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Florida lawmakers call for 500 more Customs officers

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Additional officers would create jobs, cut wait
times for international travelers arriving in state

Florida lawmakers today called on Congress to provide the funding needed to hire an additional 500 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers next year to help address staffing shortages at many of Florida’s airports and seaports.

The lawmakers’ request came in a letter – led by U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) – and sent to the top Democrat and Republican members of the House and Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittees.

“The Joint Economic Committee has found that while the volume of commerce crossing our borders has more than tripled in the past 25 years, CBP staffing has not kept pace with demand,” the lawmakers wrote. “Long wait times and delayed processing of goods discourage travel and create unnecessary barriers to trade, undermining economic activity in the United States. CBP estimates show that hiring an additional 500 CBP officers at ports of entry would increase annual economic activity by $1 billion and result in an additional 16,600 jobs per year.”

CBP officers are charged with enforcing U.S. customs, immigration and agriculture laws at air, land and sea ports across the country. They are separate from CBP Border Patrol agents who patrol the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders to prevent illegal entry into the country.

Officials at many of Florida’s airports and seaports have, for years, raised concerns over the shortage of CBP officers in Florida, which they say often causes frustratingly long wait times for international travelers arriving in the state – discouraging some from ever returning.

CBP, itself, admits it needs to hire an additional 2,516 CBP officers to operate at full capacity. Congress approved $7.6 million for the agency to hire an additional 328 CBP officers earlier this year. Florida lawmakers want the agency to hire another 500 officers next year.

In addition to Nelson and Rubio, the letter was signed by U.S. Reps. Reps. Charlie Christ (D-FL), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Val Demings (D-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Al Lawson (D-FL), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Tom Rooney (R-FL), Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Dennis Ross (R-FL), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL) and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

A PDF copy of the letter is available here.

Constitution Revision Commission Approves Marsy’s Law for the 2018 General Election Ballot

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Amendment Would Create Crime Victims’
Bill of Rights for the Florida Constitution

The Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) today voted in favor of placing a proposed constitutional amendment that would create a Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights on the 2018 General Election ballot in November. The measure, sponsored by Commissioner Tim Cerio, passed with a final vote of 34 to 3. This will be the first CRC proposed constitutional amendment placed on the ballot.

Criminals and those accused of crimes have 20 distinct rights outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Victims, survivors, and their families are provided no rights under the U.S. Constitution. Most states have addressed this disparity by adding victims’ rights and protections into their state constitutions. Florida is one of only 15 states that does not provide clear, enforceable rights for victims of crimes in its constitution.

Governor Rick Scott said, “I applaud the Constitution Revision Commission on their decision to include Marsy’s Law on the ballot this fall. We have taken important steps in Florida to protect those who need it most, and we must continue to make it absolutely clear that our state stands strongly with victims.”

“As a survivor of sexual assault and an advocate for other survivors, I am heartened by today’s Constitution Revision Commission vote in favor of Marsy’s Law for Florida. Florida voters will now have the chance to decide if they, too, stand with victims and their families when they cast their ballots in November. We as survivors came before this body many times to share our stories, and I want to thank them for listening,” said Senator Lauren Book.

“I want to thank my fellow commissioners for voting in favor of this proposal,” said Commissioner Cerio. “For too long, victims in Florida have been made vulnerable by weak constitutional language that does not ensure their rights. With Marsy’s Law on the ballot this fall, the voters will have the chance to give victims the constitutional rights they deserve.”

“I am thankful for the Florida Constitution Revision Commission and their support for crime victims and our families,” said Michael Liles, executive director of the Justice Coalition. “My wife was brutally murdered in our home last year. This was a blow not just to our family but to our entire community. Currently, her killer has more rights in the criminal justice system than myself or even my children. I’m grateful to Commissioner Cerio and all the members of the CRC who worked tirelessly to make sure surviving victims have a voice. We have paid the dearest price for the impact of crime. It is only fair and reasonable that we receive equal consideration.”

“Lawmakers, public officials, sheriffs, victims’ advocates and community leaders have all come together to stand with crime victims and their families, and as the mother of a murdered child, I am deeply grateful for their support as well as the support of the Constitution Revision Commission,” said Pat Tuthill, founder of the Peyton Tuthill Foundation. “Providing clear, enforceable rights in the state constitution will mean a world of a difference to crime victims and will help them heal after a tremendous loss. I encourage all Floridians to vote yes on Amendment 6.”

Marsy’s Law Rights
Marsy’s Law will guarantee that victims receive certain rights in a number of important ways including:

  • informing victims and their families about their rights and the services available to them,
  • giving them the right to receive notification of proceedings and major developments in a criminal case,
  • protecting their safety by notifying them in a timely manner regarding changes to the offender’s custodial status,
  • allowing victims and their families to exercise their right to be present – and heard – at court proceedings,
  • providing input to the prosecutor before a plea agreement is finalized; and
  • establishing the right to restitution from the convicted.

About Marsy’s Law
Marsy’s Law is named after Marsalee “Marsy” Nicholas of California who was stalked and killed by her ex-boyfriend in 1983. Only one week after her death, Marsy’s mother and brother, Henry T. Nicholas, walked into a grocery store where they were confronted by the accused murderer. The family, who had just come from a visit to Marsy’s grave, was unaware that the accused had been released on bail.  In an effort to honor his sister, Dr. Nicholas, co-founder of Broadcom Corporation, has made it his mission to give victims and their families constitutional protections and equal rights.  He formed Marsy’s Law for All in 2009, providing expertise and resources to victims’ rights organizations nationwide.

For more information on the Marsy’s Law initiative, please visit marsyslaw.us.

Florida lawmakers call on FEMA to expedite reimbursement of disaster-related expenses owed to local governments

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U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rep. Carlos Curbelo (FL-26) today sent a letter to FEMA Administrator Brock Long urging the agency to expedite the reimbursement of disaster-related expenses owed to local governments in Florida and elsewhere.

“Local governments are cash-strapped with little to no funding in their budgets to repair damaged communities,” the lawmakers wrote. “It is critical that FEMA responsibly provide local governments with the assistance Congress appropriated to address current damages and the ability to prepare communities for the upcoming hurricane season.”

Nelson, the top Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, addressed the issue at hearing the panel held earlier today on hurricane preparedness. “There are some areas where we can and must do better,” Nelson said. “Puerto Rico is an example, Florida is an example. That local governments are still not being compensated for the debris pickup that they have advanced – that is unacceptable.”

Here is a link to video of Nelson’s comments at today’s Commerce committee hearing:

A .pdf copy of the lawmakers’ letter is available here.

Governor Rick Scott Signs “Ponce’s Law”

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Governor Rick Scott today visited Ponce Inlet to sign SB 1576, “Ponce’s Law” which creates harsher penalties for animal abusers. “Ponce’s Law” is named for a 9-month-old Labrador retriever puppy found beaten to death in Ponce Inlet last year. This legislation allows a judge to bar someone convicted of animal cruelty from owning a pet, and makes it more likely that an offender would to go prison.

Gov. Rick Scott to Sign “Ponce’s Law”

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Tomorrow, April 5th, Governor Rick Scott will visit Ponce Inlet to sign SB 1576, “Ponce’s Law” which strengthens criminal punishments for animal abusers.

WHAT: SB 1576 Bill Signing

WHEN: 8:45 AM

WHERE: The Town of Ponce Inlet Council Chamber
4300 South Atlantic Avenue
Ponce Inlet, Florida 32127

New JMI and Goldwater Policy Brief on Common Sense Solutions for Better Government

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A new policy brief by The James Madison Institute and the Goldwater Institute finds three opportunities for Florida lawmakers to reduce the growth of the regulatory state.

Entitled, “Structural Reform for a More Prosperous Florida: Common Sense Solutions for Better Government,” the brief touts three main reforms including the Right to Earn a Living Act, a state-based REINS Act and the Congressional Review Act.

“Florida succeeds when we provide an environment for prosperity for all, and when we allow individuals to pursue their passions and create economic growth. While Florida does a tremendous job relative to other states, there is always more we can pursue. In many ways, the regulatory system of the 20th Century needs to adapt to the innovations present in the 21st. That requires ever-consistent vigilance on the part of our policy makers to remove barriers to prosperity,” said JMI Vice President of Policy and report co-author, Sal Nuzzo.

Examining just the past 20 years, the Sunshine State consistently has one of the best business climates in the United States and our state government has one of the most efficient and effective operations in the entire country.

Still, Florida has room for improvement.

“There has been a growing trend toward prohibiting people from working in the job of their choice or starting a business without first seeking government approval—even if they pose no health or safety threat to the public,” Goldwater Institute Director of National Litigation, and co-author of the report, Jon Riches said. “Today, about one in four jobs require government permission, and these unnecessarily high barriers to entry are keeping Floridians and Americans across the country from earning a living. That’s not how the Land of Opportunity should work.”

The policy brief, “Structural Reform for a More Prosperous Florida: Common Sense Solutions for Better Government,” is available here.

Governor Rick Scott announces Brad Piepenbrink as Chief of Staff

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Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Brad Piepenbrink as Chief of Staff of the Governor’s Office beginning today, March 26th. Jackie Schutz Zeckman resigned yesterday and will be pursuing other opportunities.

Governor Scott said, “Brad has done an incredible job in the many important positions he has held throughout my administration. He effectively ran our external affairs operation which has consisted of thousands of events across the state and has led the development of significant policy initiatives throughout my time in office. Brad also oversaw the appointments process of individuals to more than 600 boards and commissions. He was also a key component of my successful reelection efforts and has been critical to carrying out my agenda to make Florida the best state for families and job creators.

“Jackie has been on my team since my first year in office and has been a trusted and loyal advisor. During her time in the Governor’s Office, she led communications efforts and helped lead my legislative strategy during last year’s special legislative session and this year’s session where we secured many victories for Florida families. She also spent years as traveling press secretary where she has coordinated our communications efforts in every Florida media market, and in other states and nations during our economic development missions. She has been dedicated to implementing my agenda throughout my time as Governor and I know she will continue to do great things for our state.”

Brad Piepenbrink most recently served as deputy chief of staff in the Governor’s Office where he oversaw the Governor’s policy development over the environment, health care, transportation, law enforcement and emergency management and was also the director of the Office of External Affairs. Piepenbrink served in this role since the Governor’s reelection in 2014. Prior to this, he served as political director for Governor Scott’s reelection campaign.

During the Governor’s first term in office, Piepenbrink served as Governor Scott’s Director of External Affairs, Deputy Chief of Staff at the Department of Education, and travel-aide to the Governor. Earlier in his career, he also served Senate President Andy Gardiner in the Senate Majority Office and was the legislative aide to Senate President Pro Tempore Garrett Richter. He began his career working for John McCain’s Presidential Campaign in 2008. Piepenbrink holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Florida Gulf Coast University and MBA from the University of Florida.

Governor Rick Scott Signs 30 Bills Into Law

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Governor Rick Scott today signed the following bills into law:

SB 146 – Appointment of Attorneys for Dependent Children with Special Needs – This bill requires certain court costs be paid by the state when pro bono attorneys represent special needs children in dependency proceedings.

SB 220 – Bankruptcy Matters in Foreclosure Proceedings – This bill authorizes documents filed in a federal bankruptcy proceeding to be admitted as evidence in a foreclosure.

CS/CS/CS/SB 268 – Public Records/Public Guardians/Employees with Fiduciary Responsibility – This bill creates a public record exemption for former and current public guardians and employees with fiduciary responsibility.

CS/SB 386 – Consumer Finance – This bill provides additional repayment schedule options for consumer finance loans and sets a maximum delinquency charge of $15 per calendar month for each loan payment in default.

CS/SB 394 – Fire Safety – This bill requires the Division of State Fire Marshal to establish specified courses as a part of firefighter and volunteer firefighter training and certification.

SB 472 – National Statuary Hall – This bill directs the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to replace the statue of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith in the National Statuary Hall Collection with a statue of Mary McLeod Bethune.

SB 498 – Office of Public and Professional Guardians Direct-Support Organization – This bill repeals the sunset date for the Foundation for Indigent Guardianship.

CS/CS/SB 510 – Reporting of Adverse Incidents in Planned Out-of-Hospital Births – This bill requires that adverse incidents of planned births that occur outside of hospitals be reported to the Florida Department of Health.

CS/SB 512 – Homestead Waivers – This bill provides language that can be included in a deed to waive spousal homestead rights.

CS/CS/SB 568 – Telephone Solicitation – This bill expands the ‘Do Not Call’ list to include direct to voicemail sales calls.

CS/CS/SB 622 – Health Care Facility Regulation – This bill amends numerous provisions related to the regulation of health care facilities.

SB 660 – Florida Insurance Code Exemption for Nonprofit Religious Organizations – This bill expands the nonprofit religious organizations’ insurance code exemption to include people sharing a common set of ethical or religious beliefs.

CS/CS/CS/SB 920 – Deferred Presentment Transactions – This bill creates a new type of small loan up to $1,000.

CS/SB 1132 – Vessel Safety Inspection Decals – This bill provides an expiration date for vessel safety inspection decals.

SB 1712 – Postsecondary Revenue Bonds and Debt – This bill allows Florida A&M University to participate in the U.S. Department of Education’s Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Program.

CS/CS/HB 21 – Controlled Substances – This bill takes significant steps to combat opioid abuse in Florida.

CS/HB 41 – Pregnancy Support and Wellness Services – This bill codifies the Pregnancy Support Services Program in Florida Statute.

HB 53 – Coral Reefs – This bill creates the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area.

HB 67 – Florida Slavery Memorial – This bill establishes the Florida Slavery Memorial to honor the nameless and forgotten men, women, and children for their contributions to the United States.

CS/HB 85 – Voter Registration List Maintenance – This bill enhances the Florida Department of State’s ability to prevent voter fraud by joining a nongovernmental organization with other states to verify voter registration information.

CS/HB 87 – Public Records/Statewide Voter Registration System – This bill creates a public records exemption for voter registration information received by the Florida Department of State from another state in which the information is confidential or exempt.

HB 405 – Linear Facilities – This bill provides legal certainty for decisions made under the Power Plan Siting Act and Transmission Line Siting Act.

HB 413 – Trusts – This bill updates and revises provisions of the Florida Trust Code relating to revising trust decanting procedures, electronic delivery of trust documents, and trust accounting.

CS/CS/HB 429 – Donation and Transfer of Human Tissue – This bill requires the Florida Department of Health to develop and publish on its website educational information relating to tissue transplants.

HB 623 – Out-of-Country Foreign Money Judgments – This bill increases protections from unjust foreign court judgments.

HB 6021 – The Guardian Ad Litem Direct-Support Organization – This bill continues the Direct Support Organization for the Guardian ad Litem Office.

CS/HB 6515 – The Relief of Cathleen Smiley by Brevard County – This bill directs Brevard County to provide $25,000 in relief to Ms. Cathleen Smiley for injuries caused by a county bus.

HB 7029 – A Review Under the Open Government Sunset Review Act/Human Trafficking Expunction – This bill continues the public record exemption of criminal history records relating to a victim of human trafficking.

HB 7031 – A Review Under the Open Government Sunset Review Act/Criminal Justice Commission – This bill continues the public meeting exemption of a criminal justice commission while members discuss active criminal intelligence or investigative information.

HB 7035 – Ratification of St. Johns River Water Management District Rules – This bill ratifies a St. Johns River Water Management District rule for Silver Springs.

To view the transmittal letters, click HERE.

Gov. Rick Scott Signs the Securing Florida’s Future Budget

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Governor Rick Scott today signed the Securing Florida’s Future budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019. Click HERE and HERE for the transmittal letter and details on the budget. To view the veto list, click HERE.

The Securing Florida’s Future budget:

Cuts Taxes for Florida Families and Job Creators

The Securing Florida’s Future budget cuts taxes by nearly $550 million – bringing the total tax cut savings for Florida families since 2011 to more than $10 billion. This legislative session, Governor Scott proposed, and the legislature approved, Amendment 5 to be placed on the November ballot which will give Floridians the opportunity to vote to amend the Florida Constitution, making it harder for politicians to raise taxes.

Invests Record Funding for Education

For the sixth straight year, the Securing Florida’s Future budget invests record funding for K-12 and state universities. Since Governor Scott has been in office, state funding for K-12 public schools has increased by $3.2 billion, 37 percent. State funding for state colleges and universities has also significantly increased by nearly $200 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, since 2011. Additionally, the budget keeps higher education affordable with NO tuition increases for the fifth consecutive year.

Keeps Florida Schools and Communities Safe

The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests more than $400 million in funding to increase the safety and security of Florida’s schools and provide significantly more resources for mental health. Following the tragedy in Parkland where 17 died, Governor Scott also signed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act to keep students and communities safe. The budget also invests $34 million in pay raises for state law enforcement officers, firefighters and juvenile detention and juvenile probation officers.

Encourages Long-Term Economic Growth

The Securing Florida’s Future budget provides critical funding, including $85 million for the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, so Florida can keep aggressively fighting to be the best destination for businesses to succeed. Since December 2010, Florida businesses have created nearly 1.5 million new jobs. The budget also builds on Florida’s six-straight years of record breaking tourism and funds VISIT FLORIDA at $76 million to successfully market Florida to the world as the premier tourism destination and support the 1.4 million tourism-related jobs in our state.

Provides Record Funding for Florida Transportation

The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests a record $10.1 billion in transportation infrastructure to keep up with Florida’s continued growth and booming economy. Since Governor Scott took office in 2011, investments in transportation have increased by $3.3 billion, more than 48 percent.

Protects Florida’s Environment

The Securing Florida’s Future budget includes $4 billion to protect Florida’s environment and agriculture. Since 2011, investments to preserve Florida’s environment and protect the state’s iconic beaches, pristine springs and the Florida Everglades have increased by nearly $1 billion. The budget also provides $50 million of state funds to further expedite repairs to the federally-operated Herbert Hoover Dike – growing the state’s total investment to $100 million.

Combats the National Opioid Epidemic in Florida

The Securing Florida’s Future budget invests more than $65 million to combat opioid abuse in Florida. Governor Scott also proposed, and the legislature passed, significant policy changes to address the national opioid epidemic in Florida.

Supports Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery

The Securing Florida’s Future budget provides more than $1.7 billion in disaster assistance for state and local governments and federal funding to assist in meeting the educational needs of affected Florida students, as well as students displaced from Puerto Rico.

FWC Division of Law Enforcement achieves reaccreditation

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement received recognition Feb. 21 at a ceremony in St. Augustine for completing the review process to maintain its accreditation status. The FWC was initially accredited in 2009. This was its fourth completion of the accreditation process.

“The FWC Division of Law Enforcement continues to maintain the highest standards of credibility, effectiveness and professionalism,” said Eric Sutton, FWC executive director. “Our staff work diligently to uphold these important standards each and every day. Reaccreditation by the Commission validates the hard work they do, and provides a strong vote of confidence in their ability to protect the public and conserve Florida’s natural resources.”

Florida law enforcement accreditation is certified by an independent reviewing authority, the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). There are approximately 240 prescribed standards reflecting best management practices that a law enforcement agency must consistently meet or exceed over a three-year period in order to achieve this status.

“Accreditation is a voluntary but important process intended to hold an agency to a higher level of accountability by an external source,” said Col. Curtis Brown, director of the Division of Law Enforcement. “We are very pleased with the CFA’s determination that reaccreditation of the Division was earned.”

An accreditation assessment team composed of law enforcement representatives from other accredited Florida law enforcement agencies conducted on-site inspections of the division’s procedures, policies, practices and equipment to determine compliance. The team visited FWC headquarters in Tallahassee and several other offices around the state, interviewing individuals, reviewing written materials and observing activity.

“We sincerely support the accreditation process,” Brown said. “It has been an effective way to ensure that we are operating efficiently and providing the best service we possibly can.”