By Peter Schorsch
Sixty Days Newsletter
February 17, 2022
The House moved forward with legislation (HB 403/HB 569) that would allow businesses to sue governments and halt enforcement of local ordinances. Backers of the proposal, a legislative priority, say it would cut down on the number of preemption bills in the Legislature in future Sessions. It would not allow businesses to block ordinances related to debt refinancing, budget adoptions, emergencies, fire code and prevention or developmental growth management. But it also wouldn’t require potential plaintiffs to speak up during the ordinance-crafting process. Opponents of the bill said that would allow businesses to “lay in wait” for an ordinance to pass so they can file suit and collect. The bill now heads to its final stop in the House. The companion bills (SB 280, SB 620) have already cleared the full Senate. Here’s your nightly rundown.
One or the other. The House and Senate budgets include a raise for state employees, but their plans aren’t identical.
No. 1 dad. The House passed a sweeping bill (HB 7065) that would invest $70 million to promote “responsible” fatherhood, protect at-risk boys and support foster children throughout Florida.
Collision course. The Senate and House Medicaid-managed care bills (SB 1950/HB 7047) are starting to converge, but major differences remain.
‘Victims of Communism.’ A bill (SB 268) that proposes public school students observe “Victims of Communism Day” is ready for its final committee hearing in the Senate.
Money matters. Legislation (HB 1115) requiring high schoolers to take a financial literacy class has graduated to its final committee.
Show some restraint. A bill (SB 390) that seeks to further restrict the use of physical restraints on students with disabilities is headed to its final committee stop.
Sanctity of the dead. A bill (HB 1215) that would create the Historic Cemeteries Program to research, repair, restore and maintain abandoned Black cemeteries cleared its second committee with a unanimous vote.
‘Pop-up’ parties. The longer, rowdier and sometimes violent cousin of flash mobs would be banned under legislation (SB 1954) ready for a full vote in the Senate.
Go digital. A Senate panel unanimously approved two bills (SB 1178/SB 364) that could bring significant changes to vehicle license plates.
Tickets, please. A bill (HB 969) that would make it easier for individuals to resell tickets for shows and sporting events cleared its first hurdle in the House.
Laying cable. Bills (HB 1543/HB 1545) to improve high-speed internet access in Florida are teed up for their final committee stops in the House.
Trotting along. Harness racing, heading toward what may be its final turn in Florida, would be offered another ride in a bill (HB 1289) approved by the House Regulatory Reform Subcommittee
Regular checkups. A new poll shows voters support more frequent inspections of aging condo buildings.
