By Peter Schorsch
FloridaPolitics.com – Sixty Days
February 11, 2022
Tracking actions of the Florida Legislature during February 10, 2022
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday denied Gov. Ron DeSantis’ request for an advisory opinion on whether a proposed constitutional map should preserve Florida’s 5th Congressional District, a minority access district that runs from Tallahassee to Jacksonville. Justices concurred that the Governor’s request, which signaled skepticism about the need for the seat, wasn’t narrow enough. “The scope of the Governor’s request is broad and contains multiple questions that implicate complex federal and state constitutional matters and precedents interpreting the Voting Rights Act of 1965,” the decision reads. All draft proposals produced by the Legislature have included some form of CD 5, treating it as a minority access seat, but a map submitted by DeSantis’ office includes no similar district. Here’s your nightly rundown.
Left in the dark. A day after the Senate advanced a major water policy measure (SB 2508), DeSantis bashed the billand the process behind it.
No approval necessary. A bill (SB 1658) that would allow the Governor to appoint the Department of Environmental Protection Secretary without Cabinet approval cleared the full Senate.
Rainy day fund. The House voted to set aside $500 millionfor a fund that the Governor can use during states of emergency, sending the bill (SB 96) to DeSantis’ desk.
Rammed through. The 15-week abortion ban (HB 5) is ready for the House floor despite ongoing efforts by Democratic lawmakers and activists to derail it.
Eight is enough? The House voted along party lines in favor of a bill (HB 1467) to impose term limits on all school boards in the state.
Career change. The House unanimously approved legislation (HB 7001/HB 7003) upping lobbying restrictionsfor former public officials, including judges.
Here to stay. Health care providers will continue to enjoy protection from COVID-19 liability lawsuits after the House approved the Senate bill (SB 7014), sending it to the Governor.
Don’t dilly dally. Senators are prepared to vote on a bill (SB 736) that would set a seven-year limit for homeowners to sue over construction defects.
Middle ground. The Senate Health Policy Committee approved a “compromise” bill (SB 804) between trial attorneys and the nursing home industry that lowers required nursing hours for long-term care residents.
‘Free the grapes.’ The House raised a glass in favor of a bill (HB 6031) that would remove size limits on wine bottles in Florida.
Incognito mode. Bills (SB 1864/HB 9) boosting consumer data privacy is moving again in the Legislature as lawmakers and businesses look to settle the differences that torpedoed the bill last year.
[REDACTED]. A bill (SB 1614) that would keep people’s personal information out of the public eye following a car crash passed its second committee.
Tax break. A proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 1746) that would provide an additional $50,000 property tax exemption to teachers, police, firefighters and other first responders took another step forward in the Senate.
Keep it secret. The Senate passed a measure (SB 520) that would provide a public records exemption for information about applicants seeking a state higher ed presidential position.
Safe bet. A proposal (SB 170) to grant 90 days of anonymity to lottery winners of $250,000 or more unanimously clearedits final Senate panel.
Good dog. A bill (SB 614) that would block local governments from discriminating against pit bulls and other powerful dogs got through the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Let them vote. The House approved a local bill (HB 497) that would have Lee County voters choose whether to start electing a school Superintendent.
