By Peter Schorsch
Sixty Days Newsletter
March 4, 2022
For the second year in a row, the House has voted to strengthen consumer data privacy in Florida. The proposal (HB 9), passed via a 103-8 vote, would give consumers more control over their personal data, including the right to request companies delete or stop selling it. The bill would apply to businesses that meet two of three thresholds: have $50 million global annual revenue, sell the data of 50,000 consumers, or derive half of its global revenue from selling personal data. Ultimately, lawmakers hope to prevent companies from trading in Floridians’ data without approval. Polling published Tuesday showed the proposal is overwhelmingly popular among voters, but the business community has railed against the bill, claiming it could cost Florida businesses as much as $21 billion. Supporters, however, note the potential costs would be shouldered only by companies that actively trade in consumer data. Here’s your nightly rundown.
Ukraine strong. The House, led by Speaker Chris Sprowls, unanimously approved a resolution (HR 1597) condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and declaring support for those impacted.
Three-quarter bil, y’all. The Senate budget sets aside $720 million to help a proposed housing development in Senate President Wilton Simpson’s home district.
Snip snip. The House unanimously passed a tax cut package that includes sales tax holidays for school supplies, hurricane prep, baby clothes and more.
Cyber snub. The House cybersecurity budget requests — a priority of Sprowls — total $120 million, but the Senate hasn’t set aside a dime.
Cancer cash. A bid to boost spending on cancer research is on the verge of getting approved — and named for First Lady Casey DeSantis.
Grounded. The Senate is seeking $20 million to purchase two planes for the state, but the House is holding firm at $0.
Pearly whites. Lawmakers have agreed to spend nearly $1.8 million for the dental loan repayment program and an initiative called Florida’s Donated Dental Services, which is $1 million more than the Florida Dental Association asked for.
Health and Wellness. Senate and House budget negotiators agreed to set aside $1.25 million for the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department’s Health and Wellness Center.
Forgotten cemeteries. The House has continued to hold out on an appropriation that would kick-start an education program on local abandoned African American cemeteries in Tampa Bay.
‘Rape loophole.’ A bill (SB 868/HB 525) that would treat sexual battery against an intoxicated person as rape is on the verge of dying despite passing the Senate unanimously earlier this week.
Net metering. Critics say the House approved legislation(HB 741) that will have a “chilling effect” on the residential solar energy industry.
Let them eat grass. A seagrass bed development bill (SB 198), which environmentalists say is a potential dagger to the struggling manatee population, has little to no chance of passing.
Foreign cash. The House approved a bill (SB 921) that would limit donations around ballot initiatives, including banning foreign contributions.
Pop-up crackdown. The House passed a bill (HB 1435) that would crack down on the rise of rowdy pop-up events in Florida.
Move along. The House OK’d a bill (HB 1571) prohibiting residential protests, despite Democratic lawmakers warning that the proposal will disproportionately impact minority communities.
CRO. A year after lawmakers passed legislation to mitigate rising sea levels, the House has voted in favor of a bill (HB 7053) to formalize the state’s lead agency and top official on sea-level rise.
Surfside bills collapse. A slate of Surfside-inspired bills appear to have died after receiving little attention in committee.
