Session Update
March 1, 2010
Overview:
SB 1454: County Interest Issue –
Alexander – No companion bill filed yet but have heard that a
Representative is involved and it could get amended on to another bill.
FAC opposes these changes.
SJR 2420: TABOR filed by Haridopolos –
no House companion bill filed as of yet. We are monitoring closely.
FAC requests counties to keep an eye out
for bills that save the state money but cost counties money. One
example is the requirement that cities and counties contribute to DOR’s
oversight of property taxes. This bill would cut that contribution from
revenue sharing. This is a function used by the state and does not help
counties. It helps the state ensure that the system is ‘fair’ and
equalizes the RLE system.
2009 SB 216: Sen Gardiner is not ready
to make changes at this point. Picked up Negron – who is comfortable
with our language. One thought may be to ensure that legislators
understand as well that school districts would also be restricted from
weighing in on their efforts to repeal or modify class size amendments.
Please direct general questions to John
Wayne Smith.
Finance & Tax:
Wed 3/3: Senate Finance &Tax
SB 690 – local government transparency
act and budgeting bill by Sen Dean. FAC supports this bill and has been
working on amendments to keep it positive.
Wed 3/3: House Finance and Tax
Council
Workshop scheduled on the Tourist Tax
Bill. FAC will work to get a slot in this presentation. Last year this
bill got filed and never got heard in the House – FAC is glad that House
Finance & Tax is workshopping the bill and is a positive step
towards passing this legislation. FAC inviting counties invested in this
legislation to attend workshop.
Th 3/4: Senate Communications, Energy
& Utilities
SB 1202 / HB 163: Prepaid wireless –
this bill deals with the collection and administration of the $0.50 on
prepaid wireless cards. Counties are in the middle on whether to collect
at point of sale or upon use.
Th 3/4: Senate Community Affairs
SB 1054: First time homebuyers. Already
on the ballot to reduce the non-homestead cap from 10% - 5% and have
them relook at that number - perhaps raising the reduction. FAC supports
the 1st time homebuyer provision.
SB 1410: Working Waterfronts on the
agenda.
SB 1380: Renewable Energy and Hurricane
hardening.
Please direct questions on Finance
& Tax issues to Davin
Suggs.
Health Care:
Wed 3/3: Senate Health and Human
Services Appropriations:
Update on Federal Health Care Reform
also doing a budget workshop.
Th 3/4: Senate Children &
Families:
SB 72 - bill that amends state
constitution that is the reaction to Health Care reform.
SB 1474 – extends sovereign immunity to
certain Emergency health care providers.
SB 1216 – relating to children services.
Changes membership on Children Services Councils, requires county to
approve purchase of real estate by the Council, requires submittal of
budgets for public hearing and review to the BOCCs. We understand that
this bill was filed as a reaction to an issue in Negron’s district. How
are different counties responding to this issue - are you engaged?
Taking a position? FAC has not taken a formal position on the bill, but
would like to hear from the affected counties.
Please direct questions on Health
Care issues to Heather Wildermuth.
Public Safety:
Mon 3/1: House Public Safety and
Domestic Security:
HB 119 - Sex offender preemption bill.
FAC is still reviewing the bill but it could include some intent
language that might be a preemption to local governments. (Line 452)
HB 689 - by Rep. Aubuchon relating to
Negligence.
Tues 3/2 Session:
Unemployment Compensation bill up in
Senate.
Wed 3/3:Governmental Affairs Policy
Committee
PCB GAP 23 - elections/voting bill up.
Need to reach out and let committee members know that we support that
bill. Governor has made it known that he will veto the bill if the
extension is in a broader election bill (HB 1019). Compliance for
handicap issues is the last piece of the Governor’s major reform package
from before.
HB 1207 - A bill relating to
electioneering communications. Section 16 of the bill includes
clarifying language from SB 216 (2009) that FAC supports.
Wed 3/3: Banking Insurance
SB 2044 - Please review for issues.
HB 1511 - Public Notice bill filed by
Rep. Workman. FAC asked to support the bill and reach out to members to
support the bill. No Committee references yet.
SB 2166: Red Light Camera Bill filed by
Rep. Altman. Preempts all cities and counties and does not have the
ratification portion of the bill.
Please direct questions on Public
Safety issues to Sarrah
Carroll.
Environment:
Fertilizer
SB 2348 - Long bill that has some
language from fertilizers. More hoops but not a direct preemption.
HB 1445 - This bill goes farther and
requires more for an ordinance and a report to the BOCC on enforcement.
SB 2592 - FAC has serious concerns.
Contaminated petroleum sites – language would not allow a permit denial
due to petroleum contamination until very far along in the contamination
identification and clean up.
Composting - FAC trying to get language
counties can live with it. There may be language for DEP to evaluate the
composting programs. FAC arguing for benchmarks and let counties
determine how to get there.
SB 2622 filed today by Sen. Haridopolos -
Oil & Gas bill.
Franchises: Based off of
information, FAC expecting that they will not prevent franchise
agreements but will require that the renewal of franchise agreements is
up preferential treatment may be required for those franchises that do
recycle.
Honey Bees: Bill filed that would
preempt beekeeping to the state. FAC trying to understand any concerns
regarding local governments on bee ordinances.
Wed 3/3: House Ag & Natural
Resource s:
HB 369: Relating to Landfills - Removes
prohibition from yard trash being sent to a Class I landfill. Counties
are divided based off of their existing programs.
Please direct questions on
Environment issues to Diana
Ferguson.
Growth Management &
Transportation:
Th 3/4: Senate Community Affairs
SB 1742 – That is the SB 360 reversal
bill, reversing the DCA’s interpretation.
Wed 3/3: (Possible)
HB 773 – Expedited permitting bill
dealing with construction operation of biofuels facilities. Primarily
dealing with huge tracts of lands impacting rural counties. Not the
final language.
Please direct questions on Growth
Management & Transportation issues to Eric
Poole.