Attorney General Pam Bondi today issued the following statement on the unanimous approval of SB 8 by the Senate Appropriations Committee:
“I am thrilled this life-saving legislation is moving quickly through the legislature. We must continue our fight to end the opioid crisis that is claiming more than 14 lives a day in our state.”
legislation
Senator Powell’s ‘Direct File’ Prohibition Bill Heads to Next Committee Stop
Legislation would reform the way children are prosecuted in adult criminal court statewide
Legislation sponsored by Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) seen as a key component of criminal justice reform in the state of Florida is heading for its second Senate hearing, following a bi-partisan 5-1 vote of support in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee on Monday.
“I thank the Committee for recognizing the need for change,” said Senator Powell. “Our children are losing their futures in the current system. That benefits no one—not the state of Florida, not the criminal justice system and, certainly, not these kids.”
Backed by a broad array of social, religious and legal advocacy organizations, including the Florida Public Defenders Association, the Florida PTA, the ACLU of Florida and the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops, Senator Powell’s ‘direct file’ bill, SB936, would reform the way children are prosecuted as adults in Florida
Currently, there are three ways juveniles are sent to the adult criminal justice system: indictment, judicial waivers and direct file, the latter giving prosecutors, not judges, the sole discretion to decide how children are prosecuted. Florida leads the nation in the numbers of children prosecuted as adults and is one of only three states that do not involve a judge in those decisions.
Senator Powell’s legislation would change that by eliminating mandatory direct file, prohibiting the direct filing of 14- and 15-year-olds, and revising the list of crimes for which prosecutors can decide to send children of any age into the adult system, among other important provisions.
“No one is saying children should not be held accountable for their actions,” said Scott McCoy, senior policy attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center, and a supporter of the bill. “What we’re saying is they should be held accountable in the system we designed for that purpose, which is not the adult system, but the juvenile justice system. Otherwise, it’s tantamount to throwing them away.”
Senator Powell’s bill next heads to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice.
Sen. Bean and Rep. Fischer File Legislation to Support Jacksonville School for Autism
Senator Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) and Representative Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville) have filed legislation to appropriate $250,000 to Jacksonville School for Autism (JSA). This appropriation will allow JSA to expand their Strategies and Techniques for Effective Practice (STEP) Program. The STEP Program provides vocational students and young adults with the skills necessary to be independent and successful in both their communities and places of employment.
“Jacksonville School for Autism has impacted numerous lives since its founding and has provided its students with the support they need to become independent, productive members of society,” said Senator Bean. “This appropriation will allow Jacksonville School for Autism to expand and help more students realize that they are truly capable of anything.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirms 1 in 42 boys have an autism diagnosis. JSA is dedicated to helping children with autism and their families by tapping into all available resources to provide “outside of the desk” thinking. With a focus on whole child development and individualized programs that encourage both family and community involvement, JSA is able to nurture each child to reach his or her full potential.
“Autism touches the lives of many Floridians, and it is our responsibility as lawmakers to ensure they have the support they need to reach their full potential,” said Representative Fischer. “This funding request will provide increased vocational training for JSA students, helping them learn essential skills that will prepare them for employment.”
For more information about Jacksonville School for Autism, please visit jsakids.org.
For more information about HB 3967, click here.
Sen. Steube and Rep. La Rosa File Bills to Protect Private Property Rights
SB 1400 and HB 773 Statewide Regulation for Vacation Rentals
Senator Greg Steube (R-Sarasota) and Representative Mike La Rosa (R-St. Cloud) today highlighted SB 1400 and HB 773 which aim to protect private property rights of vacation rental owners who have been unfairly targeted by a growing number of local regulations. Over the last several years local governments have attempted to restrict or outright ban vacation rentals – in violation of Florida state law.
“It is extremely disconcerting to hear stories from my constituents and other homeowners from across that state who are being targeted by their very own local officials for choosing to rent out their homes,” said Sen. Steube. “I believe this is nothing more than an effort by the hotel industry to put an end to vacation rentals which are a vital part of Florida’s tourism economy.”
An increasing number of local governments have recently been passing onerous regulations and some have even gone as far as fining private property owners for violating local ordinances to the tune of $20,000 a day.
“I believe that all private property owners should be treated equally, regardless of whether they choose to rent out their homes for one day, one month or one year,” said Rep. La Rosa. “Vacation rentals reflect both an industry and a travel experience that has existed in Florida for decades – long before popular online platforms such as Airbnb and HomeAway even existed. Vacation rentals give property owners a chance to earn additional income while driving tourists to local businesses in the community.”
Joining Sen. Steube and Rep. La Rosa at today’s event were members of the Florida Vacation Rental Management Association, the Airbnb host community, and HomeAway and its homeowners. The groups traveled to the Capitol to express their support for SB 1400 and HB 773 and to meet with legislators from their districts urging them to also support these private property rights measures as well.
According to a 2013 study commissioned by the Florida Vacation Rental Management Association, Economic Impact: Florida’s Vacation Rental Industry, vacation rentals have become a boon to the economy, infusing more than $31.1 billion from an estimated 17 million vacation rental visitors that year. The study also found that Florida’s vacation rental industry directly or indirectly supports over 320,000 jobs annually, generating more than $12 billion a year in labor income.
With the growth in popularity of online vacation rental platforms, those numbers are likely to have significantly increased in recent years, and for a state that relies heavily on sales tax revenue, that economic impact is significant.
It is also important to note that the growth of vacation rentals is occurring in parallel to hotel growth. According to Visit Florida, hotels throughout the state continue to see strong growth in revenue, pricing and occupancy. This suggests vacation rentals are introducing Florida to new visitors.
Senate Bill 1400 and House Bill 773 merely ensures private property owners are treated equally across the state regardless if they rent their home on a short-term basis, long term basis, or don’t rent at all.
For more information or to track the bills, visit myfloridahouse.gov and flsenate.gov.
Senator Annette Taddeo, Representative Robert Asencio File Legislation to Improve Florida’s Teacher Recruitment, Certification, and Retention Processes
Senator Annette Taddeo (D-Miami) and Representative Robert Asencio (D-Miami) have filed SB 1704 and HB 1269 to establish the Blue-Ribbon Panel Task Force on Teacher Recruitment, Certification, and Retention within the Department of Education to investigate and provide recommendations to improve K-12 teacher recruitment, certification, and retention. The bill also makes changes to teacher certification, allowing certain scores on the Graduate Management Admissions Test and a Graduate Record Examination Subject Area Test to meet particular needs for certification.
“Florida has a serious problem of teacher shortages and high turnover rates that directly affects our children – I have noticed it in my daughter’s and her friends’ schools across Miami-Dade. We must take action to remedy the situation effectively and swiftly,” stressed Senator Annette Taddeo.
“Waiving certification fees for prospective teachers and allowing standardized tests scores to be used for specific certification requirements can only serve to cut down on teacher turnover and shortages,” stated Representative Robert Asencio. “With the arrival of our Puerto Rican and Virgin Islander neighbors fleeing the destruction of Hurricane Maria, it’s crucial that we do everything we can to ensure our schools have the teachers they need to serve their students.”
The task force will submit a report of their findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Commissioner of Education, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which will also be published on their websites. Membership will be composed of thirteen various public education officials and others appointed by education stakeholders
If enacted, SB 1704 and HB 1269 will also make certification less expensive for teachers and prospective teachers by waiving fees for first time applicants and licensed educators seeking renewal. But, if an applicant doesn’t pass the exam on their first attempt they are responsible for all fees.
The bill also attempts to bring transparency to the state examination process for teacher certification by changing the public records exemption on testing materials from indefinitely to three years. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, and every three years after, the Commissioner of Education must publish a previously administered general knowledge examination and a Florida subject area examination for each subject area.
Solar Industry and Advocates Support Florida Legislation Establishing Grid Resilience Pilot Program for Natural Disasters
Solar energy plus battery storage systems can
offer resilient power solution to critical facilities
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Vote Solar support legislation filed in the Florida Legislature this week, HB 1133, that would demonstrate solar and energy storage’s ability to maintain grid resilience during natural disasters and states of emergency.
The bill establishes a pilot program in the Florida Keys to install on-site solar generation and energy storage to provide electricity to critical facilities during grid outages or failures, like the recent Hurricane Irma.
“As we’ve recently experienced first-hand with Hurricane Irma, there’s nothing more crucial in the wake of a disaster than power. Onsite solar energy storage systems are a forward-thinking solution to improving the security of energy supply at critical local facilities,” said Florida State Representative Holly Raschein, who is HB 1133’s main sponsor. “Given that Florida is the Sunshine State, it only makes sense to tap into this resource when planning for stronger communities that are more resilient in recovering from a disaster.”
The pilot program will measure the benefits of resilience assistance to support the energy needs of critical facilities, such as emergency shelters, hospitals and health facilities, airports, and emergency response units, like police and fire departments. Solar and energy storage can immediately offset these facilities’ power needs, provide backup energy during a grid outage, and store energy isolated from the utility’s electrical system for emergencies. They also eliminate the need for back-up diesel generators.
“This is a crucial step in preparing Florida for future emergencies and we thank Rep. Holly Raschein for her leadership,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA’s president and CEO. “Making sure our first responders and critical facilities have the power they need to deliver life-saving services during emergencies should be a top priority for any state, and solar plus storage is the easiest and most effective solution. This pilot program will demonstrate the effectiveness of solar and storage in maintaining grid resilience and help lawmakers implement this strategy on a larger scale.”
“Solar energy is already becoming a huge success story in Florida, and the excitement around new battery technology has been growing since it proved itself in the days after Irma, keeping lights and refrigerators on for families when the power grid was down for days,” said Scott Thomasson, Southeast Director of Vote Solar. “Scaling solar and energy storage as a strategic backup resource during disasters could have a real impact on people’s lives and security.”
The solar industry urges the Florida Legislature to pass this bill, implementing the pilot programs and corresponding Florida Solar Energy Center study measuring the benefits of the program.
About SEIA®
Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association® is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA® is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.
About Vote Solar
Since 2002, Vote Solar has been working to lower solar costs and expand solar access. A 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Vote Solar advocates for state policies and programs needed to repower our electric grid with clean energy. Learn more at www.votesolar.org
Attorney General Bondi’s Statement Regarding Sexual Harassment Legislation
Attorney General Pam Bondi today issued the following statement regarding potential sexual harassment legislation for the 2018 Legislative Session:
“Weeks ago, I reached out to Speaker Corcoran and Senator Benacquisto to preserve a spot for potential legislation that could provide protections to victims of sexual harassment claims. Without hesitation, both were extremely supportive and eager to work together to protect women in state government.
“I encourage any woman who has been sexually harassed to come forward and allow their voice to be heard.
“Yesterday, I was astonished to learn that one of the victims of the recent allegations in Tallahassee is a woman who I’ve known and respected for years. My heart breaks for her. We must respect the investigation by the Florida Senate and the privacy of all parties involved.
“I look forward to working with the legislature this session to formulate laws that protect all women working in state government. It has been remarkable what women can do when we all stand together. FLORIDA MUST BE A LEADER IN THIS MOVEMENT.”
Senator Stewart files bill repealing plastic ban prohibition
State Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) today unveiled legislation that repeals the sweeping prohibition on state agencies and local governments from enacting regulations on plastic bags and other single-use plastic objects.
“As long as these prohibitions remain on the books, improperly discarded plastic materials will continue to impact Florida’s wildlife, marine life, landfill operation, and flood control systems because proactive regulations cannot be implemented,” said Senator Stewart. “We need each city and county to act as they see fit and allow home rule to be reestablished.”
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection produced a report in 2010 at the direction of the Legislature on the “efficacy and necessity” of regulating auxiliary containers, wrappings, or disposable plastic bags and highlighted various sets of policy options. In 2008, the Legislature found that it is crucial to the welfare of Florida’s ecology and economy to regulate these recyclable materials, but placed a prohibition on any regulations until such recommended policies were adopted.
Senate Bill 1014 has been filed for the upcoming 2018 legislative session. Representative David Richardson (D-Miami Beach) has sponsored a companion bill in the Florida House of Representatives.
FHCA to Lawmakers: Look Beyond Generators with Nursing Home Disaster Procedure Legislation
In testimony to the House Select Committee on Hurricane Preparedness, Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) chief lobbyist Bob Asztalos urged lawmakers to look beyond issues related to emergency generators as they consider legislation dealing with nursing home procedures in disasters.
Asztalos told legislators FHCA is committed to implementing the governor’s mandate that nursing homes and assisted living facilities have generator capacity to keep their residents cool and safe during a disaster. He offered a set of recommendations that would strengthen the emergency procedures in nursing centers and ALFs and help them meet the Governor’s goal in a careful, timely manner that ensures the work is done correctly and safely.
In his remarks to the committee, Asztalos vowed, “We stand ready to work together with the Legislature, agencies and the Governor’s office to get this right.” His other comments included:
Complex Needs
“The debate must extend beyond generators and fuel. Nursing homes care for residents whose medical needs are extremely complex – many depend on ventilators, oxygen, dialysis and other life sustaining mechanical support. … We don’t understand how power restoration is prioritized in the state. I ask that the Legislature formalize the system for determining power restoration, and that priority restoration be given to our centers. “
Evacuations
“We found a disconnect between the local emergency management personnel and the long term care providers. Nursing homes seek to harden in place, and evacuation is a very last resort. The local emergency managers want to evacuate people quickly because they have a much bigger scope than just our facilities. I believe we need to foster open dialogue between the two groups to better coordinate when nursing homes should be evacuated.”
Special Needs Shelters
“Nursing home residents cannot just be loaded on a bus and dropped off at a shelter. They are too frail, many are in wheelchairs and they must travel with their medications, records, staff, and other life-sustaining equipment. If a bus pulls up to a shelter and the seniors on it walk off, they are not from a nursing home. The reality is that, during storms, nursing homes are called upon to take occupants from special need shelters when they are full or when the county is trying to close them after the storm. I believe this process can be better formalized.”
Senate Advances Legislation to Expand Bright Futures Scholarship
SB 4 Secures Permanent Expansion of Bright
Futures Academic and Medallion Scholarships
Senate Bill 4, the Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018, sponsored by Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton), today passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education. The legislation expands the state university and student financial aid portions of the higher education agenda advanced last session in the Senate, a top priority of Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). The bill includes provisions for the permanent expansion of the Bright Futures Academic Scholar award at 100 percent of tuition and fees, and the Bright Futures Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees.
“Senate Bill 4 will help alleviate some of the financial burdens facing Florida students and their families,” said Senator Galvano. “Financial security enables students to put their focus where it should be, on their academic success and graduating on time. A permanent expansion of Bright Futures and flexible tuition policies, combined with continued investments in need-based student financial aid will make on-time graduation much more attainable for students across our state.”
“This week I had the opportunity to meet with several representatives of student government organizations at our state universities. These dedicated students are excited about the permanent expansion of Bright Futures and the ability for students to plan their investment in a college or university education with more certainty,” said President Negron. “Florida has some of the brightest students in the nation. Senate Bill 4 sends a strong message that if students work hard to earn the privilege to attend one of our great state colleges or universities, financial insecurities will not stand in the way of their dream of pursuing a higher education.”
Summary of Senate Bill 4 – The Florida Excellence in Higher Education Act of 2018
PRESERVE ACCESS AND AFFORDABILITY FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
Senate Bill 4 expands merit-based and need-based financial aid funding and establishes flexible tuition policies available to families so every student in Florida who qualifies and earns the privilege to attend one of our state universities has the opportunity to pursue a higher education.
Expands Student Financial Assistance and Support
- Expands need-based state aid, and university or college gift aid, for students with demonstrated financial need.
- Expands the First Generation Matching Grant Program to include community college students and doubles the state match for private donations supporting the program (2:1 match).
- Creates a new Florida Farmworker Student Scholarship for children of migrant families to earn technical and college credentials.
- Expands merit-based state gift aid for high-performing students.
- Reinstates full funding of the Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar award at 100 percent of tuition and fees, plus $300 in fall and spring semesters to cover instructional materials and other costs, beginning in this 2017-2018 academic year.
- Guarantees funding for 2018 summer term tuition and fees for Bright Futures Florida Academic Scholar awards.
- Reinstates funding for the Bright Futures Florida Medallion Scholar award at 75 percent of tuition and fees for fall and spring semesters, beginning in fall semester of the 2018-2019 academic year.
- Expands Benacquisto Scholarship awards (full cost of attendance) to recruit out-of-state National Merit Scholar award winners.
Establishes Flexible Tuition and Fee Policies
- Requires universities to implement an institutional block tuition and fee policy for full-time, in-state, undergraduate resident students.
- Fall 2018 semester implementation for at least the entering freshman class – may be extended to include other students.
- Must accommodate full-time student enrollment in at least 30 credits across any combination of fall, spring, or summer terms of the academic year.
- Must maximize accelerated and transfer credit to facilitate on-time graduation and minimize excess hours.
- Must be publicly approved by university boards of trustees and the Board of Governors, with updates and progress reports provided to the Legislature.
Increases Student Access to Internship and Job Opportunities
- Requires each state university to use labor market projections and related degree production analyses to identify internship opportunities for students to benefit from industry experts and mentors, earn industry certifications, and become employed in high-demand fields.
RECRUIT AND RETAIN TOP FACULTY
Senate Bill 4 expands and enhances policy and funding tools state universities can leverage to recruit and retain the very best faculty, enrich professional and graduate school strength and viability, and bring aging infrastructure and research laboratories into the 21st century.
Establishes World Class Faculty Scholar Program
- Creates the World Class Faculty Scholar Program to help universities
Establishes University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program
- Creates the University Professional and Graduate Degree Excellence Program to promote quality and GAA.
ELEVATE UNIVERSITY DISTINCTION AND NATIONAL PROMINENCE
Senate Bill 4 ensures universities remain accountable to Florida taxpayers by refining university performance expectations to incentivize and reward state university performance excellence and recognition in academics, instruction, research, and community accomplishments and achievements.
Incentivizes On-Time Graduation of Full-Time Students
- Refines university performance expectations to incentivize and reward institutions for graduating full-time bachelor degree students in four years.
- Preeminent State Research University: Upgrades the graduation metric to a 4-year graduation rate of 60 percent or higher. The current metric is a 6-year rate at 70 percent or higher. The bill provides one transitional year for any university having earned preeminent or emerging preeminent status based on the 2018 determination under current metrics to maintain that status for the 2018-19 academic year and receive 2018-19 preeminence funds accordingly.
- University Performance Incentive Funding: Updates metrics to specify a 4-year graduation rate and require benchmarks for the “access” metric that reward institutions for performance success in serving Pell grant students.
- Tightens state university relationships with their direct-support organizations’ leadership, use of funds, and public disclosure activities.
Promotes State University Programs of Excellence
- Directs the Board of Governors to establish standards and measures to recognize, enhance, and promote individual degree programs in state universities across the system, which reflect national excellence, prominence, and distinction.
For more information, please visit www.FLSenate.gov.
