Governor Rick Scott has signed legislation into law that strengthens the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s efforts to fight fraud in the state’s Reemployment Assistance program. Both the Florida House and Senate unanimously voted for this bill, which provides DEO access to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles’ DAVID System, including the state photo identification database. Sen. Kelli Stargel and Rep. Mike LaRosa sponsored the legislation.
Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of the Department of Economic Opportunity, said, “Thank you to Governor Scott for signing this bill into law so quickly. We are proud of our daily efforts to stop criminals from fraudulently stealing Reemployment Assistance benefits from Florida job seekers who need help getting back to work. We appreciate the Governor and his support in passing this important bill. Now, DEO will have access to more tools that are critical in our fight against public benefits fraud.”
The legislation includes the tools and legal authorizations that are critical to prevent and fight public benefits fraud by providing DEO access to the driver’s license database to confirm claimant-provided IDs are not fraudulent.
legislation
Governor Scott Signs Legislation to Expand Use of Therapy Dogs in Court
Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 151 which allows children, victims, and individuals with intellectual disabilities to use therapy animals and facility dogs in legal proceedings involving child abuse, abandonment and neglect.
Governor Scott said, “This legislation will help children and individuals with unique abilities in our state as they face some of the most challenging times in their life. I cannot imagine the emotional toll these terrible circumstances place on our state’s most vulnerable populations. The comfort and support provided by therapy animals can make a profound difference in someone’s life and I’m proud to sign HB 151 today.”
To view a copy of the transmittal letter, click HERE.
Lyft statement after Governor Rick Scott signed HB 221
Chelsea Harrison, Senior Policy Communications Manager for Lyft, issued the following statement after Governor Rick Scott signed HB 221:
“We thank Governor Scott for making a statewide framework for ridesharing a reality in Florida. This landmark legislation would have never happened without the Lyft community across the state who stood up for the benefits ridesharing brings to their families, businesses and cities. We look forward to seeing Lyft continue to grow and thrive for years to come in the Sunshine State.”
Legislation to Help Fight Deadly Opioid Epidemic Headed to Governor
Attorney General Pam Bondi today thanks Florida lawmakers for passing legislation that will bolster continued efforts to combat the national opioid epidemic in Florida. Today, the Senate voted in favor of HB 477. This legislation is a top priority for Attorney General Bondi, and now, it will go before Governor Rick Scott.
“I want to thank sponsors Representative Jim Boyd and Senator Greg Steube, and each member of the House and Senate that supported this important legislation. Fentanyl is a dangerous synthetic opioid that is being mixed with heroin and other drugs—often with deadly consequences,” said Attorney General Bondi. “This legislation has been my top priority this session because it gives us the tools we need to combat the trafficking of these deadly substances.”
“Since May of 2016, I’ve worked relentless alongside the Attorney General and state Law Enforcement to aggressively eradicate these purveyors of poison who have preyed upon the weak for too long. As a member of the Florida House and constituent of the epicenter of the opioid crisis, I’ve seen community devastation first hand. It has been an honor to fight for the people of our state, and this bill sends a clear message that opioid abuse will no longer be tolerated,” said Representative Boyd.
“This legislation will serve as a much-needed step forward in tackling the opioid epidemic. I applaud my colleagues in the legislature for recognizing the magnitude of this issue that has devastated far too many families across our state,” said Senator Steube.
This legislation adds fentanyl and its derivatives to Florida’s drug trafficking statute and gives law enforcement and state prosecutors the tools they need to investigate and prosecute drug traffickers selling the deadly substances. Fentanyl is a synthetic substance 50 times more potent than morphine. It is being mixed with other drugs, sold as heroin or even a pill—often resulting in the death of unsuspecting users.
The legislation also adds U-47700 to the list of Schedule 1 controlled substances. In September last year, Attorney General Bondi signed an emergency rule outlawing the synthetic drug after it was identified in multiple deaths throughout the state. This emergency action temporarily outlawed the dangerous drug and the legislation passed today will ban the deadly substance permanently.
Since taking office, Attorney General Bondi has issued executive orders and worked with state lawmakers to ban more than a hundred chemical compounds used to produce deadly synthetic drugs. Last session, Attorney General Bondi also helped pass legislation to better control synthetic drugs through a drug classification system.
Legislation to Keep BP Oil Funds in Northwest Florida Passes Unanimously
Legislation passed by Senate and House now heads to Governor Scott
The Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives have unanimously passed House Bill 7077, Gulf Coast Economic Corridor. The legislation, sponsored by Senator George Gainer (R-Panama City), Senator Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola), and Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee), will ensure funds received in the settlement of the state’s economic damage claims caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill remain in Northwest Florida’s eight disproportionately affected counties.
“Settlement funds represent a historic opportunity for our communities. We need to make certain that not only the currently-held settlement payments, but also all future settlement payments are transferred directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, where we know they will be used to ensure the ongoing economy recovery of Northwest Florida,” said Senator Gainer. “I am pleased to see this legislation advance to Governor Scott with provisions that ensure we take into account feedback from local governments in the eight disproportionately affected counties.”
The eight Florida counties disproportionately affected by the Deepwater Horizon Spill include: Bay, Escambia, Franklin, Gulf, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Wakulla Counties.
The initial settlement payment was received by the state in July of 2016, and future payments are scheduled to be paid annually from 2019 through 2033. Under current law, the eight counties are to receive 75 percent of all economic damage settlement funds received by the state. House Bill 7077 immediately appropriates the initial settlement payment to Triumph Gulf Coast, and releases future settlement payments, received on or after July 1, 2017, directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, no later than 30 days after they are received by the state.
“Triumph Gulf Coast will develop a comprehensive economic improvement plan for Northwest Florida to ensure that our communities benefit from these funds now and in the future. In keeping with the initial Senate position on this critical legislation, the bill makes it clear that settlement funds should be transferred directly to Triumph Gulf Coast,” said Senator Broxson. “We have waited for far too long, and now is the time to transfer these funds back to Florida’s Panhandle.”
“This legislation is very important to our constituents. Families and businesses across Northwest Florida have been counting on us to get this right. They expect current and future settlement funds to benefit our disproportionately affected counties, and they want to see progress as soon as possible,” said Senator Montford. “For the better part of the last decade, our communities have been feeling the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. This legislation affirms our longstanding commitment to keep these critical funds in Northwest Florida, and I am pleased to see it unanimously pass the Senate today.”
The legislation requires each board of county commissioners in the eight counties to solicit proposed projects and programs from other elected local governing boards within the county and provide Triumph Gulf Coast with a list of proposed projects and programs located within its county. The submitted list must include projects and programs submitted by other elected local governing boards and recommendations by the board of county commissioners. Triumph Gulf Coast must allocate at least five percent of the initial $300 million to projects and programs in each county, and must allocate at least four percent of future settlement funds to projects and programs in each county. Remaining funds are unrestricted can be appropriated at the discretion of Triumph Gulf Coast, provided they meet other legal requirements.
Currently, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Chief Financial Officer, each appoint one board member. House Bill 7077 expands the number of board members from five to seven. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives will each appoint an additional private sector member from one of the four least populous disproportionately affected counties, so that two such counties are represented on the board. All employees and board members appointed after July 1, 2017, are subject to a six-year lobbying ban.
Background
In 2013, the Legislature created Triumph Gulf Coast to ensure economic damage settlement funds coming to the state would both benefit the eight disproportionately affected counties and be properly accounted for. The Triumph Gulf Coast Board is tasked to make awards to programs and projects that meet the priorities for economic recovery, diversification, and enhancement of the disproportionately affected counties. The corporation is required to abide by the state’s public record laws and public meeting notice requirements.
Senate Passes Legislation to Reduce Property Taxes
Constitutional Amendment Would Provide Additional Homestead Exemption
The Florida Senate today passed House Joint Resolution (HJR) 7105, Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption. Sponsored in the Senate by former Senate President Tom Lee (R-Thonotosassa), the legislation proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution to provide an additional homestead exemption of $25,000.
“For most families a home is their largest and most meaningful personal and financial investment. If approved by Florida voters in November 2018, this amendment will provide significant savings for homeowners across our state,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart).
“As our state recovers from the Great Recession, the Florida Legislature has prioritized broad-based tax relief for families and businesses,” said Senator Lee. “This legislation builds on that commitment by giving voters the opportunity for substantial annual savings on their property taxes.”
The amendment will take effect January 1, 2019, if approved by Florida voters. Homestead property owners will receive an exemption from ad valorem taxes, except levies by school districts, for the assessed valuation greater than $100,000 and up to $125,000.
Background
Every person who owns and maintains a permanent residence (homesteaded property) in Florida is eligible for a $25,000 tax exemption applicable to all ad valorem tax levies, including levies by school districts. An additional $25,000 exemption was approved by Florida voters in 2008 and applies to homestead property value between $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption does not apply to ad valorem taxes levied by school districts. Not more than one exemption is permitted for any individual or family unit or with respect to any residential unit.
Article XI, Section 1 of the Florida Constitution authorizes the Legislature to propose amendments to the Florida Constitution by joint resolution approved by a three-fifths vote of the membership of each house. Article XI, Section 5(e) of the Florida Constitution requires approval by 60 percent of voters for a constitutional amendment to take effect.
Senate Passes Legislation to Require Civil Citations for Certain Youth Offenders
Legislation decriminalizes many non-violent, first time offenses committed by adolescents
The Florida Senate today passed House Bill 301, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores (R-Miami, Monroe). The legislation reforms requirements regarding the issuance of civil citations for certain non-violent youthful offenses.
“Almost daily, we see local, state, and even national news stories, where law enforcement officers are brought in to referee the day-to-day challenges that come with raising children,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), who has made juvenile justice reform a priority of his two-year term as Senate President. “We should not, and we will not tolerate serious wrongdoing by young people, but at the same time, we should not stigmatize non-violent, first-time youth offenders with a criminal record that could impact their ability to further their education, join our military, or earn credentials for many other important jobs.”
House Bill 301 requires law enforcement officers to issue a civil citation, or require the juvenile’s participation in a diversion program, when the juvenile admits to committing certain first-time misdemeanor offenses including: possession of alcoholic beverages, criminal mischief, trespass, and disorderly conduct, among others.
“There is a difference between the lack of judgement and maturity, and deliberate criminal behavior. When young people commit serious, violent crimes, there needs to be an appropriate legal penalty to ensure public safety. However, for many non-violent, first-time offenders, a civil citation is a better mechanism to help a young person learn from his or her mistakes without a criminal record that could haunt them throughout their adult life,” said President Pro Tempore Flores.
Under House Bill 301, for offenses where law enforcement officers have the discretion to issue a civil citation, but instead arrest the juvenile, they must provide written documentation articulating why an arrest was chosen over a civil citation. The legislation also specifies the option of the issuance of a civil citation or referral to a similar diversion program, does not apply to a juvenile who is alleged to have committed, has plead guilty to, or has been convicted of a felony, or a misdemeanor offense arising out of an episode in which the juvenile is also alleged to have committed a felony.
Legislation to Reduce Criminalization of Adolescence Passes Final Committee
The Florida Senate Committee on Appropriations, chaired by Senator Jack Latvala (R-Clearwater), today passed Senate Bill 196, Juvenile Civil Citation and Similar Diversion Programs, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Anitere Flores (R-Miami, Monroe). The legislation reforms requirements regarding the issuance of civil citations, rather than criminal charges, for certain non-violent youthful offenses.
“In too many cases, we have become a society where law enforcement officers are brought in to referee the day-to-day challenges that come with raising children. Instead of helping our youth to learn positively from their mistakes like we once did, they could be put in the juvenile justice system, creating a criminal record that could potentially follow them for their rest of their lives,” said Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart). “This good bill strikes an appropriate balance between public safety and decriminalizing the youthful mistakes of adolescence.”
Senate Bill 196 requires a law enforcement officer to issue a civil citation, or require the juvenile’s participation in a diversion program when the juvenile admits to committing certain first-time misdemeanor offenses including: possession of alcoholic beverages, criminal mischief, trespass, and disorderly conduct, among others.
“When young people commit serious, violent crimes, there needs to be an appropriate legal penalty. However, there are many other situations where young people are displaying a lack of judgement and maturity, rather than serious criminal behavior,” continued President Pro Tempore Flores. “This legislation ensures that we utilize other avenues that correct inappropriate behavior without stigmatizing our youth with a criminal record that could impact their future education and career opportunities.”
“Reducing the criminalization of adolescents is not only the right policy for our state, but it ensures that we uphold our commitment to safeguarding limited taxpayer dollars,” said President Pro Tempore Flores, who serves as the vice chair of the Committee on Appropriations. “Over time, the bill may have a positive fiscal impact to state and local governments because an increase in civil citations and similar diversion programs may result in young people being diverted from the Department of Juvenile Justice’s more costly residential program. It also may reduce the cost to state and local governments for housing youth in juvenile detention.”
Under Senate Bill 196, a law enforcement officer must provide written documentation articulating why an arrest is warranted when he or she has the discretion to issue a civil citation, but instead chooses to arrest the juvenile. The legislation also specifies that the option of the issuance of a civil citation or referral to a similar diversion program, does not apply to a juvenile who is alleged to have committed, has plead guilty to, or has been convicted of a felony, or a misdemeanor offense arising out of an episode in which the juvenile is also alleged to have committed a felony.
Press conference to discuss landmark legislation recognizing tragic events at state-run reform schools
MEDIA ADVISORY
State Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) and State Representative Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) will hold a press conference on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 to discuss landmark legislation recognizing the tragic events that unfolded at state-run reform schools.
They will be joined by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, former Florida Governor Bob Martinez, USF Anthropologist Dr. Erin Kimmerle, and former students of the Dozier and Okeechobee Reform Schools.
DATE: Tuesday, April 4, 2017
TIME: 10:30 AM
LOCATION: 4th Floor of the Capitol (between House Chamber and Senate Chamber Doors)
Legislation to Keep BP Oil Funds in Northwest Florida Advances
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development today passed Senate Bill 364, The Recovery Fund for the Deepwater Horizon Incident. The legislation, sponsored by Senator George Gainer (R-Panama City), Senator Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola), and Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee), will ensure funds received in the settlement of the state’s economic damage claims caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill remain in Northwest Florida’s eight disproportionately affected counties. The initial settlement payment was received by the state in July of 2016, and future payments are scheduled to be paid annually from 2019 through 2033.
“Settlement funds represent a historic opportunity for our communities,” said Senator Gainer. “We need to make certain that not only the currently-held settlement payments, but also all future settlement payments are transferred directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., where we know they will be used to ensure the ongoing economy recovery of Northwest Florida.”
Under current law, the eight disproportionately affected counties are to receive 75 percent of all economic damage settlement funds received by the state. Senate Bill 364 appropriates the initial settlement payment directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., and appropriates future settlement payments directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., no later than 30 days after they are received by the state.
“Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. will develop a comprehensive economic improvement plan for Northwest Florida to ensure that our communities benefit from these funds now and in the future. The bill makes it clear that settlement funds should be transferred directly to Triumph Gulf Coast and provides the checks and balances needed to ensure the funds are properly accounted for,” said Senator Broxson.
“This legislation is very important to our constituents. They expect current and future settlement funds to benefit our disproportionately affected counties, and they want to see progress as soon as possible,” said Senator Montford. “For far too long, families and businesses in our communities have been feeling the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. This legislation affirms our longstanding commitment to keep these critical funds in Northwest Florida.”
The eight Florida counties disproportionately affected by the Deepwater Horizon Spill include: Bay County, Escambia County, Franklin County, Gulf County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Walton County and Wakulla County.
In 2013, under the leadership of former Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville), the Florida Senate developed legislation (Senate Bill 1024), sponsored by current Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), which created Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., to ensure that economic damage settlement funds coming to the state would both benefit the eight disproportionately affected counties and be properly accounted for. Under this legislation, the Triumph Gulf Coast Board, chaired by former Florida House Speaker Allen Bense, is responsible for utilizing the settlement proceeds to promote job creation through lasting economic development.
Currently, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Chief Financial Officer, each appoint one board member. Senate Bill 364 expands the number of board members from five to seven. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives will each appoint an additional private sector member from one of the four least populous disproportionately affected counties, so that two such counties are represented on the board.
Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., is tasked to make awards to programs and projects that meet the priorities for economic recovery, diversification, and enhancement of the disproportionately affected counties. This includes economic development projects, grants to support programs of excellence that prepare students for future occupations, as well as infrastructure projects. The corporation is required to abide by the state’s public record laws and public meeting notice requirements.
