Legislative Update - June 28, 2024

Top news in Florida this week is that the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup! Next, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that state offices will be closed Friday, July 5, in addition to regular office closure on Thursday, July 4, in celebration of Independence Day weekend.

Consumers can purchase qualifying recreation and outdoor items and admissions to entertainment and cultural events exempt from tax during the 2024 Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Monday, July 1 and extends through Wednesday, July 31. Items that are exempt from sales tax are recreational items including boating and water supplies: life jackets, coolers, pool toys, safety flares, water skis, wakeboards, paddleboards, surfboards, canoes, kayaks, paddles, and snorkel gear; camping supplies: tents, sleeping bags, hammocks, stoves, camping chairs, lanterns, and flashlights; fishing gear: rods, reels, tackle boxes, bait, and tackle sets; and other recreational items: electric scooters, sunscreen, insect repellant, sunglasses, binoculars, water bottles, hydration packs, grills, bicycle helmets, bicycles, pool and spa parts, and chemicals. Items that are exempt from tax includes those used for fishing, camping, boating, and admissions to certain performances. For complete list of items, go to www.floridarevenue.com/FreedomMonth

What Floridians need to know about the new laws going into effect July 1 -  Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a spate of new laws that are scheduled to take effect on Monday. The new laws include funding for the My Safe Florida Home hurricane hardening program, establishing a similar My Safe Florida Condominium program, the prohibition of wind turbines and erasure of climate change terminology from Florida statutes, and tuition and fee waivers for high-school dropouts to pursue diplomas and workforce credentials, restrictions on AI in political ads, a statewide swimming voucher program among many, many others. More from the Tallahassee Democrat and the Miami Herald.

Chances increase for tropical depression or storm to form for Caribbean-bound system, NHC says -  The National Hurricane Center is tracking two tropical waves with a chance to form into the season’s next tropical depression or storm with an Atlantic system bound for the Caribbean showing more organization. The next names on the NHC’s Atlantic hurricane season list are Beryl and Chris. The season’s first named storm of the season was Tropical Storm Alberto, which dropped heavy rain on Mexico and sent heavy storm surge up the Gulf coast to Texas last week. More from the Orlando Sentinel.

“Independence Day travel projected to be heaviest in years” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — While fireworks will be bursting in the sky this Fourth of July, there will be plenty of action on the road as well for travelers this holiday weekend. Independence Day will be packed with travelers in what promises to be one of the most jammed holidays on roads and in airports. Officially, the federal holiday falls on Thursday, July 4. But many will choose to take Friday off from work as well, even though it is not federally mandated, prompting what will turn into a four-day weekend for many. However, AAA Motor Club officials predict that the unofficial holiday period will run from Saturday, June 29, through Sunday, July 7.

Governor …

“Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoes vacation rental bill that gave state more authority” via John Kennedy of USA Today Network — DeSantis sided with scores of Florida city and county governments in vetoing a measure that would have erased local regulation of vacation rental properties and turned power over to the state. It was a rare move for a Governor who usually embraces top-down management, having enacted various measures stripping regulatory authority from local governments while enhancing state authority. In his veto letter, DeSantis said he rejected the bill's approach because vacation rental markets “are far from uniform across the various regions of the state.” “Going forward, I encourage the Florida Legislature and all key stakeholders to work together, with the understanding that vacation rentals should not be approached as a one-size-fits-all issue,” DeSantis wrote.

“DeSantis signs bill designating Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway ” via Kevin Accettulla of WFLA

DeSantis Signs Bill to Require American-Made Metal in State Projects: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday signed legislation (SB 674) requiring that contractors on Florida public works projects use American-made iron and steel in most cases. The measure would allow exceptions, such as if U.S.-made steel or iron is not available or of "unsatisfactory quality," or if it would increase the cost of a project by more than 20%. It also would except small amounts of "incidental" foreign metal materials and exclude some electrical components and systems from the requirement. LobbyTools Governor's Activity

DeSantis Signs Bill Defining Anti-Semitism: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed legislation putting a broad definition of antisemitism into state law. The measure (HB 187) adopts a definition used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance that defines antisemitism as "a perception of Jewish individuals which may be expressed as hatred, including rhetorical and physical manifestations targeting both Jewish and non-Jewish individuals and Jewish community institutions." The bill also outlines examples of antisemitism, including justifying harm against Jewish people, promoting stereotypes, and denying the Holocaust, among other things. It also says, however, that criticism of Israel, doesn't amount to antisemitism for purposes of the law when it is similar to criticism of any other country. The definition of antisemitism was already in state law, but it was in an education-specific part of the statutes. The new law makes it clear that the definition more broadly applies throughout the law. Approval of the measure comes amid a huge surge in reported antisemitic incidents in the United States since the beginning of Israel's response to the October, 2023 attack on the country by the Hamas terrorist organization. Florida Politics

New Law Restricts Ethics Complaints - Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a contentious bill putting new restrictions on ethics complaints, despite opposition from several government watchdog groups. In March, nine organizations – including Integrity Florida – signed a letter to DeSantis asking him to veto the measure (SB 7014). The Jacksonville Ethics Commission also urged the governor to reject the proposal. The legislation prohibits members of the public from filing an ethics complaint unless they have "personal knowledge" of the alleged ethics violation. It also places new restrictions on local ethics boards by limiting their authority to probe misconduct unless a complainant or whistleblower provides their name and files a sworn complaint. Additionally, the measure, which passed the Senate 26-4 and the House 79-34 along party lines with Republicans in favor, aims to discourage frivolous claims by limiting the time frame for investigating ethics complaints. Critics said the changes will intimidate those with insider knowledge from coming forward and prevent ethics commissions from following up on Inspector General referrals, media investigations and other tips. "This law undermines the will of the people and will allow corruption to go unchallenged," said Common Cause Florida Executive Director Amy Keith. "Let's be clear: This has never been about minimizing frivolous complaints; this is about making complaints almost impossible," Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust Executive Director Jose Arrojo also voiced concerns earlier this year to the Miami Herald saying that the new law could limit means of bringing ethics concerns to the attention of officials. The new law takes effect immediately. Transmittal Letter / LobbyTools Gov Activity / USA Today Network / Miami Herald / Florida Politics

“Gov. DeSantis vetoes lawsuit protections for cybersecurity breaches, three other bills” via Christine Jordan Sexton of Florida Politics — DeSantis vetoed another four bills from the 2024 Session, including a contentious bill that would have curtailed lawsuits involving cybersecurity breaches. He also nixed a measure designed to help former convicts get barber or cosmetologist licenses and another requiring the Department of Health to warn people within 24 hours of high bacteria levels in the water and even close beaches if needed. Sponsored by Reps. Mike Giallombardo and Kevin Steele, the bill would have provided that a county or municipality that substantially complies with the cybersecurity training, standards, and notification protocols under current law or any other political subdivision of the state that complies with these standards and protocols voluntarily, is not liable in connection with a cybersecurity incident.

“DeSantis vetoes bill to bolster warnings about Florida’s polluted waters” via Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times — DeSantis vetoed a measure that would have increased warnings for Floridians and tourists when a beach or public waterway is polluted. The bill required the Florida Department of Health to issue health advisories if water quality failed to meet the agency’s standards and required closing polluted beaches “if it is deemed necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public,” according to a House staff analysis of the bill. The measure also required municipalities and counties to notify the state health department of unsafe water quality within 24 hours.

DeSantis Rejects In-State Tuition for Convicts - A measure (SB 62) vetoed by the governor on Tuesday would have allowed Florida residents in state or federal prisons to keep their in-state residency status for purposes of college aid. "Florida's higher education system has ranked #1 in the country for nearly a decade, in part due to the state's investment in our institutions over that same period," wrote Gov. Ron DeSantis in his veto letter. "We should not reward criminal activity by providing inmates with the same benefits as law-abiding citizens." The bill to keep people from losing the ability to get in-state tuition despite serving a prison term was sponsored two years in a row by Democrat Sen. Rosalind Osgood. "We talk about recidivism rates and then we look at economic benefits – them going to school, getting access to education and whatever services they're eligible for is certainly better for us than them getting out after being in prison for three years and having no additional skills or intellectual capacity," Osgood said last year. DeSantis Veto Letter / Florida Politics / Tampa Bay Times

Purposely Releasing Balloons Into Sky Now Illegal Littering - The intentional release of balloons into the sky, including at events like memorials or graduation parties, is now illegal in Florida following approval Monday by Gov. Ron DeSantis of legislation aimed at helping reduce pollution. DeSantis signed HB 321, which updates state litter laws to include balloons, meaning that starting July 1 the intentional release of balloons could bring a $150 fine. The measure exempts children 6 years or younger from penalties. The legislation was backed by ocean conservation groups who say marine debris is a growing problem with millions of pounds of plastic entering the oceans each year. In addition to the balloon material itself, conservationists say the attached items, like ribbons or strings and clips also cause problems for marine wildlife. "While releasing balloons is sometimes used for celebrations, Floridians can opt for greener choices like bubbles, kites, planting trees, or making memorial gardens," said Hunter Miller, Florida campaign manager for the ocean protection organization Oceana. "Our elected officials should continue to come together to adopt new policies to stop the plastic pollution crisis at the source so Floridians and visitors can appreciate our stunning state without it being marred by plastic waste." Florida Politics / Tampa Bay Times / Tallahassee Democrat / Oceanographic Magazine

DeSantis Critical of Supreme Court Social Media Ruling: Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday criticized a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that said Louisiana and Missouri couldn't sue over the federal government's efforts to get social media companies to remove some health misinformation during the pandemic. The court on Wednesday rejected a challenge brought by the attorneys general of Missouri and Louisiana, along with private citizens, that sought to prevent the federal government from putting pressure on social media platforms to remove what the government considered misinformation from the platforms. "The Court majority has rubber-stamped a way for the federal government to censor speech that it doesn't like," DeSantis said on X. "The Court is telling would be censors: you can't directly censor speech but if you pursue a sophisticated plan with enough subtlety you can get away with doing indirectly what the Constitution clearly forbids you from doing directly." The case is Murthy v. Missouri. Florida Politics

“Florida ‘will not comply’ with U.S. Surgeon General’s gun violence advisory, Ron DeSantis says” via Nina Moske of the Tampa Bay Times — DeSantis said Florida “will not comply” with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy’s declaration that firearm violence is a public health crisis. Murthy, the nation’s top doctor, issued the advisory Tuesday as the U.S. grapples with growing numbers of deaths and injuries involving firearms. He called for a comprehensive approach similar to responses to tobacco and motor vehicle deaths. In a video announcing the advisory, Murthy said that 54% of U.S.

Business …

Florida Chamber Releases Workforce Needs Study 2.0: The Florida Chamber of Commerce unveiled a new study addressing the workforce challenges necessary for Florida to achieve a Top 10 global economy. The "Florida Workforce Needs Study 2.0" builds on a 2021 analysis, now focusing on 2030 goals rather than the impacts of COVID-19. The Chamber's primary aim is to elevate Florida's economy to the 10th largest worldwide, comparable to Canada's $2.24 trillion GDP. In 2022, Florida's GDP was $1.6 trillion, positioning it at 15th, similar to Spain. The study underscores the importance of attracting and retaining workers with essential skills to bridge this gap. Currently, there are 91 job seekers for every 100 job openings in Florida, but many lack the necessary qualifications. Key findings reveal that soft skills, like communication, are highly sought after by employers. The study suggests involving Florida businesses in revising the state's Master Credentials List to better reflect job market needs. It also highlights the need for small businesses to receive guidance on accessing training grant programs, a resource more commonly utilized by larger companies. Additionally, the Chamber emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the business community and higher education institutions, which they say, could help Florida create approximately 1.36 million net new jobs by 2030. Florida Politics

The Florida Council of 100 has a plan to grow high-wage jobs across the state -  A well-connected group of Florida business leaders thinks its members can help fill a void that opened last year when lawmakers broke up the business-recruitment agency Enterprise Florida. The Florida Council of 100 on Wednesday released a report about types of businesses and industries that different areas of the state should work to attract, while offering its more than 150 members to help link businesses with regional economic-development organizations. More from Florida Trend and the News Service of Florida.

“Florida’s new jobless claims drop for second week in a row” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — The number of first-time unemployment claims in Florida dropped for the second week in a row, as recent jobless data in the state has fluctuated. There were 7,140 initial unemployment benefit filings for the week ending June 22 in the Sunshine State. That’s a drop by 626 first-time claims from the week before. It’s the latest update in what has been a fairly mixed jobs market in Florida this year. The first-time weekly unemployment benefit claims have been trending in different directions for most of this year from week to week. For the week ending June 15, Florida saw a decline of more than 1,000 new jobless claims. But that followed a wild spike for the week ending June 8 when there was a surge to more than 8,000 first-time weekly unemployment claims before seasonal adjustments.

AA: Fla Gas Prices Rebound After 26-Day Decline: Florida gas prices recently increased after dropping to multi-month lows, according to AAA – the auto club group. Last week, the state average increased by 15 cents, then decreased by two cents over the weekend. As of Sunday, the average price was $3.35 per gallon, which is ten cents higher than a week ago. This rise ended a 26-day streak of declines, during which prices dropped by 33 cents, reaching a low of $3.23 per gallon last Tuesday, the lowest since mid-February. The West Palm Beach-Boca Raton area remains the most expensive for refueling, while the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach region offers the current cheapest gas prices in the state. "Oil and gasoline futures prices rose the past two consecutive weeks, which raised the cost of producing gasoline," said AAA spokesman Mark Jenkins. "Futures prices reportedly increased on data that fuel demand is outpacing fuel inventories. Price fluctuations like this are very common during the summer travel season." The price hike corresponds with the U.S. crude oil price rising above $80 per barrel, compared to the mid to low $70s in recent weeks. Friday's closing price of $80.73 per barrel is 7% higher than two weeks ago. AAA Press Release / Florida Politics / WPLG / WFTV / Tallahassee Democrat / Orlando Sentinel

“July promises patriotism in Florida with ‘Freedom Month’ tax-free holidays on outdoor gear” via Drew Dixon of Florida Politics — July is one of the most patriotic months in the U.S., and the Florida Retail Federation (FRF) wants to encourage residents of the state to take advantage of some patriotic tax-free offerings on outdoor gear and event purchases at stores and venues. The FRF notes that on July 1, Florida consumers will be able to participate in the Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday. The Sunshine State's tax-free discounts run from July 1 through July 31, but they are only for certain products in Florida. Still, the FRF urges Floridians to shop locally for a tax-free outdoor and recreational supplies advantage.

Assistant U.S. Secretary for Health Rachel Levine met with Jacksonville officials on Monday as the city – and many others around the country – gameplanned how to deal with an ongoing heat wave and how to keep people safe amid the prospect of continued higher temperatures. Levine's visit to discuss heat response with Jacksonville officials came as much of the northeast and other parts of the nation baked under a heat dome early this week. "It is all ripped from the headlines, unfortunately, in terms of extreme heat impacting us in the U.S. and globally," Levine told POLITICO's E&E News. "There is not a state in the country that isn't seeing challenges from the heat right now." E&E News

Campaigns & Elections …

“Who are you calling the worst President in history?” via Rachel Treisman of NPR — Each candidate has now called the other “the worst President in history.”

“Republicans rally behind Trump after conviction, Times/Siena Poll finds” via Shane Goldmacher and Ruth Igielnik of The New York Times — Biden continues to confront deeper doubts among Democrats than Trump faces among Republicans — even after Trump was convicted of 34 felony charges last month. The national survey on the eve of the first presidential debate shows that voters have broad distaste for both candidates, but that Trump has so far better consolidated the support of his own party. Only 72% of voters who said they cast a ballot for Biden four years ago say they approve of his job as President. Moreover, voters say they now trust Trump more on the issues that matter most to them.

Biden Campaign Chair: Florida Not 'In Play' - President Joe Biden's campaign chairwoman, Jen O'Malley Dillon, acknowledged during a podcast that Florida isn't "in play" for Biden in the presidential election, stunning some state Democrats who have been trying to convince the state's voters that it is winnable for the president in November. Dan Kanninen, Biden-Harris battleground states director, countered O'Malley Dillon's assertion, saying in a statement that Florida remains "in play for President Biden and Democrats up and down the ballot" and that the campaign "continues to scale up our presence and investments into the state." Politico Playbook / RPOF Statement

Florida Voters to Decide on Making Fishing, Hunting a Right: Florida voters will be able to cast a ballot in November on whether fishing and hunting should be protected as a constitutional right in the state. Amendment 2 is being pushed by outdoor recreation groups that say it is needed to protect the activities as a part of the state's cultural heritage. Some environmental groups oppose the measure, saying they're concerned it could allow "objectionable" practices and make it harder to pass any laws or make rules that put limits on hunting or fishing in any way. Tampa Bay Times

Health Care Related Articles

Several Health Care Measures Take Effect Monday - A slew of health care bills take effect Monday, including a significant component of Senate President Kathleen Passidomo's "Live Healthy" (SB 7016) initiative, known as SB 330, which allocates $313 million to establish new teaching hospitals focusing on behavioral health education and training. It also creates the Florida Center for Behavioral Health Workforce at the University of South Florida's Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, which is meant to address workforce supply and demand in behavioral health professions. Another new health care law (HB 415) provides over $465,000 to create a state-supported online hub of resources for pregnant women and families by January 2025. That proposal faced opposition from Democratic lawmakers, who wanted the website to include abortion information. Other measures taking effect on July 1 include a bill (HB 241) waiving insurance copays for annual skin cancer screenings for Floridians with state insurance coverage, legislation (SB 644) allowing rural hospitals to explore a recently established license type in the federal Medicare program that enables them to enter contracts for federal reimbursement, a proposal (HB 855) requiring telehealth dental service providers to conduct in-person examination or review recent diagnostic imaging prior to orthodontic treatment, and a bill (HB 885) requiring the state employee health insurance plan and Medicaid to cover biomarker testing. Additionally, a large Florida Department of Health package bill (SB 1582) that creates the Andrew John Anderson Pediatric Rare Disease Grant Program, provides additional Black farmer medical marijuana licenses, and modifies the state's sickle cell registry program is also set to take effect Monday, along with a proposal (SB 7072) codifying First Lady Casey DeSantis' "Cancer Connect Collaborative" in state law. One notable measure, however, that has yet to get Gov. Ron DeSantis' approval is an "interstate mobility" bill (SB 1600) that aims to simplify the process for health professionals moving from other states and territories in getting licenses via reciprocity and endorsement under professions regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Florida Department of Health. Some health care industry professionals, including several physicians on the Florida Board of Medicine, are urging the governor to reject that new law. Florida Politics / LobbyTools Bills That Go Into Effect July 1

COVID Cases Increasing, But Well Below Pandemic Levels: COVID Cases May be on Rise, Though Not Like During Pandemic: The federal CDC said Florida is one of 39 states that is either confirmed or likely to be seeing an increase in COVID infections this summer. The CDC doesn't fully track COVID cases anymore, but does monitor increases in ER visits and hospitalizations, along with wastewater data. While new COVID infections are increasing again according to both the CDC and hospitals in South Florida, the numbers are well below previous summers. Miami Herald

“Ashley Moody asked to investigate Lee Health” via Liz Freeman of the Naples Daily News — A physician has asked the Attorney General to investigate Lee Health’s failure to provide the public with an accounting of assets and liabilities. Raymond Kordonowy sent his request to Moody’s office three business days after leaders of the public hospital system with a $3 billion operating budget voted to become a private nonprofit system. The elected Board’s decision on June 13 culminates months of deliberations on remaining competitive in a rapidly changing marketplace. Deep-pocketed for-profit hospitals are free to build anywhere in Florida since regulation was dropped in 2019, and private equity firms are investing in outpatient-based specialty services.

AHCA Approves Nine Hospice Programs, Denies 21 Others: At least 21 Certificate of Need, or CON, applications for new hospice programs were tentatively rejected by state health care officials, but nine others were approved. In Broward County, Arc Hospice of Florida and Moments Hospice of Broward were approved, while applications from AMOR Hospice Care, Bonita Springs Healthcare Services, Bristol Hospice South Florida, Charis Healthcare Holdings, and Parkside Hospice were denied. In Hillsborough County, Affinity Care Hospice of Hillsborough and Gulfside Hospice of Hillsborough were approved. Denials included Arc Hospice of Florida, Bristol Hospice – West Florida, Charis Healthcare Holdings, Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, and VITAS Healthcare. For Bay County, Peoples Hospice and Palliative Care of NW Florida was approved. In Franklin County, Heart'n Soul Hospice of Florida was approved, but NHC/OP of Florida was denied. Arc Hospice of Florida was approved in Alachua County, and VITAS Healthcare secured approval in Pasco County. Applications in Sarasota and Martin counties faced denials, except for AccentCare Hospice & Palliative Care of the Treasure Coast in Martin County, which was approved. The decisions are not final and can be appealed in state administrative court. Florida Politics

CDC Warns of Dengue Fever: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory to inform medical providers, public health authorities, and the public about a recent increased risk of dengue virus infections in the U.S. This year has seen the highest global incidence of dengue on record, with the Americas reporting a record-breaking number of 9.7 million dengue cases between Jan. 1 and June 24, which is more than double the 4.6 million cases reported in all of 2023. Puerto Rico has declared a public health emergency with 1,498 cases, and there have been 745 cases identified among U.S. travelers during the same period. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease mainly occurring in tropical and subtropical areas. CDC Press Release

Catholic Churches Support Group Against Abortion Rights Amendment:Florida Voters Against Extremism, the political committee opposing an abortion rights constitutional amendment that will be on the ballot in November, has garnered funding and support from several Catholic dioceses. From June 1 to June 14, the committee raised $107,560, with the Diocese of St. Augustine contributing $55,000 and the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee adding $25,000. The committee currently holds around $190,000 in cash. Previously, the Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops donated over $22,000 to the committee. The group also unveiled a website, criticizing the language of the initiative, accusing it of being vague and having potential loopholes, and calling it "deceptive and extreme." The measure, known as Amendment 4, would expand abortion rights in the state, allowing the procedure up to about 24 weeks – when doctors say a fetus is "viable" outside the womb. It would need to be ratified by 60% of voters in the upcoming November election. The state currently restricts most abortions to those during the first six weeks of pregnancy. Florida Politics

Legislation Successful in Reducing Spending on Migrant Medical Care - Florida's Medicaid program has spent significantly less on medical care for immigrants who entered the United States illegally since lawmakers passed a measure requiring hospital officials to ask patients about immigration status before providing treatment, Politico reported. That was part of the intent of the legislation, passed in 2023 as SB 1718 and championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration. The legislation was intended in part to discourage migrants from coming to Florida in the first place and to encourage those here to leave. The DeSantis administration and other Florida Republicans said the decreases in Medicaid spending are signs the immigration crackdown is working. Data provided to Politico by the state Agency for Health Care Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show state and federal spending through Medicaid on emergency coverage for immigrants in Florida was about $148 million the year before the new immigration law took effect. As of May 3, $67 million had gone toward emergency coverage this year. While the fiscal year goes to June 30, the state is still on track for a dramatic decrease in spending. Critics say it's not clear that large numbers of migrants have left Florida, and that it's possible those who are here are simply now more likely to avoid hospital care. A spokeswoman for the state health care agency also pointed out that the measure doesn't prevent hospitals from treating undocumented immigrants – it only requires asking about immigration status. "While the state's health care system is designed to serve and prioritize legal United States citizens, those with medical necessities will still be treated by a hospital," AHCA spokeswoman Alecia Collins said. Politico