and CS/CS/SB 600 (Bennett) allow for the electronic filing of construction plans with the building code administrator’s permission. This language is also contained in CS/HB 651 (Davis) and CS/CS/SB 704 (Bennett). CS/HB 387 passed the House by a vote of 115-0 and is now in the Senate. CS/CS/SB 600 passed the Senate by a vote of 40-0 and will be sent to the House for consideration.

Governmental Entity Liens (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:40:00 GMT

CS/HB 671 (Wood) and CS/SB 670 (Ring) provide that a lien imposed on real property by a governmental or quasi-governmental entity for an improvement, service, fine or penalty, except a lien for taxes, special assessments or utilities, is not valid against a creditor or subsequent purchaser unless the lien is recorded in the official records of the county in which the property is located. The recorded notice of lien must contain specified information on the property. CS/HB 671 is on the House Calendar awaiting consideration. CS/SB 670 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:40:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 206 (Negron) and CS/HB 355 (Kiar) require local governments to provide members of the public with an opportunity to be heard on a proposition before the board or commission. The opportunity to be heard does not have to occur at the same meeting at which the board or commission takes official action on the item, if the opportunity occurs at a properly noticed meeting, occurs at a meeting that is during the decision-making process, and is within reasonable proximity to the meeting at which the board takes the official action. The bills allow local governments to adopt policies or rules to ensure the orderly conduct of the meeting, while putting into place criteria that these policies must meet. There is an exemption for certain emergency situations, for ministerial acts, or when a board or commission is acting in a quasi-judicial capacity with respect to the rights of a person.

Department of Transportation Package (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:39:00 GMT

CS/SB 1866 (Latvala) and CS/CS/HB 1399 (Brandes) is the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) comprehensive legislative package. Provisions impacting cities and currently under review relate to utility relocation requirements (in the SB only), indemnification for DOT removal of nonconforming bus shelters, bridge closure requirements, and permitting of stormwater management facilities serving state transportation projects. CS/SB 1866 is in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations. CS/CS/HB 1399 passed the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee and is now in the House Economic Affairs Committee.

Growth Management/Glitch Bill (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:39:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 842 (Bennett) and CS/HB 7081 (Workman) address non-substantive modifications from last session’s comprehensive growth management legislation. Modifications include fixing cross-references, updating outdated language, and removing provisions throughout the statutes that were made obsolete. This Senate bill differs from the House version by also requiring regional planning councils to determine, before accepting a grant, that the purpose of the grant is in furtherance of its functions. Additionally, CS/CS/SB 842 prohibits a regional planning council from providing consulting services for a fee to any local government for a project for which the council will serve in a review capacity.

Growth Management/Termination of CRAs by Miami-Dade County (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:39:00 GMT

SB 840 (Diaz de la Portilla) and HB 547 (Fresen) provide for the termination of community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) by the Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. The bill would allow the Board of County Commissioners to terminate a CRA operating within its boundaries if the agency has been inefficient in removing slum/blight, neglected its duties, engaged in financial misconduct or is no longer needed as determined by the county regardless of current interlocal agreements. HB 547 died in the House Finance and Tax Committee. SB 840 was temporarily postponed by the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Growth Management/Incorporation of a New Municipality (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:39:00 GMT

CS/SB 692 (Bennett) and HB 7001 (Diaz) revise the deadline for the submission of a feasibility study on the proposed incorporation of a new municipality. The current deadline is 90 days before the beginning of a legislative session. The bills require the feasibility study must be submitted no later than the first Monday after September 1 before the legislative session, allowing more time for staff to review the study. SB 692 was amended on the floor of the Senate to provide for a new way for independent special districts that were created by judicial decree or special act of the Legislature to convert into a new municipality by an elector-initiated referendum.

Special Districts/Merger, Consolidation and Dissolution (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:39:00 GMT

CS/SB 192 (Bennett) and CS/CS/CS/HB 107 (Caldwell) address the merger and consolidation of special districts by allowing inactive independent special districts that were created by a municipality to merge or dissolve through the same procedure by which they were created. Two or more contiguous independent special districts that were created by the Legislature may now merge under certain circumstances. The involuntary dissolution or merger of an independent special district is subject to Legislature and referendum approval. The legislation is specifically targeting independent fire districts.

Tangible Personal Property Taxes (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:38:00 GMT

CS/SJR 1064 (Detert) and CS/HJR 1003 (Eisnaugle) propose an amendment to the state constitution dealing with the Tangible Personal Property Tax. CS/HJR 1003 was amended to remove the delegation of authority to the Legislature to modify the exemption for tangible personal property. CS/HJR 1003 has a targeted exemption that only applies to taxpayers who have taxable value below $25,000 and has a local option component that allows municipalities to offer additional tangible personal property relief at their discretion. CS/SJR 1064 delegates authority to the Legislature by general law to modify the exemption of tangible personal property.

Homestead Property Tax Exemptions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:38:00 GMT

CS/HB 95 (Harrison) and CS/SB 1058 (Norman) require a surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service connected causes while on active duty or a surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty to be exempt from ad valorem taxes. These bills are contingent on the approval of a constitutional amendment similar to CS/HJR 93 (Harrison) or CS/SJR 1056 (Norman). CS/HB 95 passed the House by a vote of 116-0. CS/SB 1058 will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 20.

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption: Surviving Spouse of Military Veterans or First Responder (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:38:00 GMT

CS/HJR 93 (Harrison) and CS/SJR 1056 (Norman) propose an amendment to the state constitution to allow the Legislature to pass a general law that would give ad valorem tax relief to a surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty or a surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty. CS/HJR 93 passed the House by a vote of 115-0. CS/SJR 1056 will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 20. (Hughes).

Tax on Severance and Production of Oil (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:37:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 87 (Hudson) and SB 1188 (Altman) provide for a rate structure for the excise tax levied on those that sever oil for transport, sale, storage, profit, etc. The bills define the term "mature field recovery oil" as barrels of oil recovered from new wells that begin production after July 1, 2012, in fields that were discovered prior to 1981. CS/CS/HB 87 passed the House by a vote of 80-36 and requests that the Senate pass the bill or agree to conference. SB 1188 is currently in the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee.

Water and Wastewater Utilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:37:00 GMT

CS/SB 1244 (Hays) and CS/HB 1379 (Brodeur) create a study committee on investor-owned water and waste water utility systems. The committee is directed to “identify issues of concern” relating to such utility systems. The committee is tasked with bringing a report to the governor, president of the Senate and speaker of the House of Representatives. CS/SB 1244 passed the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee and is now in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee.

Water Management Districts (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:37:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 560 (Dean) and CS/CS/CS/HB 157 (Porter) allow interagency agreements between water management districts when the geographic area of a project, local government or regional water supply authority crosses water management district boundaries. The bills allow both water management districts to follow the adopted rule of one water management district. CS/CS/SB 560 allows only those strategies adopted by rule after July 1, 2012. CS/CS/SB 560 is in the Senate Budget Committee.

Water Storage and Water Quality Improvements (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:37:00 GMT

CS/HB 1389 (Perman) and CS/SB 1858 (Altman) establish a baseline determination of the extent of the wetlands and other surface waters located on a property when a public-private partnership is entered into between a water management district and a private agricultural landowner. The baseline condition documented in the agreement shall consider the extent of the wetlands and other surface waters on the property for the purpose of regulation for the duration of the agreement and after its expiration. CS/HB 1389 passed the House by a vote of 118-0. CS/SB 1858 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations.

Revitalizing Municipalities (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:37:00 GMT

CS/SB 1022 (Garcia) and CS/HB 595 (Nuñez) authorize a governing body to create a sales tax increment redevelopment district within a municipality that is part of an enterprise zone. The designated redevelopment agency is eligible for a distribution of a percentage of the increased collections of sales tax over the previous year. The Department of Revenue will determine the amount of increased sales tax collections to be distributed to each eligible designated redevelopment agency. CS/SB 1022 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.

Comprehensive Statewide Water Conservation Program (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:36:00 GMT

SB 1426 (Detert) and HB 4121 (Pilon) repeal a statutory provision requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to submit a specified report regarding water conservation. The report was due in 2005 and never repealed from statute subsequent to the report being filed. SB 1426 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations. HB 4121 passed the House by a vote of 119-0.

Development of Oil and Gas Resources (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:36:00 GMT

CS/SB 1158 (Evers) and CS/CS/HB 695 (Ford) authorize a land management agency to enter into a public-private partnership with a business entity to develop oil and gas resources upon onshore state lands if the development yields near-term revenue for the state. The responsibility of the safety of the project is placed solely on the business entity that enters into the agreement with the State of Florida. CS/SB 1158 passed the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee and is now in the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee. CS/CS/HB 695 passed the House Appropriations Committee by a vote of 16-3 and is now in the House State Affairs Committee.

Florida Climate Protection Act (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:36:00 GMT

SB 648 (Hays) and HB 4001 (Plakon) repeal provisions in statute relating to a cap-and-trade regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electric utilities that was adopted during Governor Crist’s administration. SB 648 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 4001 has passed all committees of reference and is on the House calendar awaiting consideration. (Matthews).

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:36:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 820 (Dean) and CS/CS/HB 999 (Dorworth) delete the requirement of the Department of Health to administer a septic tank evaluation program to assess the conditions and failures of residential septic tanks based on a five-year evaluation cycle. The bills state that effective July 1, 2012, a county or municipality containing a first magnitude spring that has not adopted a septic tank evaluation and assessment program, or that does not opt out of that mandate, shall develop an assessment program within its geographic area. A local ordinance may not deviate or exceed the substantive requirements of the bills. The adopted ordinance shall provide that: once every five years, the condition of each septic tank is assessed; the location of each system is identified; a tank and drain field is evaluated and a written assessment is given; and the evaluation must be performed by a septic tank contractor registered with the state.

Sovereignty Submerged Lands (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:36:00 GMT

HB 13 (Frishe) and SB 88 (Latvala) provide for the lease of sovereignty submerged lands for private residential single-family docks and piers, as well as private residential multifamily docks, and private residential multislip docks. The bills also set up a rate structure for such leases, as well as standard lease terms. HB 13 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and is now in the House State Affairs Committee. SB 88 is in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations.

Economic Development/Public-Private Agreements (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:35:00 GMT

CS/SB 576 (Bennett) and HB 337 (Williams, T.) provide that certain qualifying projects may be fulfilled by public-private partnerships. When a qualifying project is approved and negotiated by a local government, a private entity can construct the project and charge user fees, lease payments or service payments. The bills provide a unique way to construct much needed infrastructure projects. CS/SB 576 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:35:00 GMT

CS/HB 7045 (House Select Committee on Water Policy) and CS/CS/SB 1178 (Hays) allow permits approved for the development of alternative water supplies to be granted for at least 30 years if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that conditions for permit issuance will be met for the duration of the permit. CS/HB 7045 passed the House by a vote of 116-0. CS/CS/SB 1178 is in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations. (Matthews).

Energy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:35:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 2094 (Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee) and CS/HB 7117 (House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee) alter review of a utilities’10-year site plan by the Public Service Commission by including the amount of renewable energy resources the provider purchases or produces, as well as the amount of renewable energy resources the provider plans to produce or purchase over the 10-year planning horizon. The bills offer a tax exemption on renewable materials (biodiesel, ethanol and renewable fuels) to a purchaser only through a refund of previously paid taxes. Applications to receive these refunds can be made to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and expire July 1, 2016. The bills amend the renewable energy technologies investment tax credit, which allows corporations to receive a 75 percent rebate on all capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, and research and development costs incurred between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2016.

Environmental Resource Permitting (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:35:00 GMT

CS/SB 1354 (Detert) and CS/HB 7003 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) require the Department of Environmental Protection, along with the water management districts, to adopt statewide environmental resource permitting rules for activities relating to the management and storage of surface waters. The department is directed to oversee regular assessment and training of its staff and the staffs of the water management districts and local governments’ delegated local pollution control program authority. Nothing contained in the bills prohibit a local government from adopting or implementing regulations that are stricter than those adopted under the Environmental Resource Program. CS/SB 1354 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Governmental Appropriations and was amended to allow local governments to adopt stricter standards than those set out in the statewide environmental resource permit.

Agriculture (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:35:00 GMT

CS/HB 1021 (Albritton) and CS/CS/SB 1184 (Norman) prohibit municipalities from charging stormwater management assessments or fees on certain farm operations located on lands classified as “agricultural,” if the farm operation has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES), environmental resource permit or implements specified best management practices. The bills provide a grandfather clause for those municipalities that adopted a stormwater utility ordinance or resolution, as well as those that adopted a municipal services district benefit unit before March 1, 2009. CS/HB 1021 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and is now in the House State Affairs Committee. CS/CS/SB 1184 passed the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Preemption of Local Vendor Preference Ordinances (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:34:00 GMT

SB 1460 (Simmons) and CS/CS/HB 673 (Brodeur) preempt and supersede local ordinances that grant preferences to vendors in a competitive solicitation for personal property or construction services when the property or services is paid for with state funds. The bills preempt ordinances that give preference to vendors maintaining an office or place of business within a local jurisdiction; hiring employees or subcontractors from within a local jurisdiction; or prior payment of local taxes, assessments, or duties within a particular local jurisdiction. The bills also require local governments (including school districts) to disclose whether payment will come from state funds and account for the amount of such funds. SB 1460 was withdrawn from the Senate Education Pre-K – 12 Committee and sent to the Senate Government Oversight and Accountability Committee.

Red Light Cameras (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:34:00 GMT

CS/SB 590 (Garcia) was significantly amended in the Senate Transportation Committee to require local governments and the Department of Transportation to use the nationally recognized Institute of Transportation Engineers formula for developing minimum traffic signal timing. The bill implements standards that specify when local governments can issue red light cameras violations for right turns on red. The bill clarifies that drivers receiving red light camera violations that are identified through the affidavit process are not automatically issued uniform traffic citations but instead have 30 days to challenge the ticket or pay the $158 fine. Finally, the bill makes it clear that the deceased cannot receive red light violations.

Red Light Cameras Procedures (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:34:00 GMT

CS/HB 343 (Nehr) was temporarily postponed in the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee after the bill sponsor attempted to amend the bill to take the local share of red light camera revenue away from cities ($75) and instead send the money to state general revenue. The amendment, which was not adopted, would have effectively ended red light camera programs in the state. (Cook).

Exemptions from Local Business Tax (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:33:00 GMT

SB 770 (Hays) and Proposed Committee Bill EAC 4 (House Economic Affairs Committee) would exempt real estate brokers and sales associates from paying the local business tax or obtaining a local business tax receipt. SB 770 is in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. PCB EAC 04 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and will be assigned a bill number and be further referenced. (Hughes).

Solid Waste Management Facilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:53:00 GMT

Airboats (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:12:00 GMT

HB 773 (Abruzzo) and SB 958 (Oelrich) was amended to allow airboat companies working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to establish voluntary sound-testing programs for airboats. Airboats that test below 92 decibels at 100 feet would be given a certification sticker and be exempt from any local regulations, such as prohibited waterways and operating curfews. HB 773 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee. SB 958 was voted down by the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee, but a motion was made to reconsider the bill on Tuesday, February 14.

Construction Cranes (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:12:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 521 (Artiles) and CS/SB 992 (Dean) preempt local ordinances that pertain to the regulation of hoisting equipment and hoisting equipment operators. CS/CS/HB 521 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and has been placed on the House calendar. CS/SB 992 is in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. (Cook).

Local Requirements for Dangerous Dogs (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:12:00 GMT

SB 1322 (Norman) and HB 997 (Trujillo) remove the provision that exempts local ordinances adopted before a specified date from the prohibition on ordinances that are breed specific (affects Miami-Dade County). SB 1322 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations. HB 997 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and is now in the House State Affairs Committee. (Cook).

Governmental Entity Liens (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:12:00 GMT

CS/HB 671 (Wood) and CS/SB 670 (Ring) provide that a lien imposed on real property by a governmental or quasi-governmental entity for an improvement, service, fine or penalty, except a lien for taxes, special assessments or utilities, is not valid against a creditor or subsequent purchaser unless the lien is recorded in the official records of the county in which the property is located. The recorded notice of lien must contain specified information on the property. CS/HB 671 passed all committees and is now available for the House floor. CS/SB 670 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.

Police and Firefighter Pensions (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:12:00 GMT

Economic Development/Funding for Infrastructure Projects (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:11:00 GMT

SB 1472 (Richter) and HB 1491 (Eisnaugle) create the Florida Infrastructure Fund Partnership. The legislation provides for a unique way to bring private capital to Florida in order to build much needed infrastructure around the state that both local governments and the state cannot afford. SB 1472 is in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. HB 1491 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and has been placed on the House calendar.

Charter Schools/Funding (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:11:00 GMT

CS/SB 1852 (Wise) and CS/HB 903 (Adkins) authorize district school boards to share the revenue generated by its capital outlay millage levy with charter schools in the school district on a per-student basis. If a district school board does not share the revenue generated by the millage levy, the Florida Education Finance Program allocation for that district will be recalculated so that the charter school still receives funding. The legislation allows high performing charter schools to increase student enrollment, expand grade levels, submit quarterly financial reports (instead of monthly) and establish up to three virtual charter schools per year. CS/HB 903 was amended in the House K-20 Innovation Subcommittee to remove all language requiring school boards to share revenue with charter schools and is now in the House PreK-12 Appropriations Subcommittee.

Local Administrative Action/Abate Public Nuisances (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:11:00 GMT

SB 1580 (Latvala) and CS/CS/HB 1443 (Frishe) authorize local administrative boards to declare a place to be a public nuisance if it is used on more than two occasions within a six-month period as a site for the storage of controlled substances. The bills also authorize an administrative board to hear complaints regarding a pain-management clinic being declared a public nuisance. The bills provide additional authority to administrative boards relative to abating various public nuisances. CS/CS/HB 1443 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and is now in the House Judiciary Committee.

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:11:00 GMT

Growth Management/Termination of CRAs by Miami-Dade County (Oppose; Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:10:00 GMT

SB 840 (Diaz de la Portilla) and HB 547 (Fresen) provide for the termination of community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) by the Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. The Board of County Commissioners may terminate a CRA operating within its boundaries if the agency has been inefficient in removing slum/blight, neglected its duties, engaged in financial misconduct or is no longer needed as determined by the county regardless of current interlocal agreements. HB 547 was defeated in the House Finance and Tax Committee. SB 840 will be considered by the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Monday, February 13.

Department of Transportation Package (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:10:00 GMT

CS/SB 1866 (Latvala) and CS/HB 1399 (Brandes) are the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) comprehensive legislative package. Provisions impacting cities are currently under review and relate to utility relocation requirements, indemnification for DOT removal of nonconforming bus shelters, bridge closure requirements, and permitting of stormwater management facilities serving state transportation projects. CS/SB 1866 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development Appropriations. CS/HB 1399 is in the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee.

Growth Management/Glitch Bill (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:10:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 842 (Bennett) and CS/HB 7081 (Workman) address non-substantive modifications from last session’s comprehensive growth management legislation. Modifications include fixing cross-references, updating outdated language and removing provisions throughout the statutes that were made obsolete. This Senate bill differs from the House version by also requiring regional planning councils to determine, before accepting a grant, that the purpose of the grant is in furtherance of its functions. Additionally, CS/CS/SB 842 prohibits a regional planning council from providing consulting services for a fee to any local government for a project for which the council will serve in a review capacity.

Transportation Accessibility/Airports (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:10:00 GMT

CS/SB 1392 (Benacquisto) and HB 1201 (Nunez) require all airports within the Florida airport system and deepwater ports to provide “accessible taxicabs,” along with priority access, to passengers seeking accessible taxicab services. SB 1392 was amended and now requires the state Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to study the availability of accessible taxicabs operating in certain metropolitan areas. CS/SB 1392 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 1201 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee.

Ad Valorem Taxation (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:08:00 GMT

CS/SJR 314 (Simmons) and HJR 1289 (Brodeur) propose amendments to the state constitution that create an additional exemption for homesteaded properties. CS/SJR 314 also reduces the current assessment limitation on non-homestead real property from 10 percent to 7 percent (which will sunset in 2023) and allows the Legislature by general law to prohibit increases in the assessed value of homestead property if the just value of the property decreases. If approved by 60 percent of the voters in the 2012 general election, it will be effective January 1, 2013. CS/SJR 314 was workshopped in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax, but no vote was taken.

Homestead Assessment Limitation for Low-Income Senior Citizens (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:08:00 GMT

CS/HJR 55 (Nuñez) and SJR 838 (Diaz de la Portilla) propose an amendment to the state constitution that would authorize the Legislature to allow municipalities to limit the assessed value of homesteads of certain low-income senior citizens. CS/HJR 55 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and is headed to the House floor. SJR 838 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. (Hughes).

Ad Valorem Tax Exemption: Surviving Spouse of Military Veterans or First Responder (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:08:00 GMT

CS/HJR 93 (Harrison) and CS/SJR 1056 (Norman) propose an amendment to the state constitution to allow the Legislature to pass a general law that would give ad valorem tax relief to a surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty or a surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty. CS/HJR 93 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and is now ready for House floor action. CS/SJR 1056 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Hughes).

Homestead Property Tax Exemptions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:08:00 GMT

CS/HB 95 (Harrison) and CS/SB 1058 (Norman) require a surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service connected causes while on active duty or a surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty to be exempt from ad valorem taxes. These bills are contingent on the approval of a constitutional amendment similar to CS/HJR 93 (Harrison) or CS/SJR 1056 (Norman). CS/HB 95 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and is now ready for floor action. CS/SB 1058 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Homestead Property Tax Exemptions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:08:00 GMT

CS/HB 95 (Harrison) and CS/SB 1058 (Norman) require a surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service connected causes while on active duty or a surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty to be exempt from ad valorem taxes. These bills are contingent on the approval of a constitutional amendment similar to CS/HJR 93 (Harrison) or CS/SJR 1056 (Norman). CS/HB 95 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and is now ready for floor action. CS/SB 1058 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Growth Management/Developments of Regional Impact (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:08:00 GMT

CS/SB 1180 (Bennett) and CS/HB 979 (Diaz) allow for an alternate review process for developments of regional impact (DRI) that remain subject to state review. State agencies would comment on projects without having to go through the DRI process. CS/SB 1180 was amended in the Senate Community Affairs Committee to include a provision for the rezoning of an agricultural enclave without the approval of local governments. The amendment to CS/SB 1180 also provides for a two-year extension to all environmental permits.

Water Storage and Water Quality Improvements (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:07:00 GMT

CS/HB 1389 (Perman) and CS/SB 1858 (Altman) establish a baseline determination of the extent of the wetlands and other surface waters located on a property when a public-private partnership is entered into between a water management district and a private agricultural landowner. The baseline condition documented in the agreement shall consider the extent of the wetlands and other surface waters on the property for the purpose of regulation for the duration of the agreement and after its expiration. CS/HB 1389 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is ready for floor action in the House. CS/SB 1858 will be considered by the Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday, February 13.

Tax on Severance and Production Oil (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:07:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 87 (Hudson) and SB 1188 (Altman) provide for a rate structure for the excise tax levied on those that sever oil for transport, sale, storage, profit, etc. The bills define the term "mature field recovery oil" as barrels of oil recovered from new wells that begin production after July 1, 2012, in fields that were discovered prior to 1981. CS/CS/HB 87 was temporarily postponed by the full House. SB 1188 is currently in the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee.

Tangible Personal Property Taxes (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:07:00 GMT

CS/SJR 1064 (Detert) and HJR 1003 (Eisnaugle) propose an amendment to the state constitution that allows the Legislature by general law to: increase the value of the exemption on tangible personal property; exempt tangible property from taxation; and waive the requirement to file a return if the value of the property is less than the exemption. CS/SJR 1064 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. HJR 1003 was temporarily postponed in the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Hughes).

Tangible Personal Property Taxes (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:07:00 GMT

SB 1062 (Detert) and CS/HB 1005 (Eisnaugle) waive the requirement to file a tangible personal property tax return and the tax liability when taxable value does not exceed $25,000. The Revenue Estimations Conference has estimated that this proposal will have a negative $2.7 million impact to cities. SB 1062 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. CS/HB 1005 is in the House Economic Affairs Committee.

Premises Liability (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:06:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 313 (Bembry) and SB 802 (Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee) specify that an owner or lessee that provides the public with an area for outdoor recreational purposes (hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing) owes no duty of care to keep the area safe for entry, or give warning for hazardous conditions located on the premises. The owner or lessee of such land is entitled to this limitation on liability so long as the owner/lessee gives notice of this provision to people who enter the property. The bills do not relieve any person of liability if he or she acts in a willful, deliberate or malicious manner to injure a person or piece of property. CS/CS/HB 313 passed the House Judiciary Committee and is now ready to be placed on the House calendar.

Water Management Districts (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:06:00 GMT

Beach Management (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:05:00 GMT

CS/SB 758 (Jones) and CS/HB 691 (Frishe) streamline the permitting process for coastal construction permits, including beach restoration and nourishment projects. The bills establish new reporting requirements of active, state-funded beach erosion projects in an effort to increase the transparency of the beach management funding program. CS/SB 758 is in the Senate Budget Committee. CS/HB 691 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is now on the House Calendar.

Energy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:05:00 GMT

CS/SB 2094 (Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee) and HB 7117 (House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee) alter review of 10-year site plans by the Public Service Commission by including the amount of renewable energy resources the provider purchases or produces, as well as the amount of renewable energy resources the provider plans to produce or purchase over the 10-year planning horizon. The bills offer a tax exemption on renewable materials (biodiesel, ethanol and renewable fuels) to a purchaser only through a refund of previously paid taxes. Applications to receive these refunds can be made to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and expire July 1, 2016. The bills amend the renewable energy technologies investment tax credit, which allows corporations to receive a 75 percent rebate on all capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, and research and development costs incurred between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2016.

Environmental Regulation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:05:00 GMT

Environmental Resource Permitting (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:05:00 GMT

CS/SB 1354 (Detert) and CS/HB 7003 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) require the Department of Environmental Protection, along with the water management districts, to adopt statewide environmental resource permitting rules for activities relating to the management and storage of surface waters. The department is directed to oversee regular assessment and training of its staff and the staffs of the water management districts and local governments’ delegated local pollution control program authority. CS/SB 1354 passed the Senate Governmental Appropriations Subcommittee and was amended to allow local governments to adopt stricter standards than those set out in the statewide environmental resource permit. CS/SB 1354 is in the Senate Budget Committee.

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:05:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 820 (Dean) and CS/HB 999 (Dorworth) delete the requirement of the Department of Health to administer a septic tank evaluation program to assess the conditions and failures of residential septic tanks based on a five-year evaluation cycle. The bills state that effective July 1, 2012, a county or municipality containing a first magnitude spring that has not adopted a septic tank evaluation and assessment program, or that does not opt out of that mandate, shall develop an assessment program within its geographic area. A local ordinance may not deviate or exceed the substantive requirements of the bills. The adopted ordinance shall provide: once every five years, the condition of each septic tank is assessed; the location of each system is identified; a tank and drain field is evaluated and a written assessment is given; and the evaluation must be performed by a septic tank contractor registered with the state.

Agriculture (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:04:00 GMT

CS/HB 1021 (Albritton) and CS/CS/SB 1184 (Norman) prohibit municipalities from charging stormwater management assessments or fees on certain farm operations located on lands classified as “agricultural,” if the farm operation has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES), environmental resource permit or implements specified best management practices. The bills provide for a grandfather clause for those municipalities that adopted a stormwater utility ordinance or resolution as well as those that adopted a municipal services district benefit unit before March 1, 2009. CS/HB 1021 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee. CS/CS/SB 1184 passed the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:04:00 GMT

CS/HB 7045 (House Select Committee on Water Policy) and CS/CS/SB 1178 (Hays) allow permits approved for the development of alternative water supplies to be granted for at least 30 years if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that conditions for permit issuance will be met for the duration of the permit. CS/HB 7045 is on the House calendar. CS/CS/SB 1178 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations. (Matthews).

Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Commercial Fertilizer Application (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:04:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 421 (Smith) and CS/SB 604 (Dean) preempt local government authority relating to enacting seasonal bans of fertilizer for professional applicators. Professional applicators (such as a landscaper or nurserymen) are required to register with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, take a four-hour educational course and pay a registration fee. These professional applicators are exempt from ordinances that place seasonal bans on the application of fertilizer. CS/CS/HB 421 was temporarily postponed by the House State Affairs Committee and is likely dead for this session.

Agriculture (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:04:00 GMT

Mandated Vendor Preferences (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:03:00 GMT

SB 538 (Bogdanoff) and HB 153 (Hooper) require state and local governments to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state printers when the lowest responsible bid is submitted by an out-of-state printer. It also requires state and local governments to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state vendors of commodities when the low bid is submitted by a vendor from a state that does not grant a preference. Finally, the bill requires state and local governments to grant a preference to in-state vendors of commodities in an amount equal to the preference granted by the state of the out-of-state vendor that submits the low bid. SB 538 is in the Senate Budget Committee.

Public Safety Telecommunicators (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:03:00 GMT

CS/SB 514 (Dean) and CS/HB 1227 (Drake) exempt sworn law enforcement officers from the public safety telecommunicator certification course provided the officer can pass the certification exam. The bills allow cities to use sworn law enforcement officers as temporary public safety telecommunicators once they have passed the certification exam. CS/SB 514 is ready for Senate floor action. CS/HB 1227 passed the House Health and Human Services Committee and now heads to the House floor.

Red Light Cameras (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:03:00 GMT

CS/SB 590 (Garcia) was significantly amended in the Senate Transportation Committee to require local governments and the Department of Transportation to use the nationally recognized Institute of Transportation Engineers formula for developing minimum traffic signal timing. The bill implements standards for when local governments can issue red light cameras violations for right turns on red. The bill clarifies that drivers receiving red light camera violations who are identified through the affidavit process are not automatically issued uniform traffic citations but instead have 30 days to challenge the ticket or pay the $158 fine. Finally, the bill makes it clear that the deceased cannot receive red light violations.

Effective Public Notice (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:03:00 GMT

CS/SB 292 (Bennett) and CS/CS/HB 937 (Workman) address legal notice requirements for local governments. The bills require legal notices published in the newspaper to also be placed on the newspaper’s website. In addition, the bills require the Florida Press Association to create a website where legal notices from every paper in the state must also be published. Finally, the bills limit the amount that can be charged for legal notices under certain conditions.

Exemptions from Local Business Tax (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:02:00 GMT

SB 770 (Hays) and HB 361 (Roberson) would exempt real estate brokers and sales associates from paying the local business tax or obtaining a local business tax receipt. SB 770 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. HB 361 is now in the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee. (Hughes).

Numeric Nutrient Criteria (Support - Passed Legislature)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:02:00 GMT

HB 7051 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) and SB 2060 (Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee) allow the Legislature to exempt from ratification the promulgation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) numeric nutrient criteria program. The exemption from ratification is limited to this rule only. The bills require the DEP to send the state’s program to the federal Environmental Protection Agency for review. HB 7051 was substituted for SB 2060 and passed the Senate unanimously 38-0.

Reclaimed Water (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:02:00 GMT

Mandated Vendor Preferences (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:02:00 GMT

SB 538 (Bogdanoff) and HB 153 (Hooper) require state and local governments to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state printers when the lowest responsible bid is submitted by an out-of-state printer. It also requires state and local governments to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state vendors of commodities when the low bid is submitted by a vendor from a state that does not grant a preference. Finally, the bill requires state and local governments to grant a preference to in-state vendors of commodities in an amount equal to the preference granted by the state of the out-of-state vendor that submits the low bid. SB 538 is in the Senate Budget Committee.

Reporting of All Local Government Contracts (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:01:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1626 (Gaetz) and CS/HB 1409 (Albritton) create additional transparency requirements of all executed local government contracts. Of specific concern is the requirement that local governments must report all executed contracts to a state contract tracking system effective November 1, 2013. An extensive list of information required for each contract and an electronic copy of the contract must be posted on a state website. The League is seeking feedback on how the reporting requirements will impact your city.

Preemption of Local Vendor Preference Ordinances (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:00:00 GMT

SB 1460 (Simmons) and CS/CS/HB 673 (Brodeur) preempt and supersede local ordinances that grant preferences to vendors in a competitive solicitation for personal property or construction services when the property or services is paid for with state funds. The bills preempt ordinances that give preference to vendors maintaining an office or place of business within a local jurisdiction; hiring employees or subcontractors from within a local jurisdiction; or prior payment of local taxes, assessments or duties within a particular local jurisdiction. The bills also require local governments (including school districts) to disclose whether payment will come from state funds and account for the amount of such funds. SB 1460 is now in the Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee.

Communication Services Tax (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:58:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 1060 (Bogdanoff) and CS/HB 809 (Grant) Addresses changes to the Communications Service Tax. The bills’ fiscal impact to cities has not yet been determined, but the League is concerned that the proposed changes to the definitions of digital goods and digital services relating to the CST may have serious unintended fiscal impacts. The bills have an exception to the provision holding a dealer of communications services harmless from liability when the dealer fails to correct a customer’s local taxing jurisdiction following notice by the Department of Revenue under certain conditions. CS/CS/SB 1060 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.

Building Construction and Inspection (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:02:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 704 (Bennett) amends a number of provisions related to building construction and inspection. The bill modifies how local government code enforcement boards serve notices on property owners and authorizes building code administrators to accept electronically filed construction plans for permit approval. The bill also shortens the time length of a provisional certificate for newly employed or promoted inspectors. Finally, the bill directs the Florida Building Commission to adopt a rule outlining an alternative method of screen enclosure design and establish a workgroup to assist the commission in developing a rule for implementing an alternative screen design.

Reporting of All Local Government Contracts (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:50:00 GMT

SB 1626 (Gaetz, D.) and HB 1409 (Albritton) require additional transparency requirements of all executed local government contracts. Of specific concern, is the requirement in Section three of the bills, that requires local governments to report all executed contracts to a state contract tracking system. The legislation provides an extensive list of required information for each contract, and that an electronic copy of the contract is posted on a state website. The League is seeking feedback on how the requirements in Section three of the bills will impact your City.

Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:57:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 820 (Dean) and CS/HB 999 (Dorworth) delete the requirement of the Department of Health to administer a septic tank evaluation program to assess the conditions and failures of residential septic tanks based on a five-year evaluation cycle. The bills state that effective July 1, 2012, a county or municipality containing a first magnitude spring that has not adopted a septic tank evaluation and assessment program, or that does not opt out of that mandate, shall develop an assessment program within its geographic area. A local ordinance may not deviate or exceed the substantive requirements of the bills. The adopted ordinance shall provide: once every five years, the condition of each septic tank is assessed; the location of each system is identified; a tank and drainfield is evaluated and a written assessment is given; and the evaluation must be performed by a septic tank contractor registered with the state.

Testimony at Public Meetings (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:56:00 GMT

Sale or Lease of Municipal, County, or District Hospital (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:38:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 711 (Hooper) and CS/CS/SB 1568 (Gaetz) provide various conditions for the sale or lease of a county, district or municipal hospital. The bills require that the sale or lease of the hospital be subject to approval by registered voters or by the circuit court, and require the hospital governing board to determine by certain public advertisements whether there are qualified purchasers or lessees before the sale or lease of the hospital may occur. CS/CS/SB 1568 requires the governing board of hospitals to consider either selling or leasing the hospital. CS/CS/HB 711 passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and is now in the House Health and Human Services Committee.

Internet Sweepstakes Cafes (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 3 (Plakon) and SB 428 (Oelrich) make Internet sweepstakes cafes illegal in the state. CS/SB 380 (Diaz de la Portilla) and HB 467 (Gonzalez) allow local governments to regulate or prohibit these establishments. SB 468 (Fasano) contains similar provisions, but also requires the operators of these facilities to follow rules established by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. CS/CS/HB 3 passed the House Economic Affairs Committee and now goes to the House floor.

Local Requirements for Dangerous Dogs (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT

SB 1322 (Norman) and HB 997 (Trujillo) remove the provision that exempts local ordinances adopted before a specified date from the prohibition on ordinances that are breed specific (Miami-Dade county). SB 1322 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and will be considered by the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee on Tuesday, February 7. HB 997 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee and is now in the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. (Cook).

Secondary Metals Recyclers (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/SB 540 (Smith) and CS/HB 885 (Ford) preempt local ordinances regulating secondary metals recyclers adopted after March 1, 2012. The bill language is modeled after an ordinance adopted in Orange County. The bills provide restrictions on secondary metals recyclers and the sale of secondary metals. Both bills have been amended to allow cities to amend ordinances that are on the books prior to March 1, 2012.

Florida Retirement System (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT

CS/HB 525 (Workman) and CS/SB 2024 (Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee) make various changes to the Florida Retirement System (FRS). The bills revise the normal retirement dates for members of the “special risk class”. The bills alter the “vesting” period for people hired after July 1, 2012, in the defined benefit pension plan to either 10 years (CS/SB 2024) or 11 years (CS/HB 525). New hires are placed into the investment plan unless within a specified time frame the new hire elects to participate in the pension plan.

Governmental Entity Liens (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:37:00 GMT

CS/HB 671 (Wood) and CS/SB 670 (Ring) provide that a lien imposed on real property by a governmental or quasi-governmental entity for an improvement, service, fine or penalty, except a lien for taxes, special assessments or utilities, is not valid against a creditor or subsequent purchaser unless the lien is recorded in the official records of the county in which the property is located. The recorded notice of lien must contain specified information on the property. CS/HB 671 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and is now in the House Judiciary Committee. CS/SB 670 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax.

Charter Schools/Funding (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:36:00 GMT

SB 1852 (Wise) and CS/HB 903 (Adkins) require a district school board to share the revenue generated by its capital outlay millage levy with charter schools in the school district on a per-student basis. If a district school board does not share the revenue generated by the millage levy, the Florida Education Finance Program allocation for that district will be recalculated so that the charter school still receives funding. The legislation allows high-performing charter schools to increase student enrollment, expand grade levels, submit quarterly financial reports (instead of monthly), and establish up to three virtual charter schools per year. SB 1852 will be considered by the Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee on Monday, February 6.

Special Districts/Merger, Consolidation and Dissolution (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:36:00 GMT

CS/SB 192 (Bennett) and CS/CS/CS/HB 107 (Caldwell) address the merger and consolidation of special districts by allowing inactive, independent special districts that were created by a municipality to merge or dissolve through the same procedure by which they were created. Two or more contiguous independent special districts that were created by the Legislature may now merge under certain circumstances. The involuntary dissolution or merger of an independent special district is subject to legislative and referendum approval. The legislation is specifically targeting independent fire districts.

Animal Control or Cruelty Ordinances (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:36:00 GMT

CS/SB 488 (Rich) and HB 527 (Randolph) authorize cities with animal control or cruelty ordinances to impose up to a $15 surcharge on the civil penalty for violations of the ordinance. Proceeds go toward training animal control officers, to clerks of the court, and to spay/neuter programs in that city. CS/SB 488 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 527 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Construction Cranes (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:36:00 GMT

CS/CS/HB 521 (Artiles) and CS/SB 992 (Dean) preempt local ordinances that pertain to the regulation of hoisting equipment and hoisting equipment operators. CS/CS/HB 521 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and is now in the House Economic Affairs Committee. CS/SB 992 is in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee. (Cook).

Electronic Filing of Construction Plans (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:36:00 GMT

CS/HB 387 (Ahern) and CS/CS/SB 600 (Bennett) allow for the electronic filing of construction plans with the building code administrator’s permission. This language is also contained in CS/HB 651 (Davis) and CS/CS/SB 704 (Bennett). CS/HB 387 has been placed on the House Special Order Calendar and is ready for consideration by the full House. CS/CS/SB 600 has been placed on the Senate Calendar.

Department of Transportation Package (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:35:00 GMT

SB 1866 (Latvala) and CS/HB 1399 (Brandes) are the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) comprehensive legislative package. Provisions impacting cities and currently under review relate to indemnification for DOT removal of nonconforming bus benches, bridge closure requirements, and permitting of stormwater management facilities serving state transportation projects. SB 1866 was heard by the Senate Transportation Committee and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. CS/HB 1399 passed the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee and is now in the House Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee.

Federal Grants (Oppose - Unfunded Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:35:00 GMT

CS/SB 1868 (Gardiner) requires local governments to disclose to the state the unfunded, long-term costs of a project funded by a federal grant. The legislation does not provide the funding to investigate and calculate those costs. The bill authorizes a person to file a civil action to enforce the disclosure. CS/SB 1868 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Additional Homestead Exemption for Low-Income Senior Citizens (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:34:00 GMT

SJR 1740 (Garcia) and HJR 169 (Oliva) propose an amendment to the state constitution that would authorize the Legislature to allow municipalities to offer an additional homestead exemption to low-income senior citizens. SJR 1740 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. HJR 169 is in the House Finance and Tax Committee. (Hughes).

Additional Homestead Exemptions for Low-Income Seniors (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:34:00 GMT

SB 1738 (Garcia) and HB 357 (Oliva) allow municipalities to adopt an ordinance granting an additional homestead exemption to low-income seniors. The bills are contingent on the approval of a constitutional amendment similar to HJR 169 or SJR 1740. SB 1738 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. HB 357 is in the House Finance and Tax Committee.

Growth Management/Termination of CRAs by Miami-Dade County (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:34:00 GMT

SB 840 (Diaz de la Portilla) and HB 547 (Fresen) provide for the termination of community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) by the Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. The Board of County Commissioners may terminate a CRA operating within its boundaries if the agency has been inefficient in removing slum/blight, neglected its duties, engaged in financial misconduct or is no longer needed as determined by the county. The bills will require CRAs to complete a forensic audit every five years at the request of the County Commission. SB 840 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Growth Management/Glitch Bill (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:34:00 GMT

CS/SB 842 (Bennett) and HB 7081 (Workman) address non-substantive modifications from last session’s comprehensive growth management legislation. Modifications include fixing cross-references, updating outdated language, and removing provisions throughout the statutes that were made obsolete. CS/SB 842 differs from the House version by also requiring regional planning councils to determine, before accepting a grant, if the grant is in furtherance of its functions. Additionally, CS/SB 842 prohibits a regional planning council from providing consulting services for a fee to any local government for a project for which the council will serve in a review capacity.

Transportation Accessibility/Airports (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:34:00 GMT

CS/SB 1392 (Benacquisto) and HB 1201 (Nunez) require all airports within the Florida airport system and deepwater ports to provide “accessible taxicabs,” along with priority access, to passengers seeking accessible taxicab services. SB 1392 was amended because of airport and Florida League of Cities’ concerns and now is limited to requiring the state OPPAGA to study the availability of accessible taxicabs operating in certain metropolitan areas. SB 1392 is now in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax. HB 1201 is in the House Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee.

Communication Services Tax (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:33:00 GMT

CS/SB 1060 (Bogdanoff) and CS/HB 809 (Grant) modify definitions related to the Communication Services Tax. The bills have an exception to the provision holding a dealer of communications services harmless from liability when the dealer fails to correct a customer’s local taxing jurisdiction following notice by the Department of Revenue under certain provisions. CS/SB 1060 passed the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee and will be considered by Senate Community Affairs Committee on Monday, February 6. CS/HB 809 passed the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee and is now in the House State Affairs Committee.

Financial Emergencies (Oppose- Erosion of Home Rule)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:33:00 GMT

CS/SB 368 (Gaetz) and HB 7031 (Hukill) provide that governing board members who fail to resolve a financial emergency may be suspended from office by the governor. The bills also allow municipalities in a state of financial emergency to consult with other local governments. The bills require a plan to end a financial emergency to include the implementation of consolidation or discontinuance of specific services. CS/SB 368 passed the Senate and is now in House messages.

Homestead Assessment Limitation for Low-Income Senior Citizens (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:33:00 GMT

CS/HJR 55 (Nuñez) and SJR 838 (Diaz de la Portilla) propose an amendment to the state constitution that would authorize the Legislature to allow municipalities to limit the assessed value of homesteads of certain low-income senior citizens. CS/HJR 55 passed the House Finance and Tax Committee and is now in the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. CS/SJR 838 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Hughes).

Ad Valorem Taxation (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:32:00 GMT

CS/SJR 314 (Simmons) and HJR 1289 (Brodeur) propose amendments to the state constitution that create an additional exemption for homesteaded properties. CS/SJR 314 also reduces the current assessment limitation on non-homestead real property from 10 percent to 7 percent (which will sunset in 2023) and allows the Legislature by general law to prohibit increases in the assessed value of homestead property if the just value of the property decreases. If approved by 60 percent of the voters in the 2012 general election, it will be effective January 1, 2013. CS/SJR 314 was workshopped in the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax, but no vote was taken.

Tangible Personal Property Taxes (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:32:00 GMT

SJR 1064 (Detert) and HJR 1003 (Eisnaugle) propose an amendment to the state constitution that allows the Legislature by general law to increase the value of the exemption on tangible personal property; to exempt tangible property from taxation; and to waive the requirement to file a return if the value of the property is less than the exemption. SJR 1064 will be considered by the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Monday, February 6. HJR 1003 passed the House Finance and Tax Committee and is now in the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Hughes).

Tangible Personal Property Taxes (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:32:00 GMT

SB 1062 (Detert) and CS/HB 1005 (Eisnaugle) waive the requirement to file a tangible personal property tax return when taxable value does not exceed a specific amount. SB 1062 will be considered by the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Monday, February 6. CS/HB 1005 passed the House Finance and Tax Committee and is now in the House Economic Affairs Committee. (Hughes).

Revitalizing Municipalities (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:32:00 GMT

SB 1022 (Garcia) and CS/HB 595 (Nuñez) authorize a governing body to create a sales tax increment redevelopment district within a municipality that is part of an enterprise zone. The designated redevelopment agency for the sales tax increment redevelopment district is eligible for a distribution of a percentage of the increased collections of sales tax over the previous year. The Department of Revenue will determine the amount of increased sales tax collections to be distributed to each eligible designated redevelopment agency. SB 1022 passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Solid Waste Management Facilities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:31:00 GMT

Beach Management (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:31:00 GMT

CS/SB 758 (Jones) and CS/HB 691 (Frishe) streamline the permitting process for coastal construction permits, including beach restoration and nourishment projects. The bills establish new reporting requirements of active, state-funded beach erosion projects in an effort to increase the transparency of the beach management funding program. CS/SB 758 is in the Senate Budget Committee. CS/HB 691 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and is now in the House State Affairs Committee.

Premises Liability (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:31:00 GMT

CS/HB 313 (Bembry) and SB 802 (Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee) specify that an owner or lessee that provides the public with an area for outdoor recreational purposes (hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing) owes no duty of care to keep the area safe for entry, or give warning for hazardous conditions located on the premises. The owner or lessee of such land is entitled to this limitation on liability so long as the owner/lessee gives notice of this provision to people who enter the property. The bills do not relieve any person of liability if he or she acts in a willful, deliberate or malicious manner to injure a person or piece of property. CS/HB 313 is in the House Judiciary Committee.

Energy (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT

SB 2094 (Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee) alters review of 10-year site plans by the Public Service Commission by including the amount of renewable energy resources the provider purchases or produces as well as the amount of renewable energy resources the provider plans to produce or purchase over the 10-year planning horizon. The bill offers a tax exemption on renewable materials (biodiesel, ethanol and renewable fuels) to a purchaser only through a refund of previously paid taxes. Applications to receive these refunds can be made to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and expires July 1, 2016. The bill amends the renewable energy technologies investment tax credit, which allows corporations to receive a 75 percent rebate on all capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, and research and development costs incurred between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2016.

Thermal Efficiency Standards (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT

SB 1032 (Benacquisto) and HB 987 (Abruzzo) require the Department of Environmental Protection and applicable water management districts to grant a general permit for the construction, alteration and maintenance of stormwater management systems if the project serves a total project area of up to 15 acres. If the total project involves less than 10 acres and less than two acres of impervious surface, or the total project involves less than 15 acres and less than three acres of impervious surface, a general permit will be granted. HB 987 is currently in the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee. SB 1032 will be considered by the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee on Monday, February 6.

Energy Efficiency (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:30:00 GMT

HB 743 (Rehwinkel Vasilinda) and SB 1074 (Altman) provide that a portion of the local government infrastructure surtax may be used to provide loans, grants or rebates to residential property owners, with preferences for the elderly, disabled and veterans, who make energy efficiency improvements to their homes. The program or ordinance approving such a program must be adopted by referendum. HB 743 passed the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee and is currently in the House Economic Affairs Committee. SB 1074 is currently in the Senate Community Affairs Committee.

Environmental Resource Permitting (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:29:00 GMT

CS/SB 1354 (Detert) and HB 7003 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) require the Department of Environmental Protection, along with the water management districts, to adopt statewide environmental resource permitting rules for activities relating to the management and storage of surface waters. The department shall oversee regular assessment and training of its staff and the staffs of the water management districts and local governments delegated local pollution control program authority. The bill passed the Senate Governmental Appropriations Subcommittee and was amended to allow local governments to adopt stricter standards than those set out in the statewide environmental resource permit. CS/SB 1354 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Water Storage and Water Quality Improvements (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:29:00 GMT

CS/HB 1389 (Perman) and CS/SB 1858 (Altman) establish a baseline determination of the extent of the wetlands and other surface waters located on a property when a public-private partnership is entered into between a water management district and a private agricultural landowner. The baseline condition documented in the agreement shall consider the extent of the wetlands and other surface waters on the property for the purpose of regulation for the duration of the agreement and after its expiration. CS/HB 1389 passed the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and is currently in the House State Affairs Committee. CS/SB 1858 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and is currently in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Consumptive Use Permits for Development of Alternative Water Supplies (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:29:00 GMT

CS/HB 7045 (House Select Committee on Water Policy) and CS/SB 1178 (Hays) allow permits approved for the development of alternative water supplies to be granted for at least 30 years if there is sufficient data to provide reasonable assurance that condition for permit issuance will be met for the duration of the permit. CS/HB 7045 is headed to the House floor. CS/SB 1178 passed the Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and will be considered by the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Monday, February 6. (Matthews).

Environmental Regulation (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:29:00 GMT

CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 503 (Patronis) and CS/SB 716 (Bennett) are regulatory streamlining bills. The bills prohibit a municipality from requiring, as a condition of processing a development permit, that an applicant obtain a state or federal permit prior to the local permit. The bills reduce and/or waive Department of Environmental Protection and water management district permit processing fees for municipalities with a population of 25,000 or less, or for an entity created by special act, local ordinance or interlocal agreement. The bills reduce permit approval time from 90 days to 60 days after receipt of the original application.

Economic Development/Funding for Infrastructure Projects (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:14:00 GMT

SB1472 (Richter) and HB 1491 (Eisnaugle) create the Florida Infrastructure Fund Partnership. The legislation provides for a unique way to bring private capital to Florida in order to build much-needed infrastructure around the state that both local governments and the state cannot afford. SB 1472 passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. HB 1491 passed the House Finance and Tax Committee and is now in the House Economic Affairs Committee.

Repeal of Local Business Tax (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:14:00 GMT

HB 1063 (O'Toole) and SB 760 (Hays) repeal the authority of municipalities to levy the Local Business Tax. HB 1063 includes a provision that allows cities that impose the Local Business Tax and have specifically pledged those revenues to bonds issued to continue to levy the tax, but only in the amount that is needed to repay the bonds. SB 760 was temporary postponed by the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 1063 was temporary postponed by the House Finance and Tax Committee.

Exemptions from Local Business Tax (Oppose)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:14:00 GMT

SB 770 (Hays) and HB 361 (Roberson) would exempt real estate brokers and sales associates from paying the local business tax or obtaining a local business tax receipt. SB 770 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 361 passed the House Finance and Tax Committee and is in the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee. (Hughes).

Effective Public Notice (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:14:00 GMT

CS/SB 292 (Bennett) and CS/HB 937 (Workman) address legal notice requirements for local governments. The bills require legal notices published in the newspaper to also be placed on the newspaper’s website. In addition, the bills require the Florida Press Association to create a website where legal notices from every paper in the state must also be published. Finally, the bills limit the amount that can be charged for legal notices under certain conditions.

Economic Development/ Public-Private Agreements (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:13:00 GMT

SB 576 (Bennett) and HB 337 (Williams, T.) provide that certain qualifying projects may be fulfilled by public-private partnerships. When a qualifying project is approved and negotiated by a local government, a private entity can construct the project and charge user fees, lease payments or service payments. SB 576 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and is now in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. HB 337 passed the House Government Operations Subcommittee and is now in the House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee.

Preemption of Local Vendor Preference Ordinances (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:11:00 GMT

SB 1460 (Simmons) and CS/CS/HB 673 (Brodeur) preempt and supersede local ordinances that grant preferences to vendors in a competitive solicitation for construction services when the property or services is paid for with state funds SB 1460 also includes the same preemption to vendors in a competitive solicitation for personal property. The bills preempt ordinances that give preference to vendors maintaining an office or place of business within a local jurisdiction; hiring employees or subcontractors from within a local jurisdiction; or prior payment of local taxes, assessments or duties within a particular local jurisdiction. The bills also require local governments (including school districts) to disclose whether payment will come from state funds and account for the amount of such funds. SB 1460 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in Senate Education Pre-K-12 Committee.

Mandated Vendor Preferences (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:11:00 GMT

SB 538 (Bogdanoff) and HB 153 (Hooper) require state and local governments to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state printers when the lowest responsible bid is submitted by an out-of-state printer. They also require state and local governments to grant a 5 percent bid preference to in-state vendors of commodities when the low bid is submitted by a vendor from a state that does not grant a preference. The bills also require state and local governments to grant a preference to in-state vendors of commodities in an amount equal to the preference granted by the state of the out-of-state vendor that submits the low bid. SB 538 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on General Government Appropriations and is now in the Senate Budget Committee.

Numeric Nutrient Criteria (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:10:00 GMT

HB 7051 (House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee) and SB 2060 (Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee) allow the Legislature to exempt from ratification the promulgation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) numeric nutrient criteria program. The exemption from ratification is limited to this rule only. The bills require the DEP to send the state’s program to the federal Environmental Protection Agency for review. HB 7051 was considered by the full House and will be placed on the House Third Reading Calendar.

Reclaimed Water (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:10:00 GMT

CS/HB 639 (Young) and SB 1086 (Garcia) revise the definition of reclaimed water to ensure that it is not subject to regulation by a water management district until it has been discharged into waters of the state as defined in Florida statute. The bills were amended to remove the provision that changed the definition of what a “water of the state” consisted of. The bills state that reclaimed water is eligible for alternative water supply funding and may not be excluded from regional water supply planning. A water management district may not require a permit for the use of reclaimed water.

Revitalizing Municipalities (Support)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:20:00 GMT

SB 1022 (Garcia) and CS/HB 595 (Nuñez) authorize a governing body to create a sales tax increment redevelopment district within a municipality that is part of an enterprise zone. The designated redevelopment agency for the sales tax increment redevelopment district is eligible for a distribution of a percentage of the increased collections of sales tax over the previous year. The Department of Revenue will determine the amount of increased sales tax collections to be distributed to each eligible designated redevelopment agency. CS/HB 595 passed the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee and is now in the House Finance and Tax Committee.

Animal Shelters and Animal Control Agencies (Oppose - Mandate)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:07:00 GMT

CS/SB 818 (Gaetz) and HB 597 (Abruzzo) create the “Animal Rescue Act” and require any animal control agency or animal shelter that euthanizes animals to maintain a registry of animal rescue groups that are willing to accept animals that would otherwise be subject to euthanization. In addition, the bills require animal control agencies to go through an extensive process before euthanizing an animal. CS/SB 818 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Agriculture Committee. HB 597 is in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Growth Management/ Fairs and Expositions (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:02:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 502 (Hays) and CS/CS/HB 449 (Steube) are comprehensive bills that address fairs and expositions. Both bills have been amended to remove language opposed by the Senate that would have preempted fairs from local zoning ordinances. CS/CS/SB 502 passed the Senate Budget Subcommittee on Finance and Tax and is now in the Senate Budget Committee. CS/CS/HB 449 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is now ready for House floor action.

Numeric Nutrient Criteria

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:51:00 GMT

HB 7051 and SB 2060 allow the Legislature to exempt from ratification the promulgation of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) numeric nutrient criteria program. The exemption from ratification is limited to this rule only. The bills require the DEP to send the state’s program to the federal Environmental Protection Agency for review. HB 7051 passed the House State Affairs Committee and is ready for floor action.

Public Records for Newly-Elected Officials (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:46:00 GMT

HB 1305 (Adkins) and SB 1464 (Gaetz) subject officers-elect to the public records (Chapter 119) and public meetings (Chapter 286) requirements of Florida law for the period following their election to office. Officers-elect are required to maintain these records according to the policies and procedures of the office to which they are elected. HB 1305 passed the House Government Operations Subcommittee and now goes to the House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee. SB 1464 passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee and now goes to the Senate Budget Committee.

Public Nuisances (Support - Newly Filed)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

CS/HB 1443 (Frishe) and SB 1580 (Latvala) provide that when, on two or more occasions within a six-month period, a property is determined to be where controlled substances are illegally kept, sold or used, it shall be grounds to declare the place or premises to be a public nuisance for purposes of local administrative action. The bills also provide that a violation of an order of a nuisance abatement board may serve as the basis for extending the term of the order for up to one year. CS/HB 1443 passed the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and is now in the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. SB 1580 is in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee.

Construction Cranes (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

CS/HB 521 (Artiles) and CS/SB 992 (Dean) preempt local ordinances that pertain to the regulation of hoisting equipment and hoisting equipment operators. CS/HB 521 passed the House Business and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee and now goes to the House Community and Military Affairs Subcommittee. CS/SB 992 is in the Senate Community Affairs Committee. (Cook).

Compensation of Employees/Quasi-Governmental Entities (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

CS/SB 596 (Storms) and HB 545 (Mayfield) provide that an employee of a quasi-governmental entity, and other specified entities, may not receive a salary in excess of the salary paid to the highest-paid statewide elected official if the organization receives two-thirds or more of its budget from state-appropriated funds. The bills do not define “quasi-governmental entity.” HB 545 is in the House Government Operations Subcommittee. CS/SB 596 passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and is now in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee. (Conn).

Secondary Metals Recyclers (Watch)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

CS/CS/SB 540 (Smith) and HB 885 (Ford) preempt local ordinances regulating secondary metals recyclers adopted after March 1, 2012. The bill language is modeled after an ordinance adopted in Orange County. The bills provide restrictions on secondary metals recyclers and the sale of secondary metals. The Senate version was amended to allow cities to amend ordinances that are on the books prior to March 1, 2012.

Wage Protection for Employees (Oppose - Preemption)

Mandy Stark — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:45:00 GMT

HB 609 (Goodson) and SB 862 (Simmons) preempt cities from adopting or maintaining ordinances that create requirements, regulations, rules or processes for addressing wage theft. HB 609 is in the House Judiciary Committee. SB 862 passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee and is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Cook).