By Peter Schorsch
FloridaPolitics.com – Sixty Days
February 6, 2022
Tracking actions of the Florida Legislature during February 3, 2022
With the passage of new state House and Senate maps, the redistricting process has shifted from a legislative matter to one of judicial scrutiny. The bill (SB 100) passed out of the Senate Thursday on a 37-0 vote. Notably, the Senate map last month earned three ‘no’ votes from Democratic Sens. Audrey Gibson, Gary Farmer and Victor Torres. At the time, they cited concerns about the fact the Senate map holds the same number of minority access districts as are in place now, despite growth in Hispanic populations over the past decade. Similar concerns dogged the House map, which was approved with far less bipartisanship and moved ahead on a near party-line 77-39 vote. The legislative maps, unlike congressional maps still in the works, passed as a joint resolution and therefore can become law without the involvement of the Governor’s Office. Here’s your nightly rundown.
Appointment powers. A bill (SB 1658) that would allow the Governor to appoint a DEP Secretary without Cabinet approval is ready for a floor vote in the Senate.
Must do. Senate President Wilton Simpson said lawmakers would “fail” Floridians if they don’t address the current “crisis” in the property insurance market.
Sleeping on the job. Sen. Jeff Brandes lashed out at fellow Republicans — including Gov. Ron DeSantis — for ignoring the state’s growing property insurance crisis.
Crystal clear. House Speaker Chris Sprowls signaled support for continuing legislative water conservation efforts a day after an FIU study found drug contaminants in bonefish.
Keep VISITING FLORIDA. The Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of a bill (SB 434) to extend the life of the state’s tourism marketing agency for an additional eight years.
Sacking SACS. A higher education proposal in the House would require colleges and universities to seek out new accrediting bodies.
EASE-y money. The House unveiled a three-tier plan for a college grant program that could see some private schools shut out from receiving funds.
Power play. A utility-backed bill (HB 741) to require future rooftop solar panel customers to pay higher rates was approved by the House Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee.
Cyber terror. The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee OK’d a bill (HB 1453) that would modernize cybersex crime laws and criminalize the theft of sexually explicit pictures.
Keep out. A House panel gave a thumbs-up to a bill (HB 1355) that would intensify Florida’s crackdown against illegal immigration.
High-speed hookups. Bills (HB 1543/HB 1545) setting aside $500 million in federal money for broadband expansion cleared the House Tourism, Infrastructure and Energy Subcommittee with a unanimous vote.
Port Palatka? Putnam County might not be a coastal county, but lawmakers are considering a bill (SB 1038) that would add it to the state’s seaport infrastructure improvement panel.
Sunrise Act. A bill (HB 1185) that would bolster state laws regarding fiscal analysis of proposed legislation is advancing through the House.
Keep it secret. The Senate is primed to vote on legislation (SB 520) that would provide a public records exemption on information about applicants seeking state higher ed presidential positions.
Requesting backup. The Senate passed a memorial (SM 826) calling on federal leaders to bolster the ranks of the Florida National Guard.
