CO-SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2010:

HB 525 – Statutes of Limitation for Sexual Battery / Public Safety
This bill amends ss. 775.15 and 95.11, F.S., to provide that there is no time limitation for a criminal prosecution or a civil cause of action for a violation of s. 794.011 (sexual battery), F.S., when the victim was under the age of 16 at the time of the offense. The bill applies to all actions except those which would have been time barred on or before July 1, 2010.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 5/12/10

HB 963 – Seaports / Economic Development
The bill allows the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue port conceptual permits to the 14 public seaports, including applicable authorization to use sovereign submerged lands. The bill reduces the funding match from 50 percent for all seaport projects to 25 percent if the project is for the rehabilitation of wharves, docks, berths, bulkheads, or similar structures. The bill authorizes seaports to receive or solicit proposals from and enter into public-private infrastructure project agreements with private entities to build, operate, maintain, or finance port-related public infrastructure projects.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; AWAITING GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE

HB 7053 – Education Accountability / High School Graduation Standards
Passed as SB 4. SB 4 raises high school graduation requirements in order to provide Florida’s students with the opportunity to acquire the academic skills necessary to succeed in college and the workplace. The bill establishes more rigorous mathematics and science standards by requiring geometry and Algebra II as two of the four mathematics credits needed for high school graduation and by requiring Biology I, chemistry or physics, and an equally rigorous course as the three science credits needed for graduation. In addition, students must pass end-of-course (EOC) assessments in Algebra I, geometry, and Biology I in order to earn course credit for each course. The State Board of Education is required to establish two cut scores for each EOC assessment, a passing score and a score indicating that a student is high achieving and has the potential to meet college-readiness standards.
PASSED HOUSE 106-12 AND SENATE 36-1; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 4/20/10

HB 697 – Entertainment Industry Economic Development
Passed as SB 1752. SB 1752 creates a five-year, $242 million transferable tax credit incentive program for Florida’s film and entertainment industry. Generally, the credits are 20 percent of qualified expenditures, with additional amounts available in certain circumstances. The bill allows a wide range of production types to qualify. Examples include motion pictures, television series, television pilots, and digital media projects. The bill provides that credits awarded may be used to offset corporate income tax or sales and use tax liabilities. The total amount of tax credits authorized under this bill is $53.5 million for FY 2010-11, $74.5 million for FY 2011-12, and $38 million per year for FYs 2012-13, 2013-14, and 2014-15.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; AWAITING GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE

HB 1009 – Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program / School Choice Program
Passed as SB 2126. SB 2126 makes changes to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program. The program provides private school scholarships to students from families that meet specified income limitations. The program is funded with contributions from corporations and insurance companies. The contributors receive a tax credit to be used against their corporate income tax or premium tax liability equal to 100 percent of their contribution.
PASSED HOUSE 95-23 AND SENATE 27-11; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 4/22/10

HB 1509 – Economic Development / Job Creation
Passed as SB 1752. SB 1752 amends several Florida economic development-related programs in an effort to incentivize businesses to expand operations and attract new business - both of which will result in much needed job growth for Floridians. Provides a two year extension of permits issued by local governments, DEP or a water management district that expire between September 1, 2008 and January 1, 2012.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; AWAITING GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE

HB 7223 – Medicaid Reform
This bill would have provided for a Medicaid reform plan that would have brought the state’s Medicaid program into a statewide managed care arrangement and phased out the more expensive fee for service model. Shifting to statewide managed care has the potential to provide substantial cost reductions while improving quality of care measures. In addition to cost, the managed care plan would have enhanced accountability measures that will result in better health outcomes. Under the proposed plan, the state would be divided into 6 regions, and each region will have a minimum of 3 to 5 plans and a maximum of 7 to 10 plans, depending on the size of the region. Providers wishing to participate will submit bids to the state and will be selected based on several factors such as price, accreditation, experience, access to providers, community partnerships, commitment to quality improvement, additional benefits and performance history. The plans will be required to resubmit bids every 5 years to ensure the state is receiving the greatest value.
PASSED HOUSE 80-34; DIED IN THE SENATE

HB 7109 – Tax Refund Program for Qualified Target Industry Businesses / Economic Development
The tax refund program for qualified target industry (QTI) businesses was designed to encourage the recruitment or creation of higher-paying, higher-skilled jobs for Floridians. The QTI program awards eligible businesses tax refunds on certain state or local taxes. The amount of the refund awarded is based on the wages paid, number of jobs created, and where in the state the eligible business chooses to locate or expand. The minimum is $3,000 per employee over the term of the incentive agreement signed by the business and the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development (OTTED).
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; AWAITING GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE

HB 7069 – Background Screening / Public Safety
This bill closes the loopholes that were identified in current law. The protections included in the legislation provide that no one can begin work with children, disabled adults or adults over 65 years of age until after a background screening is completed and the applicant is found to be qualified. Any exemptions for prior offenses cannot be made for at least three years following all sentencing sanctions, and any exemptions that are made can only be approved by the agency director. More importantly, the legislation provides that sexual predators will never receive an exemption to work with vulnerable populations.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; AWAITING GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE

HR 1561 – Challenge to Federal Health Care Legislation
This resolution urges the Florida Attorney General to file suit challenging the constitutionality of any individual health care mandate passed into law by the federal government.

HM 1583 – Federal Balanced Budget
This memorial urges the United States Congress to balance the federal budget and hold itself to the same fiscal standards to which it expects its citizens to adhere.

HM 1535 – Opposition to Federal Cap and Trade Legislation
This memorial urges the Congress of the United States to reject cap and trade legislation, overreaching actions by federal agencies relating to energy or the climate, or any other energy or climate proposals that will artificially raise energy prices for consumers and place an undue burden on the economy and the citizens of the United States for little or no environmental benefit.

HB 7201 – Economic Development
Passed as SB 1752. This legislation includes information relating to Local Government Matching Grants. It matches 50% of expenditures by local governments to attract and retain businesses in Florida. A State matching grant may be up to $50,000.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; AWAITING GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE

HM 1609 – Opposition to Trials of Terrorists in Civilian Courts
This memorial urges the U.S. Congress to use its constitutional authority to prevent the trial of the “Gitmo 5” or any other enemy combatant from taking place in a civilian courtroom.

2009 FLORIDA BUDGET

With a $6 billion budget deficit and the worst fiscal crisis in Florida’s history, we responsibly balanced the state’s $66 Billion budget by reducing spending and prioritizing on core missions of government: education, healthcare and public safety. This was a fiscally responsible approach that places Florida in the best position for economic recovery.

The budget includes: a $25 per student increase for K-12 classrooms; $50 Million for Everglades Restoration Programs to protect Florida’s environment; a 7% Legislative Salary Reduction to cut legislator’s $28,500 annual salary for the second year in a row; provides $13.5 million for economic development to foster innovation in technology industries, $11 million for film and entertainment incentives to create jobs, and $30 million for first time homebuyers for economic stimulus; $5.5 billion for transportation projects; and $4.1 billion for state universities.

APPROVED IN BUDGET (HOUSE 75-43 AND SENATE 32-8)

SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2009:

HB 879 – Financial Incentives for Electric Vehicles (Alternative Energy)
This innovative legislation would have provided incentives for owners of highway-capable all-electric or plug-in hybrid electric automobiles including waiver of registration fees, sales tax exemptions, corporate income tax credits for fleet conversions, and rebates for public charging stations and after-market conversion kits.

HJR 1013 – Guaranteeing the Right to Vote by Secret Ballot (Protecting Jobs)
This resolution proposed an amendment to the Florida Constitution, declaring the right to vote by secret ballot a fundamental right. The amendment would have provided that the right of individuals to vote by secret ballot is guaranteed “where local, state, or federal law requires elections by the people for public office, requires public votes by the people on initiatives or referenda, or requires designations or authorizations of employee representation.”
PASSED HOUSE 74-44; DIED IN SENATE

CO-SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2009:

HJR 7057 – Annual Assessment Increases (Property Tax Relief)
The resolution which will be voted on in November 2010 proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution to reduce the limitation on assessment increases applicable to non-homestead and commercial property from 10% to 5%.
PASSED AS SJR 532: HOUSE 104-13 AND SENATE 26-11

HJR 1263 – State and Local Government Revenue Limitations (Government Spending Limits)
This resolution would have proposed an amendment to the Florida Constitution replacing the existing state revenue limit based on Florida personal income growth with new state revenue limits, and creates a local government revenue limit. It also would have limited the property tax revenues based on changes in local growth and school enrollment changes. Additionally, it would have authorized voters to permit the collection of revenues in excess of the limit as well as prohibiting state and local governments from imposing new taxes, fees, assessments, or charges for services without first obtaining approval by a supermajority vote of electors voting on the issue.

HJR 385 – Limitation on Aggregate Ad Valorem Taxes on Real Property (Property Tax Relief)
This House Joint Resolution would have proposed an amendment to the Florida Constitution to limit the amount of ad valorem taxes that may be collected by counties, school districts, municipalities and special districts from any parcel of real property to 1.35% (the equivalent of 13.5 mills) of a parcel’s highest taxable value.
PASSED HOUSE 79-37; DIED IN SENATE

HB 971 – Transparency in Government Spending (Government Spending Accountability)
This bill is cited as the “Transparency Florida Act.” It requires that a website be established for public access to government entity financial information.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 05/28/09

HB 949 – Grounds for Nonrecognition of Foreign Defamation Judgments (Libel Tourism Protection)
Florida is not required to recognize or enforce a judgment of a court in a foreign country; however, through this legislation, the State has elected to recognize and enforce most foreign country judgments; with certain exceptions. This bill adds an exception to such recognition for defamation judgments entered in a foreign country if the law of that country does not contain the same constitutional free speech protections as would apply in a Florida court.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOULSY

HB 5 – Terror Free Investing (Government Accountability)
This legislation requires the State Board of Administration to identify and offer at least one terror-free investment product to the Public Employee Optional Retirement Program by March 1, 2010.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/02/09

HB 479 – Eliminating Double Dipping (Fiscal Accountability)
This legislation closes a loophole in the Deferred Retirement Option Program (DROP) that has allowed a growing number of elected officials and state employees to collect retirement benefits and a state salary at the same time. It also removes all exceptions to reemployment limitations that currently exist for schools, community colleges, universities, paramedics and firefighters.
PASSED HOUSE 93-23 AND SENATE 27-11

HB 73 – Expedited Permitting Process for Economic Development Projects (Economic Development)
This legislation requires the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Water Management Districts to adopt programs that create a 45-day expedited permitting process for businesses identified by a municipality or county as a target industry business. The programs are limited to wetland resource and environmental resource permits. It also requires a mandatory pre-application review process to reduce permitting conflicts.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/10/09

HJR 97 – Additional Homestead Exemption for First-Time Homestead Property Owners (Property Tax Relief)
This House Joint Resolution to be voted on in November 2010 proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution to reduce the limitation on assessment increases applicable to certain non-homestead real property from 10 percent to 5 percent. It also proposes and amendment to provide a new, additional homestead exemption to the person or persons who establish the right to receive the primary homestead exemption in Florida within one year after purchasing the homestead property and have not owned a principal residence during the eight-year period before the purchase.
PASSED HOUSE 104-13 AND SENATE 26-11

HJR 81 – Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement (Government Accountability)
This House Joint Resolution to be voted on in November 2010 proposes to repeal the program found in section 7, Article VI of the State Constitution to eliminate the requirement for public financing of campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits.
PASSED HOUSE 80-34 AND SENATE 29-11

HB 567 – Illegal Immigration (Immigration)
This bill would have prohibited any person, agency, county, or municipality from restricting any governmental entity or official from maintaining or exchanging any information regarding the immigration status of an individual.

HB 163 – Illegal Aliens in the Correctional System (Immigration)
This legislation would have expedited the removal of incarcerated illegal or undocumented aliens to their countries of origin. It would have required the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Parole Commission to immediately initiate, coordinate, and establish agreements with multiple state, local, and federal authorities to implement the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Rapid Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer (REPAT) program, and provides goals for this effort.

HB 283 – Discretionary Surtax on Documents (Tax Fairness)
This legislation closes a tax avoidance technique made possible by the Florida Supreme Court’s decision in the Crescent case. The bill closes this loophole by imposing a tax on the transfer of ownership interests in artificial entities (Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, etc.) that acquire real property in transactions that are not subject to the documentary stamp tax.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/10/09

HB 991 – School Improvement and Accountability (Education)
This bill is known as “Florida’s Equal Opportunity in Education Act.” It requires the Florida Department of Education to categorize public schools annually based on a school’s grade and the level of student performance and target schools with intervention and support strategies. It also requires district school boards to annually approve and require implementation of new, amended, or continuation school improvement plans for each school in the district.

HB 13 – Middle School Civics Education Assessment (Education)
This bill would have provided that, beginning with students entering 6th grade in the 2011-2012 school year, promotion from a school composed of grades 6, 7, and 8 required the successful completion of a one-semester civics education course.

HB 453 – Tax Credits for Contributions to Nonprofit Scholarship-funding Organizations (Education)
This bill renames the “Corporate Income Tax Scholarship Program” the “Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program” to reflect the expansion of the program to include insurance premium tax credits as eligible contributions to the scholarship program. It allows insurance companies to receive a credit of 100% if an eligible contribution to an eligible scholarship-funding organization against any net tax due for a taxable year under the provisions of the state’s insurance code. This credit may not exceed 75% of the net tax due.
PASSED HOUSE 94-23 AND SENATE 26-11; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/02/09

HB 469 – Tax on Sales, Use, and Other Transactions (Economic Development)
This bill would have been designated as the “Aviation and Maritime Full Employment Act.” It would have provided that the maximum amount of sales or use on an aircraft or boat may not exceed $18,000.

HB 485 – Fast Track Economic Stimulus for Small Businesses (Economic Development)
This bill creates the Florida New Markets Development Program (NMDP) to provide state tax credits for investments in low-income communities. Tax credits allocated may be used to offset corporate income or insurance premium tax liabilities. The program is designed to make the state more attractive to national investors who are deciding where to invest funds under the Federal New Markets Tax Credits program by creating a state NMDP similar to the Federal program.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 05/21/09

HB 521 – Ad Valorem Assessments (Property Tax Reform)
This legislation maintains that a property appraiser’s assessment is presumed to be correct, but only if he or she shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the assessment was arrived at by complying with applicable statutory provisions and professionally accepted practices. If that standard is met, then the burden shifts to the party initiating the challenge to show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the appraisal does not represent the just value of the property, etc.
PASSED HOUSE 109-4 AND SENATE 37-1; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/04/09

HB 701 – Notices of Proposed Property Taxes (Property Tax Reform)
This bill revises the Truth in Millage (TRIM) notice to include certain millage rate information by adding two additional columns with the following: “Last Year’s Adjusted Tax Rate (Millage)” and “Tax Rate This Year IF PROPOSED Budget Is Adopted (Millage).”
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/11/09

HB 1031 – Property Tax Payments (Property Tax Reform)
This legislation authorizes tax collectors to accept, at their discretion, one or more partial payments of any amount of parcel toward current taxes and assessments on real property or tangible personal property, as long as such payment is made prior to the date of delinquency. The remaining amount of tax due must be paid in full.
PASSED HOUSE 113-1 AND SENATE 40-0; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 6/10/09

HB 783 – Education for Children in Shelter Care or Foster Care (Children and Families)
This legislation defines a surrogate parent, to mean an individual appointed to act in the place of a parent in making educational decisions and safeguarding educational rights of a dependent child having or suspected of having a disability. It requires the district school superintendent or the dependency court to appoint a surrogate parent for a child who has been sheltered or adjudicated dependent and who has or is suspected of having a disability, if no parent can be located or the court determines that no one with authority is willing or able to make educational decisions for the child.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 05/12/09

HJR 833 – Homestead Ad Valorem Tax Credit for Deployed Military Personnel (Property Tax Relief)
This House Joint Resolution to be voted on in November 2010 proposes an amendment to the Florida Constitution to give a credit against future ad valorem taxes owed on property for members of the United States military or military reserves, the United States Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HJR 1155 – Disabled Veterans’ Property Tax Discount; Property Tax Exemption for Soldiers Receiving Hazardous Duty Pay (Property Tax Relief)
Currently, the Florida Constitution provides for a homestead property tax discount for veterans age 65 or older who are disabled as the result of combat. This House Joint Resolution to be voted on in November 2010 proposed an amendment to expand this provision to those veterans age 65 or older who were not Florida residents prior to entering military service. It also would have provided that the Legislature exempt the homesteads of members of the United States military who have received hostile-fire pay or imminent-danger pay.

HB 843 – Street Racing (Public Safety)
This legislation would have provided that a first conviction for racing on highways would be punishable as a second degree misdemeanor, rather than as a first degree misdemeanor, a minimum $250 fine, and a two year driver license suspension. It would have increased the driver license suspension from two years to three years for a second conviction for racing on highways within five years. For a third offense in 10 years, it would have added a third degree felony.
PASSED HOUSE 77-39 AND SENATE 38-0; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/10/09

HB 167 – Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (Energy)
The bill authorizes the Florida Energy and Climate Commission to develop and administer a consumer rebate program for residential energy-efficient appliances, consistent with 42 U.S.C. s.15821 and any federal agency guidance or regulations issued in furtherance of federal law.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 05/19/09

HB 1293 – High School Graduation (Education)
This legislation would have raised the standard diploma requirements to new 21st Century Diploma graduation requirements. It also would have required that students receive a grade-level score on the 10th grade FCAT to graduate.
PASSED HOUSE 75-42; DIED IN SENATE

SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2008:

FAU Medical School Funding (Transforming Healthcare Delivery)
Led the effort to secure the final $3.3 million in state funding for the FAU/UM joint medical school program at the FAU Boca Raton Campus. This funding will now allow students to take all 4 years of their medical education at FAU and the medical school will transform delivery of healthcare in our community in conjunction with the new state of the art teaching hospital planned on the campus.
APPROVED IN BUDGET (HOUSE 75-44 AND SENATE 32-8)

$50 Million for Everglades Restoration Programs (Protecting our Environment)
In recent years, the Florida Legislature has provided consistent funding for Everglades Restoration; however, the federal government has not fulfilled its commitment. Florida has exceeded federal funding every year since 1994. This year, we have committed $50 million to ongoing restoration. Between 2000 and 2007, federal appropriations for restoration activities in the Everglades ecosystem were about $363.6 million, while state and district funding has topped $2.3 billion. This appropriation continues our commitment to the Everglades.
APPROVED IN BUDGET (HOUSE 75-44 AND SENATE 32-8)

5% Legislative Salary Reduction (Fiscal Responsibility)
Voted to cut $30,000 annual legislative salary by 5% because when reducing the budget, it should start with us.
APPROVED IN BUDGET (HOUSE 75-44 AND SENATE 32-8)

HB 7135 - Energy (Promoting Alternative Energy)
This legislation furthers Florida’s leadership in promoting alternative energy. It provides for solar energy grant programs and other incentives, net metering, green building requirements, alternative fuel requirements. Also includes $8.75 million for the FAU Center of Excellence in Ocean Energy Technology.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 43 – Anti-Criminal Gangs (Public Safety)
Provides law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools and resources to effectively combat this growing threat to our community. Increases various penalties for gang-related crimes, creates new offenses to curb gang activity, and enhances law enforcement’s ability to identify and track gang members.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

SB 1302 – Eliminating Ocean Outfalls for Clean Oceans (Protecting Our Environment)
This legislation requires that discharge of domestic wastewater through ocean outfalls in our area meet advanced wastewater treatment and management requirements by the end of 2018. Also prohibits the new construction or expansion of wastewater ocean outfalls, prohibits sewage discharge through ocean outfalls beyond year 2025 and requires all facilities that discharge wastewater through ocean outfalls to achieve, at a minimum, 60 percent reuse. Legislation is named Leah Schad Memorial Ocean Outfall Program, in honor of our friend and local environmental activist.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 909 – Property Appraiser Assessment (Highest and Best Use/Property Tax Reform)
The bill changes the composition of Value Adjustment Boards in all counties to include two citizens: one appointed by the county and one appointed by the school board. This bill also clarifies that in determining the highest and best use of a property (one of the eight factors considered in determining the assessed valuation), the property appraiser must take into account the legally permissible use of the property, as well as any zoning changes, concurrency requirements, or permits which would be necessary before the property could actually be used for that highest and best use.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HJR 949 – Collection of Property Taxes (Property Tax Relief)
This legislation would have put a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution on the November 2008 ballot to limit the amount of property taxes collected by counties, school districts, municipalities, and special districts on any parcel of real property to 1.35% (or 13.5 mills) of the parcel’s highest taxable value. By applying the millage rate to the “taxable value,” rather than to the “just value” (market value) of each parcel, the proposed amendment would have preserved the full value of all exemptions, exceptions, and differentials (including Save Our Homes and portability) available. This legislation would have saved Floridians more than $6 billion.
PASSED HOUSE 79-38; DIED IN SENATE

SB 2654 – Health Insurance for Children with Autism (Children’s Healthcare)
This bill creates the “Window of Opportunity Act.” It provides health insurance coverage and coverage under a health maintenance contract for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It enables parents who have children diagnosed with Autism to receive health insurance relief while providing treatment and behavioral therapies for those children.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 05/20/08

SB 2860 – The “Homeowner’s Bill of Rights Act” (Property Insurance Reforms)
This comprehensive legislation revises the requirements for the Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive Program to create more competition and lower rates, gets tough on non-compliant insurers by increasing administrative fines for any violation of the Insurance Code and/or unfair insurance trade practices, and creates more transparency for how insurers set their rates to better protect consumers. It also includes a provision that mandates residential insurers planning to drop more than 10,000 policies to notify the Office of Insurance Regulation 90 days in advance. This bill also extends the freeze on rate increases in Citizens Property Insurance to January 1, 2010.
PASSED HOUSE 117-0 AND SENATE 33-5

SB 1908 – Designation of High School Grades (Education Reforms/FCAT Reform)
This bill revises the calculation of school grades for high schools by no longer solely using the FCAT grade as a determining factor. Fifty percent of a high school’s grade will continue to be based on student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). The remaining fifty percent will be based on other factors that include a school’s high school graduation rate, graduation rates of at-risk students, student participation and performance in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), dual enrollment courses and industry certifications.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

SB 2534 – Improving Access to Health Care and Health Coverage (Access to Affordable Healthcare)
This bill creates the Cover Florida Health Care Access Program which is designed to provide an affordable health care option for uninsured individuals in Florida between the ages of 19-64. The Florida Health Choices Program is also created to provide a greater array of health care choices, plans, and services from which to choose. The program will coordinate efforts to create and provide lower cost healthcare options to employers and individuals by allowing providers to offer mandate-free coverage. The Health Flex Plans Program was established to offer basic affordable health care services to low-income, uninsured Florida residents. The bill also expands KidCare eligibility by eliminating the 10% cap on full-pay enrollees in MediKids (ages 1-5) and Healthy Kids (ages 6-19) with a family income greater than 200% of the federal poverty level.
PASSED HOUSE 118-1 AND SENATE 40-0; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 05/21/08

SB 2310 – Stimulating the Economy (Economic Development)
This legislation provides the State Board of Administration (SBA) with the flexibility to invest a certain amount of funds in the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund in endeavors that have the potential for strengthening the economy thru high-growth and high-wage jobs that will provide significant benefits to state residents, while continuing to achieve proper investment returns.
PASSED HOUSE 117-1 AND SENATE 40-0

HR 9081 – State of Israel (Resolution)
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel.
ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY WITH 116 CO-SPONSORS.

CO-SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2008:

HB 129 – Highest and Best Use Reform (Property Tax Reform)
This bill would have modified the factors used to determine the highest and best use of the property, the condition of the property, and the net proceeds of sale of the property. It would have also limited the factors property appraisers can consider in appraising income-producing residential rental property and certain commercial property. By reducing the assessed value of property subject to property taxation, the bill would have reduced the authority that cities and counties have to raise revenue.
PASSED HOUSE 114-1; DIED IN SENATE

HB 137 – Motorcycle Traffic Enforcement (Traffic Safety)
Provides additional penalties which include increases in fines and license suspension for motor vehicle operators who exceed the speed limit by more than 50 miles per hour, or who operate a motorcycle recklessly.
PASSED HOUSE 112-0 AND SENATE 38-1

HB 199 – Desalination Technologies (Water Supply)

HJR 281 – Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement (Campaign Finance Reform)
This legislation would have eliminated the requirement for public financing of campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits from the State Constitution. This amendment would have been brought before the voters for approval on the November 2008 ballot.
PASSED HOUSE 82-34; DIED IN SENATE

HB 347 – Tuition Waivers for Certain Veterans (Veteran’s Affairs)
This bill would have required state universities and community colleges to waive 50 percent of in-state tuition rate for certain veterans.

HB 637 – Electronic Medical Records (Innovative Healthcare Technology)
This legislation would have created the “Florida eHealth Initiative Act” which is a loan program to encourage and provide incentives for the use of electronic medical records by physicians.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 643 – Foreclosure Fraud Prevention (Consumer Protection)
This bill creates consumer protections for homeowners who are in default on their mortgages, in foreclosure, or at risk of losing their homes due to nonpayment, and such homeowners find themselves securing services from foreclosure-rescue consultants or equity purchasers.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 647 – Elimination of Doc Stamp Marriage Penalty (Property Tax Relief/Reform)
This legislation would have provided that the documentary stamp tax does not apply to a deed between spouses recorded within one year of marriage where the deed transfers an interest in homestead real property.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 743 – Mortgage Fraud on Property Assessments (Consumer Protection)
This bill addresses the reassessment of real property involved in the crime of mortgage fraud primarily for profit.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 755 – Sexual Offender Registration (Public Safety)
This legislation would have required landlords who knowingly solicit a person who is registered as a sexual offender or sexual predator to rent or lease a dwelling unit to take certain actions.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 881 – Property Rights (Individual Freedom)
This bill would have expanded options for private landowners to obtain redress for government action that unduly burdens real property.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 1003 - Financial Services (Consumer Protection for Seniors)
Creates enhanced consumer protections related to annuity and insurance transactions. For senior consumers, 65 and older, the bill requires that the insurer or insurance agent have an objectively reasonable basis for believing that a recommendation to a senior consumer is suitable. It also provides for an increase in fines and penalties for unfair and deceptive insurance practices.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 1279 - Repealing Recapture Clause on Homestead Property Assessments (Property Tax Relief)
This legislation would have clarified current law, by requiring if the just value has decreased from the prior year, the assessed value shall be decreased by the same percentage as the percentage decrease in just value; if the just value of the homestead property remains the same from the prior year, the assessed value does not change; and if the just value of the homestead increases from the prior year, the just value assessed shall not exceed the lower of three percent of the assessed value for the prior year or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

HB 1135 – Everglades Restoration Bonds (Environmental Protection)
This legislation would have extended the authorized issuance and maturity of Everglades restoration bonds by an additional ten years to fiscal year 2019-2020.

HB 1245 – Regional Transportation Authorities (Public Transportation)
This bill would have provided that 80 percent of the rental car surcharge revenues collected in a county within the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) be deposited into the accounts of the SFRTA. It would have also relieved Broward, Palm Beach and Dade counties of their annual $45 million in funding obligations for capital operating and maintenance expenses of the SFRTA.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 7063 – Prescription Drug Donation Program (Affordable Healthcare)
This bill would have amended the existing Cancer Drug Donation Program with the Department of Health, renaming it the Prescription Drug Donation Program. It would have also expanded the type of drugs that may be donated, from cancer drugs and supplies to all non-schedule prescription drugs and supplies.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 7109 – Small Business Regulatory Relief (Government Efficiency)
This legislation designates the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC) as the principal business assistance organization for small businesses in the state. It also establishes the Small Business Regulatory Relief Act by creating a Small Business Regulatory Review Advisory Council and a Small Business Advocate. This bill has the potential to help small businesses be free of duplicative, outdated, or overly burdensome rules and regulations.
PASSED HOUSE 115-1 AND SENATE 40-0

SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2007:

FAU Medical School Funding (Transforming Healthcare)
Secured $4.7 million in state funding for the FAU/UM joint medical school program to allow medical students to take all four years of their education at FAU Boca Raton Campus; medical school will graduate 64 new physicians a year beginning in 2010 and will participate in area residency programs; partnership with the new state-of-the-art teaching hospital planned on the campus.

CS/HB 703 Protecting Florida’s Investments Act (Divestment of State Pension Funds from Companies Doing Business in Iran/Sudan)
Requires the state pension fund board to divest any investments in companies that do business in or with Sudan and Iran; creates and maintains list of such scrutinized companies; informs scrutinized companies to divest of all publicly traded securities of scrutinized companies.
PASSED unanimously AND SIGNED INTO LAW EFFECTIVE June 8, 2007

HM 11A - National Catastrophe Fund and Other Federal Insurance Solutions (Property Insurance)
Urges the United States Congress to support a National Catastrophe Insurance Program, and provide specified federal tax exemptions and federal income tax deductions for windstorm insurance premiums and mitigation efforts to fortify houses; supports creation of Hurricane Savings Accounts; support National Hurricane Research Initiative.
(***Note: A House Memorial is adopted by voice vote and sent to the Secretary of State)

HB 1037- Requiring Use of BioDiesel Fuel in State Autos (Alternative Energy)
Requires that all diesel fuel sold or offered for sale in state for use in internal combustion engines contain a certain fixed percentage of biodiesel; increases minimum requirement annually; requires refineries and terminals to provide certain documentation for transfer or sale of biodiesel fuel.

CS/HB 1363- Street Gang Prosecution and Gang Prevention (Public Safety)
Sponsored legislation to empower law enforcement officials and prosecutors with the tools and resources needed to effectively combat our state’s growing gang problem.
This legislation PASSED unanimously in the House, but was not considered in the Senate.

SIS Transportation Funding Equity (Infrastructure)
Worked in cooperation with Commissioner Jeff Koons and Rep. Susan Bucher to address transportation funding inequities for SIS projects which have negatively impacted our region. After several meetings with the new FDOT Secretary and local FDOT officials, new policies are being adopted that will result in a more equitable distribution of state transportation dollars for our region.

CS/CS/HB 793 - National Idea Bank (Open Government)
Creates a web based ‘Idea Bank’ to allow citizen participation and interaction with the Legislature on issues of importance.
This legislation PASSED the House but was not considered in the Senate.

HB 1021 - Private Relief Bill for Adam Susser (Claims Bill)
Provides $668,782 in relief for Adam Susser, a minor, by North Broward Hospital District to compensate him for injuries and damages sustained as result of negligence of North Broward Hospital District provides for purchase of annuity to benefit special needs trust to pay for care for Adam Susser.

CO-SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2007:

HB 7123 - Alternative Energy Act of 2007 (Energy)
Contains incentives for private expansion of research, development, and use of alternative fuels in the State of Florida. It also creates new benchmarks for state and local governments to build energy efficient buildings and use alternative fuel sources for vehicles.

HB 1A - Hurricane Preparedness and Insurance (Property Insurance)
Designates the “Insurance Industry Accountability and Consumer Protection Act”; prohibits insurers from writing auto insurance in Florida if the insurer writes property insurance in another state but does not write property insurance in Florida (’cherry picking’); requires property insurers t return excess profits to policyholders; etc.
PASSED the House 116-2 and the Senate 40-0 and SIGNED INTO LAW EFFECTIVE January 25, 2007

HM 889 - State Children’s Health Insurance Program (Healthcare for Kids)
Urges Congress to reauthorize funding for the Healthy Kids component of the Florida KidCare Program that provides health care to low-income children who are uninsured and not eligible for Medicaid; requests Congress to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in a timely manner.

HB 967 - Physical Education for Elementary Students (Health/Education)
Requires a minimum of 150 min of physical education each week to students in kindergarten through grade 5 and encourages district school boards to provide 225 minutes of physical education each week for students in grades 6 through 8.
PASSED unanimously and SIGNED INTO LAW EFFECTIVE May 17, 2007

HB 7141 - Improving Graduation Rates (Education)
Revises school district responsibilities with respect to student exit interviews; establishes Transition Success Program to ease school transitions, reduce dropout rates, adds graduation rate and dropout rate to evaluation criteria for school grades for certain schools; includes Transition Success Programs as potential recipients of Florida School Recognition Program awards.

CS/HB 29 - Enhanced Penalties for Violent Felony Offenders (Public Safety)

HB 203 - Corporate Tax Credits for Indigent Healthcare (Healthcare Access)

CS/CS/HB 261 - Elimination of Highest and Best Use (Property Taxes)

CS/CS/HB 1125 - Mortgage Fraud Protection (Consumer Protection)

HJR 7093 - Authorizing Division of One School District into Two or more Smaller School Districts (Education)

SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2006:

HJR 467 – The 65% Solution (Fiscal Accountability)
The bill would require that for kindergarten through grade 12, school districts must spend at least sixty-five percent of school funds on classroom instruction instead of administration.

HB 1473 – The Florida Energy Act (Alternative Energy/Environment)
The bill includes incentives for conservation as well as promoting the development of alternative technologies such as ethanol, solar, and hydrogen that will reduce our dependence on foreign oil and fossil fuels.
PASSED – SIGNED INTO LAW ON 05/02/2006

HB 1027 – Biomedical Research for Cancer and Alzheimer’s (Healthcare/Research)
The bill provides for a $120 million recurring general revenue state appropriation over a four (4) year period beginning in FY 2006-07 for biomedical research in the areas of Alzheimer’s and Cancer.
PASSED – SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/13/2006

HB 299 – Freedom to Travel (Personal Freedom)
The bill creates a provision which prohibits life insurers from refusing coverage or otherwise discriminating against an individual solely based on the basis of that individual’s past lawful foreign travel experiences.
PASSED – SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/23/2006

CO-SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2006:

HB 29 – Back to School Sales Tax Holiday (Tax Relief)
PASSED – SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/02/2006

HJR 33 – Homestead Portability (Property Tax Relief)HB 47 – Sales Tax Holiday (Hurricane Preparedness/Tax Relief)
PASSED – SIGNED INTO LAW ON 04/28/2006HB 209 – Elimination of Intangibles Tax (Tax Relief)
PASSED – SIGNED INTO LAW ON 07/28/2006HJR 213 – Smaller School Districts (Education)HJR 353 – Doubling the Homestead Exemption for Seniors (Property Tax Relief)HB 371 – Cancer Drug Donation Program (Access to Healthcare)
PASSED – SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/28/2006HB 439 – Optional Issuance of Birth Certificates for Stillborn Babies (Strengthening Florida’s Families)
PASSED – SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/12/2006HB 469 – Prosecution of Human Trafficking (Criminal Justice)
PASSED – SIGNED INTO LAW ON 06/13/2006HM 541 – National Catastrophe Insurance Program (Property Insurance)
The bill urges Congress to support a National Catastrophe Insurance Program.