The House unveiled its tax cut package Tuesday, which measures in at $150 million. The centerpiece is a half-percent cut to the communication services tax levied on TV, internet and wireless plans. House Ways and Means Chair Bryan Avila said the $60 million CST cut was a priority because it touches nearly every state resident. Also in line for a trim is the commercial rents sales tax, which would drop from 5.5% to 5.4%, costing the state $30 million in revenue. The plan would also provide larger corporate income tax refunds to companies that chip into the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program and a one-cent-per-gallon drop in the tax on aviation fuel. Here’s your nightly rundown.
Rental regulations. The Senate plan to set statewide rules for vacation rental properties moved through its second committee despite vocal opposition for local officials.
Scholarship shift. A House committee is introducing a bill that would up requirements for private universities to receive Bright Futures funding and encourage more students to start college in an associate degree program.
E-Verify Lite. The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced an E-verify requirement for Florida employers with a carve-outfor the agriculture industry.
Genetic privacy. A bill that would block insurance companies from using or soliciting genetic information from customers is ready for the Senate floor.
Balance billing. A Senate plan that would close a loophole in the 2016 balance billing law that allows air ambulances to send surprise medical bills to patients got the nod from the Health Policy Committee.
Diaper duty. Senate legislation is finally on the move that, if passed, would eliminate taxes on incontinence products, such as diapers, pads, and liners.
Charity care. A House proposal that would set tie property tax exemptions for nonprofit hospitals to the amount of charity care they provide passed the House Ways and Means Committee with a unanimous vote.
Tax time. A House panel advanced a potential ballot amendment that would give homeowners more time to transfer homestead exemptions to new homes.
Pregnant prisoners. A House bill ensuring that pregnant incarcerated women receive appropriate medical care when they go into labor earned unanimous approval in its second of three committee stops.
Lotto labels. A bill that would require warning labels on Florida Lottery tickets moved a step forward in the House despite concerns it could reduce revenues for education.
Poaching penalties. The Senate bill upping criminal charges and fines for bear poaching is headed to its final committee. The House passed the bill last week.