TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — On Wednesday, the Florida Senate passed legislation to replenish the state’s emergency management fund, expand the jurisdiction of statewide prosecutors and allow the transport of illegal aliens out of Florida. Meanwhile, the House advanced legislation to overhaul the Reedy Creek Improvement District (Disney) and filed amendments to the passed Senate bills.
The Florida House will be in special session today from 2:00 to 8:00 pm.
SPECIAL SESSION BILLS
Emergency Management
Status: Passed in the Senate / House filed amendments
Senate Leader Albritton’s (R-Wauchula) bill (SB 2B) includes additional funding for the governor’s Emergency Response and Preparedness Fund and provides funding for a Local Government Bridge Loan Program. A similar bill in the House (HB 1B) sponsored by Rep. Mike Giallombardo (R-Cape Coral) moved through the House Appropriations Committee.
Statewide Prosecutor
Status: Passed in the Senate / House filed amendments
Sen. Jonathan Martin’s (R-Fort Myers) bill (SB B4) clarifies the jurisdiction of the Office of Statewide Prosecution to further prosecute crimes involving elections. A similar bill in the House (HB 3B) sponsored by Rep. Juan Alfonso Fernandez-Barquin (R-Miami) was added to the House Judiciary Committee agenda.
Illegal Immigration
Status: Passed in the Senate / House filed amendments
Sen. Blaise Ingoglia’s (R-Spring Hill) bill (SB 6B) creates the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program and would expand the governor’s ability to relocate migrants anywhere in the country. A similar bill in the House (HB 5B) sponsored by Rep. John Snyder (R-Hobe Sound) was added to the House Judiciary Committee agenda.
Intercollegiate Athlete Compensation and Rights
Status: Placed on House’s Special Order Calendar
House Rep. Chip LaMarca’s (R-Lighthouse Point) bill (HB 7B) and Sen. Travis Hutson’s (R-St. Augustine) bill (S 8B) would revise provisions relating to athlete agents representing intercollegiate athletes.
HOUSE SPECIAL SESSION BILLS
The Florida House continues today to balance regular pre-session business with special bills now moving through committee.
Reedy Creek Improvement District (Disney), Orange and Osceola Counties
Status: Passed State Affairs Committee with one amendment
“To all that [sic] visit the park, nothing has changed. Day to day, it will be the same,” said bill sponsor Fred Hawkins before the House State Affairs Committee voted 17-3 in favor of the bill with the support of some Democrats.
Reps. Fred Hawkins’ (R-St. Cloud) and Carolina Amesty’s (R-Windermere) bill (HB 9B) repeals chapter 67-764, Laws of Florida, relating to Disney’s special district. The law renames the special district and sets up a state-controlled board of authority to collect revenue and meet outstanding obligations without shifting a tax burden to local residents.
Sunshine Water Control District, Broward County
Status: Placed on House’s Special Order Calendar
Rep. Dan Daley’s (D-Sunrise) local bill (HB 11B) governs the continuation of a special water district in Broward County, giving authority to collect revenue and meet outstanding obligations.
Eastpoint Water and Sewer District, Franklin County
Status: Placed on House’s Special Order Calendar
Rep. Jason Shoaf’s (R-Port St. Joe) local bill (HB 13B) governs the continuation of a special water district in Franklin County, giving authority to collect revenue and meet outstanding obligations.
