The Florida legislative session is set to begin on January 9, and there are several key issues to watch. Some of these include:
Housing: Proposals have emerged just prior to Session starting to revisit some of the controversial aspects of the "Live Local Act" passed in the 2023 Session. There are also proposals that would alter some prohibitions on "inclusionary zoning" and significantly speed up permitting processes in local government.
Budget: Governor Ron DeSantis has proposed a $114.4 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes funding for teacher salaries, Everglades restoration, and correctional facilities.
Health Care: There is a proposed package of healthcare laws called "Live Healthy" for the upcoming legislative session. The legislation aims to expand the healthcare workforce, address emergency room crowding, and incentivize healthcare innovation. It includes funding for residency positions, changes to licensing requirements, measures to curb patient volumes in emergency departments, additional appropriations for hospitals and services, and the creation of a Health Care Innovation Council and a revolving loan program for innovative solutions.
Environment: The Governor and lawmakers will continue their efforts to improve water quality in Florida with a robust budget request of $1.1 million for Everglades restoration and $330 million for targeted water quality improvements. A proposal by the Department of Environmental Protection would continue the transfer of the onsite sewage and treatment disposal system program from Department of Health to Department of Environmental Protection, ensure that reclaimed water is treated to reduce nutrients entering our water ways, and fix outstanding glitches in the Resilient Florida program and Aquatic Preserve programs.
Energy: There are several bills related to energy filed for the 2024 session. One proposal looks to amend cost recovery requirements for renewable natural gas infrastructure projects and encourages the use of renewable natural gas. Another proposal looks to require the Public Service Commission (PSC) to approve targeted storm amounts for public utilities, expand eligibility for the low-income home energy assistance program, and require the PSC to conduct a study on the feasibility of using small modular nuclear reactors in the state.
Hurricanes: Lawmakers will continue to address issues related to recent hurricanes, including the impact on local governments and the agriculture industry.
Insurance: Governor DeSantis has proposed a tax reduction on property insurance policies, which would result in a small decrease for policyholders. The media has been covering the increasing property insurance rates, and several bills addressing property insurance reform have been filed. The reforms may include funding more accessible reinsurance to insurance companies, which could result in savings for consumers.
Labor: The House has moved forward with legislation that would change regulations on the number of hours that 16 and 17-year-olds can work. The proposal would also prevent local governments from imposing restrictions.
Public Schools: Proposals for "deregulation" of public schools will be considered, focusing on cutting red tape in testing, accountability, and personnel decisions.
Social Media: House Speaker Paul Renner plans to seek limits on children's access to social media sites, potentially including age verification requirements.
Artificial Intelligence: Lawmakers will consider issues such as the use of AI in political advertising, including the requirement of disclaimers on AI-generated content depicting people taking action that did not really occur.
Taxes: Governor DeSantis has called for $1.1 billion in tax breaks, including sales-tax holidays and exemptions on certain taxes for property insurance policies.
University and College Students: Bills have been filed that could financially penalize students who support "foreign terrorist" organizations, such as Hamas. For example, in-state tuition would turn in to out-of-state tuition.
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This publication is for general information only. It is not legal advice, and legal counsel should be contacted before any action is taken that might be influenced by this publication.
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