Legislation Watch
- HJR 157: Limitation on Terms of Office for Members of a District School Board. HJR 157 passed the House 79/39 on Thursday, receiving the three-fifths majority needed to place the question on Florida’s 2020 ballot. This bill would limit Florida school board members’ terms to eight consecutive years. To make it to the ballot the Senate must also approve the measure by a 60% vote, the Senate version is now in the Rules Committee. Read More
- HB 37: School Bus Safety. HB 37 passed the Florida House Unanimously on Thursday, revising and increasing civil penalties for certain violations relating to stopping for a school bus. This bill passes just weeks after a tragic accident took the life of a child attempting to get on their school bus. HB 37 aims to decrease the likelihood of tragic accidents by doubling the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus. Read More
- CS/HB 3: Preemption of Local Occupational Licensing. HB 3 passed this week by a 78-40 margin. This bill preempts local governments from requiring occupational licenses that are not mandated by the state. It would bring uniformity to the state and reduce education requirements for a variety of professions. The bill would also decrease or eliminate licensing requirements for some professions. Read More
- SB 658: Acquisition of Water and Wastewater Systems. SB 658 passed the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee on Monday, It is now in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. The Identical House Bill 207 is now in the House Commerce Committee. Read More
The Florida House Moves Forward with Tax-Cut Package
The House Ways & Means Committee approved PCB WMC 20-01, now HB 7097, a tax package featuring sales tax breaks before hurricane season and before the new school year. The package also features cuts on commercial lease taxes, cell phones and other communications services. Included in the language is a proposal for increasing refunds for aviation-fuel taxes, eliminating surplus funds for professional sports stadiums, expanding a tax distribution requirement for charter schools, and incorporating infrastructure projects to the use of tourism development dollars. Overall this package offers approximately $109.3 million in tax reductions. Read More
Gunster’s Ron Brisé attended an event at the Governor’s Mansion this week honoring Florida College Presidents. Brisé currently serves on the Florida Education Foundation Board of Directors.
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