HB 921- Relating to Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Factory Branches, Importers and Dealers
On Tuesday, March 17th, HB 921, relating to Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Factory Branches, Importers and Dealers, by Rep. Carlos Trujilo (R-Doral) unanimously passed through its first stop, the House Business & Professions Subcommittee with 12yeas and 0 nays.

Although this House Bill passed unanimously, AIF is in opposition.

This bill is very detrimental to consumers for the following reasons; it will ease the restrictions on exporting new cars, will make fewer new cars available in Florida, allow dealers to capture incentives twice for one time facility improvements, increases new car prices, limit the ability of manufacturers to audit warranty work, which encourages fraud and may result in inability to verify safety related issues. The bill provides nothing but unnecessary protections for dealers, no added benefits for consumers, drives up the costs and limits the availability of cars in Florida.  AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in opposition of this bill.

AIF opposes any legislation that creates an unfair playing field for Florida’s businesses and consumers.

HB 163- Relating to Public Records/Contractors
On Tuesday, March 17th, HB 163, relating to Public Records/Contractors, by Rep. Halsey Beshears (R-Monticello) unanimously passed through the House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee with 13 yeas and 0 nays.

This bill addresses the procedure for obtaining records relating to a public agency’s contract for services with a private contractor. As it stands today, the Florida Constitution provides every person the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or of persons acting on their behalf. However, the issue is who the party responsible for providing these public records is. If this bill becomes law, requests for records relating to a public agency’s contract for services must be made to the public agency instead of the contractor. An agency who receives a request for records possessed by a contractor must attempt to obtain the records from the contractor.

HB 163 will now head to its last stop in the House, the House State Affairs Committee. AIF stood in support of this bill.  

AIF supports legislation that reduces frivolous law suits against Florida businesses.