Personal Message from Representative Bob Rommel

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Personal Message from Bob

 

The 2021 Legislative Session is heading down the home stretch.  It has been a very busy session – in spite of the limitations impressed upon members and staff due to COVID-19.

Legislators have tackled some very contentious bills including CS/HB1 – Combating Public Disorder; CS/HB305 – Insurance; SB2012/HB1475 Transgender Youth Athletes; HB383/SB590 – Parents’ Bill of Rights and more.

In addition, the Legislature MUST pass a balanced budget as set forth in the Florida Constitution before the Legislative Session can adjourn.  Both the House and the Senate have passed budgets. There is a $2 Billion difference between the two budgets. which must now be negotiated so that both the House and the Senate are in agreement.

Further details about the budget and assorted bills below.

 

Speaking with WINK News about the various bills pending in Committees.

 

Representative Bob Rommel
District 106

 

 

Florida’s 2021-2022 Budget

 

With just two weeks left in the 2021 Legislative Session, House and Senate leaders have formally started budget conferences. The conferencing process allows the two chambers to resolve differences between their initial budget drafts, which were submitted at the beginning of April, ultimately concluding with a single FY21-22 budget they’ll approve at the end of the month and send to the governor for consideration. It’s typical for the House and Senate to offer unique approaches to the state’s spending plan, and this year is no different with the two budgets currently several billion dollars apart.

Very much in play is the question of whether and how to allocate the $10.2 billion the State will receive under the recently adopted $1.9 trillion federal American Rescue Plan. That plan also allocates $6.4 billion directly to local governments, bringing Florida’s total to roughly $17 billion.

The Governor has proposed spending $4.1 billion of the $10.2 billion to boost state ports, augment “resilience” spending and send every Florida first responder a $1,000 payment for their extraordinary service during the pandemic. Of the remaining $6 billion, legislative leaders will have expansive discretion in distributing this one-time federal relief. The House has chosen to include $4.4 billion in federal assistance in its $97.1 billion proposal (APC 21-01), while the Senate’s initial $95 billion spending plan (SB 2500) proposes cuts of $2.5 billion over the next two years.

Remember the Legislative Session cannot adjourn until such time as both chambers agree on a budget and submit it to Governor DeSantis for his review and approval.

 

 

 

CS/HB1 – Combating Public Disorder
Anti-Rioting Act

 

Why is HB1 important

HB 1 protects our communities, our neighborhoods, and the police officers who risk their lives for us. Free speech and the right to peaceably assemble are the foundation of America – HB 1 protects these rights for all people, regardless of reason or viewpoint.

What does HB1 do?

Provides law enforcement officers and prosecutors more tools to prevent violence and property destruction caused by riots.
Who benefits?

• Property Owners
• Peaceful Protesters
• Law Enforcement
• All Floridians because HB 1 will make Florida safer.
Sponsor Amendments
Amendment Bar Code # 175541: • Creates a duty for a municipality to allow law enforcement to respond appropriately during a riot. If it doesn’t, the municipality is civilly liable for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damages caused by the breach.

Amendment Bar Code # 580221:
• Defines “historic property” as any building, structure, site, or object officially designated historic through a designation program.
• Prohibits destroying, demolishing, damaging, or pulling down historic property and requires a person convicted to pay restitution.

Amendment Bar Code # 491535:
• Revises rioting crime to clarify that a person has to willfully participate in a riot to be covered.
• Revises the crime of aggravated rioting to require a person to participate with 25 or more other persons, rather than nine or more other persons to be covered.

Amendment Bar Code # 423835:
• Technical: conforms the offense severity ranking chart to amendments.
FICTION / FACT

FICTION: It will disproportionately impact communities of color.
FACT: HB 1 protects free speech and the right to peaceably assemble for all people, regardless of who they are and their viewpoint. HB 1 will impact mob violence – not peaceful protest. It does not target communities of color and will protect peaceful protesters from bad actors who want to commit violence.

FICTION: It is not fair that local governments have to bear the costs associated with the budget appeal process for reductions to municipal police budgets.
FACT: The budget appeal process is vital to protecting law enforcement. It helps hold local governments accountable. If municipalities want to defund the police, they should have to defend that decision. HB 1 limits who can appeal the municipal police budget reduction to include only the State Attorney of the judicial circuit or a member of the governing body who objected to the funding reduction.

FICTION: HB 1 would criminalize the 1960s Civil Rights Movement.
FACT: Nothing in HB 1 prohibits a local government from issuing a special event permit for a peaceful protest. For people who block a road without a permit, HB 1 clarifies that law enforcement officers are allowed to enforce civil violations. Under HB 1, blocking a street is a civil violation, not a crime, so HB 1 would not have criminalized the 1960s Civil Rights Movement for protesting in the street.

FICTION: HB 1 values monuments over people.
FACT: HB 1 is about protecting Floridians’ lives. Along with protecting people, the bill also includes protections for property. The bill protects all memorials dedicated to preserving U.S. and Florida history and makes no distinction based on the type or viewpoint of the memorial. For property, the focus is on destroying a monument without permission of the owner. If the owner chooses to remove or destroy the memorial, it may do so.

FICTION: HB 1 is dangerous.
FACT: No one has a right to riot. The bill is solely focused on preventing violence and rioting. All Americans have the right to protest, but no American has the right to destroy others’ property; no American has the right to physically endanger others. HB 1 does not target communities of color. This bill actually protects peaceful protesters from bad actors that want to perpetrate violence.

FICTION: HB 1 is unnecessary.
FACT: Thankfully, there wasn’t the kind of violence we saw around the country over the summer and in January in Florida. Government’s first priority is protecting the public. We need to send a message that we intend to keep Florida safe – HB 1 gives the justice system additional tools to keep peaceful protests safe from those trying to abuse a movement.

UPDATE:  Governor DeSantis has signed HB1 into law making it effective as of Monday, April 19, 2021!

 

 

SB 72 – Civil Liability Protections for
COVID-19 Related Claims

 

How is SB 72 different from the House COVID-19 Liability Protection Bills?

SB 72 COVID-19 liability protections for businesses are identical to those in HB 7, which the House passed on March 5th. SB 72 includes many of the same provisions in HB 7005, the House Health Care COVID-19 liability protection bill, and the differences are described below.

What does SB 72 do?

Creates COVID-19 liability protections for businesses (HB 7) and achieves the difficult balance of providing liability protections to health care provides while retaining necessary safeguards for patients and long-term care facility residents (HB 7005).

Who benefits?

• Businesses, nonprofits, schools, religious institutions, health care providers, and long-term care facilities
• All Floridians because SB 72 will help our economy recover
Provisions in SB 72

SB 72 provides liability protections for business claims and non-patient (business) claims against health care providers and long-term care facilities (HB 7 + HB 7005) by:
• Requiring COVID-19 claims to contain a physician’s affidavit
• Providing civil immunity for defendants that make a good-faith effort to comply with applicable government guidance
• Raising the burden of proof to clear and convincing evidence and raising the liability standard to at least grossly negligent for cases that make it to trial

SB 72 provides heightened liability protections to health care entities for civil claims brought by patients or facility residents related to:
• Diagnosis or treatment of, or failure to diagnose or treat COVID-19 (HB 7005)
• Provision of a novel or experimental COVID-19 treatment (HB 7005)
• Treatment of a COVID-19 patient whose injuries were directly related to exacerbation of their pre-existing conditions (SB 72)
• Transmission of COVID-19 (HB 7005)
• Delay or cancellation of a surgery, procedure, test, or appointment (HB 7005)
• Acts or omissions related to an emergency medical condition which were the result of a lack of resources directly caused by the pandemic (HB 7005)

SB 72 provides the same protections for these claims as HB 7005:
• Raising the liability standard from negligence to gross negligence
• Creating affirmative defenses for health care providers that substantially complied with applicable government standards or if it was impossible to comply with those standards because of resource shortages or insufficient time to implement them

SB 72 protections apply retroactively, just like HB 7005.

SB 72 includes three different statutes of limitations:
• For actions relating to transmission, diagnosis, or treatment of COVID: later of one year after the date of death, hospitalization, or diagnosis (SB 72)
• For all other actions accruing after the effective date of the act: one year from the date the cause of action accrues (SB 72)
• For actions accruing before the effective date of the act: one year from the effective date of the act (HB 7005).

 

 

HB1475/SB2012 -Transgender Youth Athletes

 

Why is HB 1475 important?

HB 1475 – the ‘Fairness in Women’s Sports Act’ (Act) – supports women and girls by ensuring they have the same opportunities as men and boys to showcase their skill, strength, and other athletic abilities.
What does HB 1475 do?

• Requires athletic teams at the K-12 and collegiate levels to be designated based on biological sex and reserves female teams for biological women and girls
• Ensures that biological women and girls have the opportunity to play on a level playing field and enjoy the benefits that come with competing in sports
• Protects women and girls from being displaced and deprived of athletic scholarships and other benefits that would enhance their futures
Who benefits?

• Biological women and girls
• Female athletics, because the bill supports fairness in competition and maintains opportunities for women and girls to excel and receive recognition for their athletic accomplishments

Frequently Asked Questions

Does HB 1475 discriminate against transgender athletes?
No. HB 1475 is not anti-trans – it is pro-women and girls. The state’s interest in providing women and girls with an equal opportunity to participate in athletics is legitimate and not intended to discriminate against transgender athletes. In fact, ensuring equal opportunities for women is the essence of Title IX.

Does HB 1475 threaten Florida’s economy?
No. Florida is a destination market for tourism, new business ventures, popular sporting events, and other economic and recreational activities. Our state has so much to offer from our beaches and amusement parks to our championship winning sports teams. In regards to the NCAA statement issued on April 12, HB 1475 does not discriminate – it treats all biological males the same and all biological females the same, and every student athlete has the opportunity to participate on a team or in a sport corresponding to their biological sex.

Is HB 1475 unconstitutional?
No. The Supreme Court of the United States has recognized that there are inherent differences between men and women and these differences remain cause for celebration, but not for denigration of the members of either sex or for artificial constraints on an individual’s opportunity. Additionally, Title IX specifically allows separate sex-specific athletics teams or sports.

 

 

 

At the request of Governor DeSantis, HB 7047 revised the  state of emergency bill to include a ban on vaccine passports. The bill also limits local emergency orders to 42 days.

All adults in US now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine. All adults in the United States are now eligible to register for a coronavirus vaccination, an accomplishment public health experts say represents a major step toward defeating the ongoing pandemic.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provided its first public data about breakthrough Covid-19 cases to CNN last week and it shows that vaccines have been highly effective at reducing infections, hospitalizations and death.

As of last week, around 78.5 million Americans had been fully vaccinated and the CDC’s data states that 5,800 cases of Covid-19 occurred among fully vaccinated people, 396 of whom required hospitalization with 74 deaths recorded.

 
12,210,832 Total Vaccine Doses Administered
4,386,973 People Fully Vaccinated

2,155,744
FL Case Count
35,000 DEATHS

 

 
202,282,923 Total Vaccine Doses Administered
80,609,818 People Fully Vaccinated

31,556,889
US Case Count
565,986 DEATHS

 

 
860,450,000 Total Vaccine Doses Administered

139,488,232
Global Case Count
2,991,956 DEATHS

 

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Super Bowl LV Champions!

 

 

I may not be a fan (I’m a long-time Giants supporter), but I was certainly very proud of Florida’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers on winning Super Bowl LV in February 2021.  This is the first time the home team played in their home stadium (Raymond James Stadium) and won! It’s great to have the Lombardi Trophy in Florida, where it belongs!!

 

Florida has no income tax and a balanced budget.
Let’s keep it that way!

Congressman Donalds’ Statement on the Verdict in the Trial of Derek Chauvin

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Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement on the verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin.

 

“Our Constitutional Republic is predicated on the belief that you are innocent until proven guilty, and one’s fate is to be determined by an impartial judicial system that is ultimately in the hands of a jury of your peers—we saw that today. The fight for equal justice in America did not come easy. We must all acknowledge the tremendous advancements we as a nation have achieved in which has provided equal justice under the law for decades, but the work is far from over.

 

“The murder of George Floyd demonstrated a reckless disregard for human life by a public servant who swore an oath to protect and serve the people of Minneapolis and by no means represents the majority of police in America today. Today and every day, Americans should celebrate the fact that we live in a nation that awards every person their day in court and the opportunity for justice to prevail under the blindfold of Lady Justice.”

Congressman Donalds’ Statement Regarding the Democrat’s Radical Power Grab: D.C. Statehood

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Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding the Democrat’s radical power grab move to grant Washington, D.C. Statehood.

 

“Democrats are not working for the American people; they are working for themselves and their callous desire for power. D.C. Statehood is just another tool in their toolbox to transform our Constitutional Republic to push their radical leftist agenda.

 

“D.C. Statehood is not about giving Washingtonians representation; it is about giving the Left two Democrats in the United States Senate so they can pass anti-gun legislation, pack the United States Supreme Court, and pass H.R. 1. The left can play with politics, but they can’t play with our Constitution.”

Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Hallmark Anti-Rioting Legislation Taking Unapologetic Stand

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Public Safety
 Legislative leaders and law enforcement officials from across the state applaud the passage of House Bill 1 to prevent mob violence, support peaceful protest and stand with our law enforcement.

Winter Haven, Fla. – Today, during a press conference at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Governor Ron DeSantis was joined by legislative leadership and law enforcement officials from across the state to sign the “Combating Public Disorder Act” into law. The bill, HB 1, takes a robust approach to uphold the rule of law, stand with those serving in law enforcement and enforce Florida’s zero tolerance policy for violent and disorderly assemblies. The bill comes in the wake of ongoing violence, rioting and other forms of civil unrest throughout the United States over the last two years.

Governor Ron DeSantis said, “In Florida, we are taking an unapologetic stand for the rule of law and public safety.  We are holding those who incite violence in our communities accountable, supporting our law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to keep us safe and protecting Floridians from the chaos of mob violence. We’re also putting an end to the bullying and intimidation tactics of the radical left by criminalizing doxing and requiring restitution for damaging memorials and monuments by rioters. I am proud to sign this bill into law and appreciate the diligence of our elected leaders in the state legislature, especially Senator Stargel, Senator Burgess, Representative Fernandez-Barquin, Representative Perez and Representative Byrd, for getting this proposal to my desk so swiftly.”

First announced by Governor DeSantis in September 2020, the proposed legislation included new criminal offenses and increased penalties for individuals who are participants in violent or disorderly assemblies, while simultaneously guarding the Constitutionally protected First Amendment right to peaceably assemble.

House Bill 1, the “Combating Public Disorder Act”, increases penalties for existing crimes committed during a violent assembly, and protects the communities’ law enforcement officers, and victims of these types of acts. The bill also creates specific crimes for mob intimidation and cyber intimidation to ensure that Florida will not be a welcoming place for those wishing to impose their will on innocent civilians and law enforcement by way of mob mentality. Crimes of mob intimidation and cyber intimidation both will become 1st-degree misdemeanors.

Florida will not tolerate the destruction and demolition of memorials and historic properties by angry mobs. The Combating Public Disorder Act also creates new penalties for destroying monuments and historic property, the consequences of which include of a 2nd-degree felony and paying restitution for the repairing or replacing of the memorial. The bill is also increasing penalties and rankings for many of these offenses like assault, battery, battery on a law enforcement officer, criminal mischief, burglary, and theft when these crimes are committed during or in furtherance of a riot.

Legislative leaders and Cabinet officials from across the state joined Governor DeSantis to applaud the passage of HB1. Here is what they are saying …

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez said, “Our administration believes there is a fine line between peaceful protest and violence. We have seen our nation’s communities ravaged by rage, anger, rioting and chaos. Our democracy cannot afford to blur the lines between peaceful assembly and violence. We applaud the Florida legislature for passing a historic bill that will protect the people’s Constitutional rights and liberties, safeguard our communities and will not turn a blind eye to criminal acts.”

Florida Senate President Wilton Simpson said, “Our constitutional right to protest has played a critical role in the great history of our democracy. We will defend the right of every Floridian to peacefully protest. However, you can’t assault a police officer. You can’t destroy property. No matter who you are, or what the cause. This good bill strengthens our state laws to increase penalties for bad actors who turn otherwise peaceful and constitutional protests into violent riots where law enforcement officers are attacked and property destroyed. I am proud to stand with our Governor to make it clear that peaceful protests are welcome, but violent, destructive mobs will not be tolerated in Florida.”

Florida House Speaker Chris Sprowls said, “There is nothing more important to me than protecting people and their property and defending our law enforcement officers. And there has been no Governor in America bolder than Governor Ron DeSantis, and for that, I commend him. Thank you to Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin and his colleagues who championed this bill through the House, Senate President Simpson and our Senate partners, and Governor DeSantis, whose vision and signature today made this the law of the land. Today we are standing up to mob violence and standing behind our law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to protect and serve.”

Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “We ask law enforcement officers to take an oath to protect and serve. We, as leaders, in turn have a responsibility to protect them as they ensure order and safety in the communities they serve.  We respect the right of people to peaceably assemble and make their views known on issues of public policy, but rioting, violence and destruction of property cannot and will not be tolerated in Florida. I want to thank Governor DeSantis and our great legislative leaders for taking steps to prevent the chaos and destruction happening in other parts of the country from gaining a foothold in Florida.”

Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis said, “Governor Ron DeSantis has done it once again. As citizens and businesses flee states like California and New York for sunny Florida, the Governor has fired off another message to the rest of the world that Florida will put the safety of its citizens first and foremost. We’ve watched cities like Portland, New York, Seattle, and Chicago burn because politicians turned their backs on law enforcement. Luckily, Governor DeSantis’ Florida is different from the Portlands of the world because we love and appreciate our law enforcement community. Unfortunately, as anti-law and anti-law enforcement sentiments are spilling out to certain portions of the nation, Florida has had to make sure our laws are keeping up with the times to keep our communities safe. This law makes it clear that civil protests are not the same as violent-destruction, and we’re thankful to the Governor and Legislature for putting this commonsense idea into action.”

Representative Juan Fernandez-Barquin, R-Miami, Sponsor of House Bill 1 said, “My bill protects peaceful protestors, innocent residents, private property and law enforcement. It stiffens penalties for looters and rioters and preserves our First Amendment rights by clearly differentiating between a rioter and peaceful protestor.”

Senator Danny Burgess said, “As a Father, Soldier, and Florida Senator, I took an oath to protect our First Amendment rights and will always continue to do so. This bill protects the 1st Amendment Rights we all cherish – rights generations of Americans have fought and died to protect. This bill makes it clear that the Florida Legislature and our Governor stand side by side with protestors who are peaceful and trying to enact meaningful change. We stand side by side with law enforcement who risk their lives every day to protect our communities. Most importantly, we stand side by side with Floridians across our state who like me were rendered speechless watching U.S. soldiers inside our nation’s Capital protect us from ourselves. I am grateful to Governor DeSantis for signing this legislation today, because here in Florida criminals who seek to thwart peaceful protests by willfully inciting violence, attacking law enforcement and destroying public or private property will be held accountable.”

Senator Kelli Stargel said, “As a mother of children who have served this country in our Armed Forces and defended the freedoms we enjoy as Americans, and as a citizen who has participated in many peaceful protests over the years, I am grateful to the Legislature and our Governor for their work to protect the rights of protestors whose worthwhile efforts to make their voices heard are drowned out when peaceful protests turn into violent attacks on law enforcement and property. We are honored to have our Governor here in Polk Country today to sign critical legislation that safeguards our First Amendment right to protest, while enhancing public safety by giving law enforcement the tools they need to protect our communities.”

Representative Cord Byrd said, “HB 1 strikes the right balance between protecting the constitutional right to peaceably assemble while punishing those who sow discord and anarchy.  HB 1 sends a strong message that Florida will not wait for its cities to burn before taking action to protect her citizens.”

Representative Danny Perez said, “With the signing of HB 1, we are making it abundantly clear that rioting and looting will never be tolerated in Florida. I am proud to join Governor DeSantis and my colleagues in the Legislature in standing for law and order.”

In addition to legislative leaders, law enforcement officials and representatives from across the state applauded the Governor’s leadership to pass House Bill 1 and sign it into law. Here is what law enforcement officials are saying …

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said, “I applaud House Speaker Sprowls, Senate President Simpson, and Governor DeSantis for their leadership to keep Floridians and visitors to Florida safe by passing this important legislation. Nothing else matters if you and your children aren’t safe. This law represents Florida’s commitment to public order and creating a safe place for people to express their constitutional right to free speech.”

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said, “Government’s one and only responsibility is to protect its citizens and in a state that stands for law and order, House Bill 1 does exactly that!! From day one, Governor DeSantis has stood shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement to protect our citizens and this bill is another perfect example of his commitment to make certain that Florida is the safest state in the country!!  The bill combats public disorder and holds those accountable who put others lives and property at risk through violent acts and destruction. Structured to protect free speech and peaceful protest, House Bill 1 gives strong teeth to law enforcement and prosecutors to bring criminal charges against those who commit acts of violence, looting, destruction, and intimidation during a public disturbance. Championed by Governor DeSantis, House Bill 1 makes certain that our citizens, our cops, and our Constitution are protected!!”

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said, “HB1 is important to the rule of law and effective public safety across Florida. Thanks to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature, law enforcement will now have effective tools to hold people accountable who are not peacefully protesting, but rather are engaging in lawless behavior that threatens the safety of others.”

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said, “I fully support Governor DeSantis and his commitment to law and order in the State of Florida; I have taken a zero-tolerance stance against rioting or any type of violence within my county. While I completely support the citizens right to peacefully assemble, any type of public endangerment or rioting will be shut down immediately, and those responsible will be incarcerated. I could not be more proud of our great Governor.”

Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said, “I commend Governor DeSantis and his strong leadership because he truly knows how to protect this great State of ours. This bill becoming a law is a perfect example of his passion of ensuring that the hard working, law abiding citizens and their property is and will be protected. This law will separate the law-abiding citizen exercising their Constitutional Rights from the individual who is committing crimes.  Anyone who opposes or fears this law is an individual who cares more about a criminal and criminal acts rather than law and order.”

Duval County Sheriff Mike Williams said, “I am very pleased that our Governor has demonstrated yet again his support for law enforcement in signing House Bill 1 – the Anti-Riot Bill. Jacksonville, along with the rest of the state is ready to work together to build stronger bridges of trust and cooperation while maintaining public safety. Public Safety is paramount for everyone in Florida – our families, our neighbors and our businesses.”

Gilchrist County Sheriff and President of the Florida Sheriffs Association Bobby Schultz said, “Destroying property, harassing, and threatening Floridians, or attacking law enforcement officers is unacceptable in a civil society; Sheriffs will defend every citizen’s right to peacefully protest. HB 1 further supports this by removing the criminal element that attempts to take these peaceful events and turn them violent.”

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Rick Swearingen said, “I am grateful for Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership on HB1. Under Governor DeSantis, Florida has shown what it means to be a national model by bolstering our law enforcement community with the tools it needs to protect our citizens. The anti-riot bill makes Florida safer and I’m proud to stand with Governor DeSantis on this important legislation.”

Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gene Spaulding said, “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, HB 1 will help our communities exercise their constitutional rights peacefully while upholding the rule of law and furthers Florida’s commitment to supporting and protecting our dedicated law enforcement officers.”

Colonel Curtis Brown, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said, “We want to thank Governor DeSantis for his leadership in keeping Floridians safe, we stand behind the Governor and the Legislature on this important issue.”

Satellite Beach Police Chief and President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association Jeff Pearson said, “On behalf of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and over 900 law enforcement executives, we applaud Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their unwavering support for Florida’s law enforcement and the rule of law. Peaceful protest is a defining hallmark of our society, but violent protests endanger lives and threaten the rights of every other citizen we are sworn to protect. With Governor DeSantis’ leadership, House Bill 1 will help law enforcement better protect the lives and property of every Floridian, and ensure that peaceful protestors can safely exercise their constitutional rights without the threat of having their voices hijacked by the violent actions of others.”

Florida Police Benevolent Association President John Kazanjian said, “On behalf of the thousands of brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, the Florida PBA applauds Governor Ron DeSantis for signing into law, the ‘Anti- Riot Bill.’ This important legislation will increase penalties for assault, battery, burglary and theft, and battery against a law enforcement officer during a riot, and prohibits the damaging or defacing of memorials or historic property. This is a win for public safety in the State of Florida and for our law enforcement officers, who maintain public safety every day.”

Florida State Fraternal Order of Police President Robert Jenkins said, “The Fraternal Order of Police wants to thank Governor DeSantis for HB 1. The  FOP believes this bill allows Law Enforcement the ability to act appropriately and swiftly to protect the citizenry, and property of this State, but more importantly those persons wishing to exercise their constitutional right of free speech peacefully. The FOP wants to thank Governor DeSantis not only for his continued support of Law Enforcement but his continued leadership during the pandemic this past year.”

Melo Minute – April 16

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The Speaker of the House, Chris Sprowls, commented on the bills favorably after both had passed. Speaker Sprowls: “[This] is the most significant redesign of our workforce system of any other State in America. It has a purpose that makes it very clear that what this chamber has just said is that we care about our people. That our people are significant and they are not forgotten. And they deserve — that when their government engages with them — that we help them find a job, we help them find purpose and meaning in work, and that we help them find a pathway for prosperity for their family.”

 

HB 579 – Evidentiary Standards for Actions Arising During an Emergency

 

This bill works to protect businesses responding to declared emergencies from having specific civil causes of action put against them. It passed the House on Wednesday, April 14th, with 115 Representatives in favor of it.

April 16th, 2021 — House Floor Edition
Passing the House

HB 1507– Workforce Bills

 

These bills, by Representative Yarborough and myself, work to streamline workforce programs and services, collect more data on our workforce, and open more pathways for our students so they can have brighter futures. The House released a video on its YouTube page where Representative Yarborough and I explain our legislation. Click here to watch it!

 

On April 14th, HB 1505 and HB 1507 passed the House with 116 and 117 Representatives in favor of them respectively — there were no votes in opposition to either bill.

 

– Domestic Violence

 

This piece of legislation passed the House 118-0, on April 15th. I am grateful to my colleagues for supporting me with this bill as it ensures our domestic violence centers have better funding mechanisms and re-establishes a standardized batterers’ intervention program in our State. Click here to see it in action on the Floor.

HB 1637 – Immokalee Water and Sewage District, Collier County

 

We all read the spoiler at the start, so there’s no surprise for this one! Indeed, HB 1637 also passed the House 118-0. This bill provides clarity on how Immokalee’s District Board of Commissioners is constituted. This will help the Immokalee Water and Sewage District secure federal funds to address local water and sewer issues.

 

Need Some Weekend Plans?

 

·     The US Open Pickleball Championships are being held at East Naples Park from 4/17 through to 4/24. Head to East Naples Park this Saturday to watch this great sporting event kick off! For more information click here.

 

·     Speaking of “Opens,” Naples has an Open Air Farmers Market every Saturday from 7:30AM – 11:30AM. It is located at 3rd St. S. & Broad Ave. S. to 3rd St. S. & 13th Ave. S. For more information about the event you can call (239) 261-8936.

 

·     Kicking for Wishes is having their first annual kickball tournament benefitting Make-A-Wish Southern Florida. It is being held at North Collier Regional Park. Feel free to join them for some fun and send them your support this Saturday at 11AM. For any questions regarding participation or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Taylor Norman at tnorman@sfla.wish.org or (239) 992-9474.

  What We’re Reading

 

Chris Sprowls Celebrates House Passage of Workforce Bills

 

Haley Brown

 

 

Collier County’s mask mandate has ended as of April 13th. There are no plans from the County to renew the mandate. It should be noted that private businesses maintain the right to ask you to wear a mask. If you feel that you still want to wear a mask for your own healthy and safety, you are free to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

Check Out My Social Media!

 

The Vince Lombardi trophy made an appearance in the Florida House last week. Proud of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for bringing home the prize. Follow me on my social media to keep up to date with all of the latest happenings during session!

 

Q&A’s

 

I have a great team here in HD80. We are always ready to help out.

If you have a question you would like for my team and I to address within The Melo Minute feel free to send an email to:

HDIST080@myfloridahouse.gov

 

 

 

Representative Lauren Melo

Florida House District 80

Passidomo Legislative update April 17

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This weekend, we began the budget conference.  The Florida Senate and House come together to resolve differences between the two chambers’ versions of the state budget.

Each chamber passed a version of the state budget last week, but a lot has changed since then.  While we planned for a major budget shortfall, the most recent revenue estimate for FY 2021-2022 projects Florida will receive $2 billion more in revenue than the most recent estimate.  The increase is a result of federal relief funding and higher tax revenues expected as we continue to recover and rebuild our economy from COVID-19.  While the latest revenue projection is a strong improvement, we have important decisions to make about how we fund the many priorities and challenges our state faces.  We must ensure that every taxpayer dollar is spent wisely and provides a strong return on investment for Floridians.

While the budget process moves forward, we continue to hear important legislation on the Senate floor. Below is an update on activities this week.  To search and follow any of the proposed legislation for the 2021 session, you may view them here: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bills/2021.

 

  Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update

As of Thursday, April 15, 11,956,854 vaccine doses have been administered in Florida.  There are now 6,942,405 individuals who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in Florida.

Remember, all individuals aged 18 and older are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. You may watch the Governor’s previous announcement here.

Check the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website for the latest information.

  

 

  COVID-19 Update: Florida Case Data

As of April 15, there have been 2,148,448 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, including 32,713 in Collier County, 4,554 in Hendry County and 63,558 in Lee County.

As of April 14, the state’s positivity rate for new cases is 6.66%.

To find the most up-to-date information and guidance, you can visit the Florida Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 webpage.

For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website.

  

 

  Senate Passes Legislation to Repeal Florida’s Motor Vehicle No-Fault Law

This week, the Florida Senate passed Senate Bill 54: Motor Vehicle Insurance by Senator Danny Burgess.

Florida is one of only two states that does not currently require drivers to carry liability coverage that immediately kicks in if they cause bodily injury or death.

SB 54 transforms ineffective and outdated insurance practices to result in a more stable insurance market and better outcomes for all insured Floridians.

This legislation repeals Florida’s No-Fault Law and instead enacts a bodily injury liability system, providing fairness to insured drivers and placing liability on the at-fault party in an accident.

Enacting Senate Bill 54 will ensure more significant bodily injury liability coverage for Floridians and require insurance companies to offer first-party medical coverage (MedPay) of $5,000 or $10,000 to all drivers.

Senate Bill 54 also reforms bad faith actions in order to reduce litigation by providing a set of standards that will govern the conduct of both parties during the claims handling process.

  

 

  Measure to Preserve First Amendment Rights, Combat Violent Riots Passes Florida Senate

Our constitutional right to protest has played a critical role in the great history of American democracy.  Every American has the right to peacefully protest, however, there is absolutely no excuse for destroying property or attacking law enforcement in the course of exercising your constitutional right.

While violence and destruction from dangerous riots have plagued our state, Washington D.C., and cities around the country over the last year or more, the Florida Legislature is taking action now to ensure public safety and safeguard the First Amendment right of all Americans to peacefully protest.

House Bill 1: Combating Public Disorder, presented by Senator Danny Burgess, passed the Florida Senate and will now be sent to the Governor’s desk.

House Bill 1 upholds the rule of law and protects law enforcement officers from violent attacks.  The legislation increases criminal penalties for violence, burglary, and destruction during a riot, allows law enforcement to prohibit individuals from blocking traffic and obstructing roadways if a permit has not been obtained, provides for a six-month mandatory sentence for battery against a law enforcement officer during a riot, creates a process to reject efforts to defund the police, and makes doxing a first-degree misdemeanor.

Rioting, violence and destruction silences those protesting peacefully, and will not be tolerated here in Florida.

  

 

  Senate Committee Reaffirms Commitment to Support Our Veterans and Their Families

The Senate Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Kelli Stargel, unanimously approved Senate Bill 260: Services for Veterans and Their Families, by Senator Gayle Harrell.

The legislation authorizes the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to create the Florida Veterans’ Care Coordination Program to provide both veterans and their families with dedicated behavioral health care referral services, primarily for mental health and substance abuse.

Through the program, a veteran may call a separate veteran-dedicated support line to receive assistance and support from a fellow veteran who is trained to respond to the calls for assistance.  The Florida Senate is committed to ensuring Florida remains the number one state in the nation for our military and veteran communities and their families.

  

 

  Senate Approves Bill to Help Save Lives of Police Canines

The Florida Senate is enhancing care and protections for our hardworking police canines.

Senate Bill 388: Injured Police Canines, by Senator Tom Wright, gained unanimous support in the Senate.  The bill allows for a police canine injured in the line of duty to be transported in an emergency vehicle to a veterinary clinic or similar facility if no person requires medical attention or transport when the canine needs it.

Senate Bill 388 also authorizes Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics to provide emergency medical care to the injured police canine at the scene of the emergency or while being transported.

  

 

  Life-Saving Legislation Passes Committee

The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, chaired by Senator Doug Broxson, unanimously approved Senate Bill 280: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training in Public Schools, by Senator Dennis Baxley, a potentially life-saving measure to require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training in schools.

The legislation requires school districts to provide basic training in first aid, including one hour of hands-only CPR instruction, for all students in grades 9 and 11.  The legislation also encourages school districts to provide this critical training for students in grades 6 and 8.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes.

Bystander CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival if started immediately, but one major barrier to bystanders providing this lifesaving care is a lack of training.  Senate Bill 280 seeks to lower that barrier and ultimately save lives.

  

 

  Legislation to Ensure Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth Advances

Gaining unanimous support in the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senate Bill 1526: Medicaid Coverage for Former Foster Youth, by Senator Ileana Garcia, will assist former foster young adults in maintaining their Medicaid coverage.

The legislation helps ensure young adults who have aged out of foster care continue to be provided Medicaid coverage until age 26 by directing the Department of Children and Families and community-based care lead agencies to develop a program and conduct outreach for eligible young adults to facilitate their continued coverage.

Currently, Florida requires young adults who have aged out of foster care to apply for Medicaid continuing coverage and to re-apply or re-certify each year through the maximum age of 26.

Young people are often not aware of their eligibility or have difficulty navigating through the administrative process to obtain and maintain their coverage. Senate Bill 1526 ensures Florida’s former foster youth receive the care and coverage afforded to them.

  

 

  Online Sales Tax Bill Sent to Governor DeSantis’s Office This Week

On Monday, the Florida Legislature sent Senate Bill 50: Online Sales Tax by Senator Joe Gruters to the Governor’s office. When a bill is submitted to the Governor’s office, there is a seven-day period in which the Governor may choose to sign the legislation into law or veto the bill.

Under the law, online purchases are not tax-free. Every time government turns a blind eye on collecting taxes, we put a greater burden on the businesses and Floridians who are following the law. Making sure out-of-state businesses are collecting and remitting taxes that are owed is the right thing to do.

SB 50 will help to prevent an unexpected tax hike on Florida businesses, creates a fair playing field for in-state businesses, and creates a revenue stream to replenish the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund to support Florida workers seeking re-employment.

  

 

  Alcohol-To-Go Legislation Passes Both Florida Chambers

This week, the Florida House passed SB 148: Beverage Law by Senator Jennifer Bradley in a 115-1 vote.

The legislation would allow restaurants to package alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of to-go meals.

The bill aims to support restaurants by allowing alcoholic drinks or bottles as part of take-home meals.

The bill limits the “to-go” option to licensed restaurants, caps individual container sizes at 32 ounces and requires motorists to place the drinks in locked compartments, vehicle trunks or an area behind the last upright seats in vehicles.

In order to purchase drinks to-go, SB 148 also requires at least 25% of an individual’s takeout order to include non-alcoholic beverages or food items.

  

Big Tech censors are at it again

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Big Tech censors are at it again

Ironically making the case for why there must be guardrails put on Big Tech censorship of political speech, last week YouTube took down a video of a Governor Ron DeSantis’ roundtable in March with premier national doctors and epidemiologists from Harvard and Stanford. These actual experts, not the self-anointed Silicon Valley types, substantiated the unnecessary damage caused by lockdowns and the need for in-person schooling. And YouTube refused to allow such dissenting opinions to stand and deleted the video.

So Governor DeSantis came right back at them Monday and held another roundtable with the same experts discussing the same topics.

“YouTube’s decision to remove the video of our previous roundtable is just another example of unabashed overreach and bias by Big Tech,” the Governor said. “Silicon Valley and the corporate media have drawn a line in the sand: they don’t care about the facts. They only care about pushing their agenda and will do so by whatever means necessary, the truth be damned. That’s why we are taking action here in Florida to hold Big Tech accountable and call out their hypocrisy.”

The three health care experts hit hard on the issue of authoritarian-style censorship and the damage it is causing to honest scientific inquiry.

“There’s nothing more dangerous than being able to censor what is said in a country, because then you are simply not ever going to even hear the truth,” said Dr. Scott Atlas, Robert Wesson Senior Fellow in health care policy at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. “And you are entering into a phase of countries that we used to criticize severely like the USSR, like communist China.”

“For science to work, you have to have an open exchange of ideas,” said Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, professor of medicine at Stanford University and research associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research. “If you’re going to make an argument that something is misinformation, you should provide an actual argument. You can’t just take it down and say, ‘Oh, it’s misinformation’ without actually giving a reason…Science works best when we have an open debate.”

“When we do censoring and slandering, even if we are willing to continue to speak out, there are many other scientists that I know, including junior scientists, who do not want to speak out because they see what’s happening to us,” said Dr. Martin Kulldorff,  biostatistician, epidemiologist, and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. “They don’t want to have to go through the same thing. So, we really need a debate.”

You can watch the roundtable here, as long as YouTube deigns to allow it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBjstx_IhoM

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The Wall Street Journal published a guest column from Dr. Jay Bhattacharya titled, Masks for Children, Muzzles for Covid-19 News. Dr. Bhattacharya wrote that in the guise of combating “misinformation,” YouTube censored scientific debate. He discusses multiple studies showing masks do more harm than good in school children.

Read more here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/masks-for-children-muzzles-for-covid-19-news-11618329981?st=3aume8hd1f3wv9c&reflink=article_imessage_share

––––

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune published a guest column from Julio Fuentes, CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce under the title, Florida Lawmakers Right to Reign in Big Tech, in which Fuentes agrees with the Governor and Florida Republicans legislative actions:

“Freedom of speech is one of our most important rights as Americans. Unfortunately, it is also a right that’s increasingly under attack, especially online where Big Tech companies control everything we see and do. It may not be government censorship, but it amounts to the same thing when just a handful of companies hold so much power and influence…

“Florida lawmakers should be commended for working to enhance transparency and accountability by Big Tech companies. Their efforts will help to shift the balance of power back to consumers – and help to provide much-needed clarity regarding the specific standards, regulations and practices that impact our lives both online and offline.”

Read more: https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2021/04/08/opinion-florida-lawmakers-right-rein-big-tech/7120307002/

 

COVID-19 Update

The Florida Department of Education has issued emergency orders continuing the orders from last year that resulted in the successful opening of Florida public schools, and expanding the statewide testing windows to ensure that every student can safely complete their state assessments.

“Over the past year and beyond, Florida has led on prioritizing the education and wellbeing of our state’s students,” Governor DeSantis said. “This emergency order will empower students, families and teachers with data on students’ progress and growth and provide them with the necessary tools to create the best educational experience for each individual.”

“Similar to last year, this Emergency Order protects our high school seniors and empowers local school districts and schools to make the important decisions on graduation, promotion and whether to opt-in to school grades and improvement ratings,” Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran said. “This is the ultimate flexibility and reinforces the compassion and grace we have used throughout this pandemic in making these decisions.”

Read more: https://www.flgov.com/2021/04/09/florida-department-of-education-issues-emergency-order/

Florida Update

Governor DeSantis has directed the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a long-term plan to close the Piney Point site.

Governor DeSantis was joined at the Piney Point facility in Manatee County by Senate President Wilton Simpson, Senator Jim Boyd, Representative Tommy Gregory, Representative Will Robinson, DEP Secretary Noah Valenstein and the entire Manatee County Board of County Commissioners.

“The longstanding problems at Piney Point must end,” the Governor said. “I am directing the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan to close Piney Point to ensure this never happens again. I am redirecting $15.4 million for innovative technologies to pre-treat water at the site.”

DEP’s team of engineers and scientists, who are critical to response efforts, will develop a plan for site closure, which moves the state forward with a science-focused and thoughtful approach. This plan will ensure this closure is the last chapter in the long history of Piney Point.

Read more here: https://www.flgov.com/2021/04/13/governor-ron-desantis-directs-dep-to-develop-long-term-closure-plan-for-piney-point/

––––

House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, made revamping Florida’s education and career training programs to help people get meaningful jobs is a top priority. Speaker Sprowls challenged the House to create an Opportunity Agenda that zeroes in on working-class families.

Aakash Patel, the founder and President of Elevate, Inc., praised the Speaker for his leadership in a recent Tampa Bay Times column title, This is the Ideal Moment to Redesign Florida’s Workforce

“If there is a right time to improve how Floridians can learn about the best opportunities for new jobs or about job training to learn new skills, a pandemic that has upended the state’s economy is it…The bottom line: This is the ideal moment to redesign our workforce and education systems to efficiently serve Floridians and prepare them to succeed in a redesigned economy. We are fortunate that Gov. Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, are making this overhaul a priority during this legislative session.

“This is an ambitious effort, and it’s critical for Florida’s economic future. As the state recovers from the pandemic, we have to ensure Floridians have a solid grasp of new job opportunities and access to the training needed to learn the skills to succeed in those jobs.”

Read more here: https://www.tampabay.com/opinion/2021/04/09/this-is-the-ideal-moment-to-redesign-floridas-workforce-column/

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez was on the Bob Rose Show on News Talk 97.3 The Sky in Gainesville to discuss the Florida response to Covid-19 and the strategy of focusing on seniors first. She also was able to point out the strong economic growth that Floridians have been able to enjoy because of the decisions to keep the state free and open.

Listen to her interview here: https://www.facebook.com/LtGovNunez/videos/491627008689382

 

Social Media Highlights

 

REMEMBER: @FloridaGOP and retweet and share. The Republican message must be spread around the state and you are integral to making that happen.

 

Big Changes – 400,000 New Voters – President’s Message

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Big Change – 400,000 New Voters

Be aware over 400,000 people have moved out of the Urban Democrat controlled cities this year. Guess where they are moving. They are moving to places that respect law enforcement, keep their schools open, show respect for the American flag and respect the Constitution. Florida is taking in a large portion of the people fleeing tax burdens and overbearing governance.

Fear – Our Lifestyle Is At Risk

We fear the new people moving to Florida do not realize that they need to vote Republican.  Collier County Republicans elected from local offices to the State House do work together to create our quality of life.  We want to remind our new residents to vote against burdensome taxes and government overreach.

We are attempting to take action to educate our new friends and neighbors to help them understand the way they vote impacts our collective ability to preserve our great quality of life and freedoms we all enjoy in Florida.  To accomplish these objectives, a committee was created to reach out to the newcomers and encourage them to join one of the Republican clubs and volunteer to Keep Florida Red and Normal!

The committee is named the Collier County Citizens Values PAC.  We will be distributing flyers (download here) that encourage our new friends and neighbors to vote Republican and get involved locally. We are working on Candidate Ratings guided by Republican Values (see here) to assess the behavior of elected officials and candidates! Where needed, new candidates will be recruited that match those values.

Help – We Need You

We cannot count on the media.  This new organization will distribute news and share which elected officials are displaying our values.

To carry out this mission, The committee needs $200,000 to impact local elections.  It is not too early to donate.  The mid-term elections are coming up fast; beginning February 1, 2022 with the Naples City Council.

If you believe in keeping this community great, then please help. Your dollars and talents focused on Collier County are of tremendous value.  Please do not leave these issues to someone else to address.

Click here to help.

Legislative Update – April 11, 2021

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Legislative Update – April 11, 2021

This week, the Florida Senate passed the proposed $95 billion state budget for the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year. The budget aims to support Floridians as we continue to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the budget includes funding for key initiatives that will benefit our state beyond the pandemic.
Priorities include support for new workforce opportunities, projects to help address the rising sea level and Everglades restoration, and major investments in Florida’s infrastructure.
The Florida House passed its proposed budget this week, too. Budget negotiations will begin as early as next week to resolve differences and produce a consensus budget before April 30 for the Governor’s consideration.
As the budget process progresses, legislation continues to move through the process. It is important to note that bills as originally filed oftentimes change dramatically in committee hearings due to input from the public and committee members. SB 86 on Bright Futures is such an example (see my comments below). If you are interested in following the course of any piece of legislation go to the Florida Senate website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bills/2021.

Florida COVID-19 Vaccine Update
As of Thursday, April 8, 10,732,071 vaccine doses have been administered in Florida. There are now 6,942,405 individuals who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 in Florida.
As of this Monday, all individuals aged 18 and older are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. You may watch the Governor’s previous announcement here.
Check the Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website for the latest information.

Reminder: Pre-Register for the COVID-19 Vaccine & Use the DOH Vaccine Locator
Visit the Florida Department of Health (DOH) statewide vaccine locator site and preregistration system to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Both websites help eligible Floridians preregister for the vaccine and locate nearby vaccination sites.

COVID-19 Update: Florida Case Data
As of April 9, there have been 2,111,807 positive cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Florida, including 32,138 in Collier County, 4,507 in Hendry County and 62,224 in Lee County.
As of April 8, the state’s positivity rate for new cases is 6.66%.
To find the most up-to-date information and guidance, you can visit the Florida Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 webpage.
For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website.

Senate Unanimously Approves Balanced Budget with Major Investments in Infrastructure, Environment
The Florida Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 2500: Appropriations, the Senate’s proposed budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The $95 billion budget includes key investment infrastructure, water quality improvements and environmental restoration, child welfare, and an increase in the minimum wage for state workers.
The balanced budget includes $5 billion in reserves to responsibly plan for Florida’s future as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The budget proposal fully funds the Medicaid program, which increased by 730,000 enrollees as a result of the pandemic and maintains last year’s unprecedented level of per-student funding for K-12 education, including a $500 million allocation to raise teacher salaries. The budget also provides for a $50 million increase in our investment in the child welfare system and increases the minimum wage for state workers to $13 per hour, three years ahead of the timeline outlined by the constitutional amendment that passed last fall.
Additionally, the Senate approved conforming bills associated with the balanced budget that make comprehensive investments in Florida’s infrastructure and environment. Senate Bill 2512, Documentary Stamp Tax Distributions, forms a three-part infrastructure plan to prioritize funding in state and local affordable housing programs, mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise, and enhance wastewater programs, including septic-to-sewer conversions. The new framework provides that affordable housing programs would receive approximately $200 million. Programs established to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rise and enhance wastewater programs would each receive approximately $111 million.

Senate Prioritizes Legislation Expediting Water Storage North of Lake Okeechobee
Senate Bill 2516: Water Storage North of Lake Okeechobee, works to improve the water quality in Lake Okeechobee and reduce damaging discharges.
The legislation expedites the Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project, providing for water storage north of Lake Okeechobee, and secures $50 million annually to ensure the success of this transformative policy.
Senate Bill 2516 will serve to mitigate toxic algal blooms, protect against droughts, improve water quality and quantity, and preserve Florida’s unique environment for generations to come.

Measure to Replenish Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund, Cut Business Rent Tax Sent to Governor’s Desk
The Florida Senate recognizes the hardships Florida’s businesses have endured during the ongoing pandemic. Senate Bill 50: Taxation, by Senator Joe Gruters, passed off the Senate Floor and prevents an unexpected tax hike on Florida businesses, creates a fair playing field with out-of-state businesses, ensures necessary compensation is available for Florida workers seeking re-employment and cuts Florida’s business rent tax by $1 billion.
Unlike brick and mortar businesses here in Florida, out-of-state retailers or marketplaces that sell products online do not always remit the sales tax for each purchase. This legislation simply ensures marketplaces and out-of-state retailers collect the owed sales tax at the point of sale for remote purchases, and remit these taxes to the state, just like in-state retailers. This measure helps create a fair climate for our state’s businesses, where everyone plays by the same rules.
Senate Bill 50 directs these funds, approximately $1 billion of uncollected sales tax from out-of-state retailers, to be collected and deposited into Florida’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund for the next four years, or until the Trust Fund is replenished to pre-pandemic levels. Replenishing the trust fund will prevent an impending 700% increase in unemployment taxes facing businesses while ensuring that the fund remains solvent for employees when they need to claim their benefits. Once the Trust fund is replenished, additional funds collected from out-of-state retailers will go toward reducing Florida’s business rent tax rate from the current 5.5% to 2%.
Cutting the business rent tax by 3.5% will lower taxes on businesses by over $1 billion. Florida is the only state to charge sales tax on commercial rentals of real property. This meaningful tax cut will lower operating costs for Florida businesses while helping decrease new businesses’ startup costs.

Legislation Safeguarding First Amendment Rights, Combating Violence Passes Committee
In the last year, violence and destruction from dangerous riots have plagued our state, Washington D.C., and cities around the country.
Now, the Florida Legislature is taking action to ensure public safety and preserve the First Amendment right of all Americans to peacefully protest. House Bill 1: Combating Public Disorder, presented by Senator Danny Burgess, passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
House Bill 1 upholds the rule of law and protects law enforcement officers from violent attacks.
The legislation increases criminal penalties for violence, burglary, and destruction during a riot, allows law enforcement to prohibit individuals from blocking traffic and obstructing roadways if a permit has not been obtained, provides for a six-month mandatory sentence for battery against a law enforcement officer during a riot, creates a process to reject efforts to defund the police, and makes doxing a first-degree misdemeanor. The Florida Senate is committed to ensuring individuals’ First Amendment right to peacefully protest. Rioting, violence and destruction only silence those protesting peacefully, and will not be tolerated here in Florida.

Measure to Combat Human Trafficking in Florida Advances to Senate Floor
The Senate Committee on Rules approved Senate Bill 1826: Human Trafficking, by Senator Manny Diaz, Jr., in an ongoing effort to end human trafficking in Florida.
The legislation expands the definition and scope of “human trafficking,” to better ensure
traffickers are brought to justice for this form of modern-day slavery.
The legislation also provides that certain communications between a human trafficking victim advocate or trained volunteer with the victim are confidential. This will help individuals feel more comfortable sharing their experiences and receiving these critical services in a private setting.

Measure to Stabilize Florida’s Property Insurance Market Passes Senate
With the cost of property insurance in Florida increasing rapidly, the Florida Senate passed legislation to stabilize Florida’s property insurance market. Senate Bill 76: Property Insurance, by Senator Jim Boyd, addresses several issues surrounding the rising cost of property insurance in Florida. Specifically, the bill clarifies options for insurance coverage related to roof damage and replacement, creates a uniform period for filing a property insurance claim, requires that the insured party provide notice to the insurance company before filing a lawsuit, and changes how attorney fees are awarded in property insurance litigation.
“We want to make certain that Floridians have access to property insurance that is both reliable and affordable. Right now we have a situation in our state where homeowners are paying more for their property insurance, and yet insurance companies are suffering massive losses,” said Senator Boyd. “One of the biggest drivers of rate increases is the extraordinary number of roofing claims in Florida. This bill provides a needed update to roofing policies to both protect homeowners and prevent the abuse of claims by predatory attorneys and contractors.”

Senate Passes Statewide Flooding and Sea-level Rise Resilience Plan
The Florida Senate this week passed Senate Bill 1954, Statewide Flooding and Sea-level Rise Resilience, by Senator Ray Rodrigues.
SB 1954 establishes statewide resiliency programs that assess and address inland and coastal flooding and sea-level rise.
The bill creates the “Resilient Florida Grant Program” within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), which will provide funding, subject to appropriation, to local governments for the costs of resilience planning and projects to adapt critical assets.
The bill further creates the “Comprehensive Statewide Flood Vulnerability and Sea Level Rise Data Set and Assessment,” to be updated every five years. The DEP must develop a statewide data set necessary to determine the risks to inland and coastal communities, including statewide sea level rise projections; and develop a statewide assessment, based on the statewide data set, which identifies vulnerable areas, infrastructure, and critical assets.

Comprehensive Legislation to Improve Emergency Response Efforts Passes Committee
The ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic has highlighted several areas where the Florida Legislature can make improvements to benefit our state moving forward.
Senate Bill 2006: Emergency Management, by Senator Danny Burgess, updates the State Emergency Management Act to better address the threat posed by a pandemic or other public health emergency. This legislation passed the Senate Committee on Rules, chaired by Senator Kathleen Passidomo, its final committee stop before consideration by the full Senate.
Last year, Senate President Wilton Simpson announced the creation of a new committee, the Select Committee on Pandemic Preparedness and Response, chaired by Senator Burgess. The committee reviewed a wide range of issues regarding the state response to the pandemic, and this legislation is one step in addressing the gaps that were identified.
The bill provides for additional oversight and transparency regarding exercises of the executive branch’s and local government’s emergency powers to protect the individual rights of all Floridians while keeping our communities safe. It ensures the Division of Emergency Management (DEM) maintains a stockpile of personal protective equipment.
Senate Bill 2006 also requires the DOH to create a state public health emergency management plan and for DEM to incorporate it into a comprehensive emergency management plan.

Senate Passes Comprehensive Plan to Invest in Florida’s Infrastructure
The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 2512, Documentary Stamp Tax Distributions, and Senate Bill 2514, Resilient Florida Trust Fund. These conforming bills associated with the state budget establish the statewide plan to fund key infrastructure programs.
Senate Bill 2512 funds key infrastructure priorities; including critical wastewater programs, affordable housing, and mitigating sea-level rise, without raising taxes on Floridians.
This comprehensive proposal modernizes our documentary stamp tax distribution by dedicating a steady stream of funding to address these three critical areas of public policy.
SB 2514 creates the Resilient Florida Trust Fund within the Department of Environmental Protection and provides that the trust fund is established as a depository for documentary stamp revenues dedicated to resiliency projects as provided for in SB 2512.

Legislation to Provide Students With Improved Career Planning Tools Passes Senate Florida
On Thursday, Senate Bill 86, Student Financial Aid, by Senator Dennis Baxley passed the floor.
Since the Bright Futures Program was established, it has been modified many times, to include increases in investments. In 1997, the state funded $69 million in scholarships. This year’s budget invests $651 million of state resources into Bright Futures. When Bright Futures was first established, the funding was based on the cost of tuition, but today the program includes more support, such as the cost of books.
Over the last several weeks, I have received a number of emails on this bill, many from people who expressed concerns about the original version and were not aware of revisions made in recent weeks. The originally filed version did not contemplate reducing funding for Bright Futures. Instead, it tied the funding for each student to whether or not they were enrolled in a degree program that would lead to them getting a job once they graduated. That provision caused a great deal of concern to me and to students and parents all over the state.
I and many of my colleagues spoke with the bill sponsor to share these and other concerns about the bill. As a result the bill was amended dramatically.
The current version of the bill does not limit any student in their choice of degree selection or the courses they may take. The bill provides that the scholarships will be funded through an amount annually specified in the General Appropriations Act (GAA). The budget recently passed by the Senate fully funds Bright Futures Scholarships at current levels.
The updated Senate Bill 86 that passed the Senate floor this week provides a framework for Florida students and families to make more informed decisions about educational options and expands avenues of eligibility for merit-based financial aid scholarships.
Senate Bill 86 requires the Board of Governors (BOG), State Board of Education (SBE) and the Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF) to create and publish a list, by December 31, 2021, of programs and certificates that will not directly lead to jobs.
University students will also have access to the real-world outcomes of state university graduates by academic area, and students will be able to explore post-graduation median salary, debt, loan, and continuing education information before declaring a major.
The bill provides additional eligibility options for the Bright Futures Scholarship Program beginning for graduates of the 2021-2022 academic year.

Senate Committee to Meet Next Week on Three Proposed Gaming Bills
Next Monday, the Committee on Regulated Industries will meet to discuss three new proposed bills related to gaming in Florida.
As a member of the committee, I will participate in discussions regarding the following proposals: the creation of a Gaming Control Commission, the decoupling of jai alai, harness and quarter horse racing, and conform Florida statutes to the constitutional prohibition on greyhound racing.
Senate President Simpson recognizes that Florida is a diverse state and that Senators and constituents have many different opinions, beliefs and convictions regarding gaming. The fact remains, gaming is a voter-approved industry that has contributed billions of dollars to our economy for education, health care and infrastructure while providing hundreds of thousands of jobs to Floridians for nearly 100 years.
I will continue to keep you updated as discussions progress.

In the News
Collier CARES app launching to connect people with essential services
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As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office any time that I can be of assistance.
Sincerely,

Kathleen C. Passidomo
Senate Rules Chair
State Senator, District 28