TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Today, in coordination with the Governor’s Office, chambers of the Florida House and Senate begin Special Session B. The rarely-seen special session – one month before the regular session begins – aims to remedy gaps in high-profile laws that were passed last year.
“We have identified several issues that warrant our attention in advance of the 2023 Regular Session,” said Senate President Kathleen Passidomo in a memo to all Florida senators. “As such, Speaker Renner and I plan to convene the Legislature in Special Session B, beginning on Monday, February 6.”
In addition to the special session, the governor’s recommended budget is scheduled to be heard in the full Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday and in the subject-matter appropriations committees on Wednesday afternoon. In a similar memo to Florida House representatives, Speaker Paul Renner said that regularly scheduled Committee meetings would also be scheduled this week to continue the important work of the Florida House.
SPECIAL SESSION BILLS
Emergency Management – Senate Leader Albritton will file legislation to provide additional resources to support ongoing relief and recovery for communities impacted by hurricanes Ian and Nicole. The bill will include additional funding for the Governor’s Emergency Response and Preparedness Fund, as well as funding for a Local Government Bridge Loan Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).
Statewide Prosecutor – Last year, Florida created the Office of Elections Crimes and Security to establish a framework for law enforcement to investigate violations of election laws. Senator Martin will sponsor legislation clarifying the jurisdiction of the Office of Statewide Prosecution to prosecute crimes involving elections for a federal or state office, and petition activities.
Illegal Immigration – Executive Order 23-03 outlines the governor’s response to the influx of migrants landing in the Florida Keys. To help mitigate the ongoing impacts of unauthorized aliens coming to the State of Florida, Senator Ingoglia will sponsor legislation to create the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program within the Division of Emergency Management. The bill would allow Florida officials to transport unauthorized migrants to other states. Illegal aliens who volunteer for flights and bus accommodations could be sent to sanctuary cities across the U.S.
Intercollegiate Athletics – In 2020, under the leadership of Senator Hutson, Senator Mayfield, and others, Florida was proactive in creating legislation with guidelines on how college athletes can be compensated for use of their names, images and likenesses. But the recent enactment of NCAA regulations regarding athlete compensation has put many states at a disadvantage, causing a need for Florida to revisit the current law.
LOCAL BILLS
In an effort to address special districts with outstanding debt that are set to sunset in 2023 due to SB 4C (2022), the House will consider the following bills in the State Affairs Committee.
Reedy Creek Improvement District – Revises the governance and powers of Reedy Creek Improvement District – what used to be Disney’s self-governing area – while protecting local taxpayers from the District’s debts.
Sunshine Water Control District – A bill to reauthorize the Sunshine Water Control District.
Eastpoint Water and Sewer District – A bill to revise and reauthorize the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District.
