LEGISLATIVE UPDATE!!!
HB 6073 - SB 1826
Week 2 of 9 for the 2020 Legislative Session is complete and we start Week 3 today.
Our “All Hands on Deck” focus has been to actively oppose
HB 6073
and
SB 1826
that would eliminate the degree requirement for licensure. Again, these bills are not addressing reciprocity or education requirements, they eliminate ALL education requirements. Not even a High School education would be required!
Your legislative committee and FSMS lobby team has been actively reaching out to Leadership and Committee members to educate them as to why this is bad policy for the State.
These bills DID NOT make the committee agenda in either the House or the Senate for this week. However, it is not over, and we need to continue to diligently contact local legislators and Committee members to let them know this is a bad idea.
SB 1826 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. HB 6072 is awaiting consideration by the House Business and Professions Subcommittee.
Let us know if we can assist you in making contacts.
Below are other bills that we are following:
Legislative Review of Occupational Regulation
(We oppose this as being an unnecessary overreach. However, every trade and profession are included, and we do not feel we can be an exception.)
HB 707 by Rep. Renner (R- Palm Coast) – SB 1124 by Sen. Diaz (R-Miami)
This bill creates a systematic legislative review of the costs and benefits of the regulation of occupations in Florida. It authorizes the Legislature to review occupational regulation and then either renew the occupational regulation, renew the occupational regulation with modifications or simply allow the occupational regulation to expire. The bill preempts local regulation of the occupation if the Legislature sunsets its regulatory structure. This legislation includes Chapter 472 in the review/reenactment prior to July 1, 2024.
HB 707 is awaiting consideration by the House Health and Human Services Committee. SB 1124 is awaiting action by the Senate Government Oversight and Accountability Committee.
Public Procurement of Services (Continuing Contracts)
(This bill was amended to lower the threshold from $5 million to $4 million which we believe is a positive amendment. We do not oppose as written)
SB 506 by Sen. Perry (R- Gainesville) – CS/HB 441 by Rep. DeCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach)
This bill increases the maximum limit for a continuing contract under CCNA and for construction management/program management entities from $2 million to $4 million. The bill further increases the maximum limit for a study from $200,000 to $500,000. This bill is being driven by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Florida.
SB 506 passed the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government by unanimous vote and will now head to the Senate Appropriations Committee. HB 441 passed the House State Affairs Committee by unanimous vote and is prepared to be considered by the full House of Representatives on 2
nd
Reading.
Florida Specific E-Verify
SB 1822 by Sen. Gruters (R-Sarasota) – HB 1265 by Rep. Byrd (R – Neptune Beach)
This is the compromise position being pushed by Governor DeSantis on a Florida Specific E-Verify requirement. It requires that by January 1, 2021 all public employers, their contractors and subcontractors register and use E-Verify for all new employees. If their contract is terminated for a violation, they would be prohibited from being awarded a public contract for at least 1 year. For private employers, the bill provides two option, use E-Verify or potential employee provide picture identification complying with REAL ID and a certified copy of one of five documents and creates a 3-year retention of those documents. It prohibits private employers from bidding or contracting with a public employer unless providing an affidavit stating they are registered and use E-Verify for all newly hired employees and they will continue to do so during the contract period. Violation is the termination of the public contract and a one-year ban on contracting with public entity.
SB 1822 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee. HB 1265 is awaiting consideration by the House Commerce Committee.
Acquisition of Certain Professional Services (CCNA – Cooperative Purchasing)
(We do not oppose)
HB 257 by Rep. Antone (D-Orlando) – SB 1518 by Sen. Gruters (R-Sarasota)
This legislation amends 287.055 F.S. to authorize cooperative purchasing between government agencies for design professionals within certain criteria. This legislation is being driven by Orlando Utilities Commission.
HB 257 is awaiting consideration by the House Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee. SB 1518 is awaiting consideration by the Senate Community Affairs Committee.
Governor’s Budget Recommendations – Division of State Lands
(Support)
Governor DeSantis’ budget recommendations include funding for tidal stations and benchmarks as well as vehicle replacements as recommended by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in their legislative budget request (LBR).
Line item 1574 - $192,000 vehicle replacements
Line item 1578 - $850,000 tidal stations and benchmarks
