Welcome to the New Website for Associated Industries of Fluoridate Voice of Florida Business!

Weekly Legislative Update from April 28, 2017

Telecommunications

HB 687 & SB 596-Relating to Utilities
On Monday, April 24th, HB 687, relating to Utilities by Representative Mike La Rosa (R-Saint Cloud) was heard by the House Commerce Committee and passed by a vote of 25 yeas to 2 nays AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.

On Friday, April 28th, HB 687, was read for a third time on the House floor and passed by a vote of 110 yeas to 3 nays and immediately sent to the Senate chamber. Once HB 687 was received by the Senate, the bill was substituted for the Senate version, SB 596, read for a third time on the Senate floor and passed by a vote of 33 yeas to 1 nay.

This bill creates the Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Act which would ultimately allow for 5G technology throughout the state of Florida.

HB 687 will now go to the desk of the Governor.

AIF SUPPORTS legislation that accommodates for the increasing need for reliable wireless networks to help support communities and businesses of the future.

Please see the below statement from our President & CEO, Tom Feeney, regarding passage of HB 687 during committee on Monday, April 24th:

 

AIF: HB 687 Makes 5G Possible in Florida

Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released the following statement on behalf of its President & CEO Tom Feeney regarding support of House Bill 687, by Representative Mike La Rosa, relating to Utilities.  HB 687 was today heard in the House Commerce Committee, its second and last committee of reference.

"AIF supports legislation making the technology of the future possible in Florida.  By deploying uniform small cell technology across the Sunshine State, our local communities will be able to be a part of the smart cities revolution, advancing not only our wireless network speeds but the ability to attract innovative, technologically advanced companies to Florida.

“AIF commends Representative La Rosa and the House Commerce Committee for advancing this good legislation today.  HB 687, which is now ready to be taken up by the full House, is the answer to autonomous vehicles, instantaneous wireless speeds and smart cities becoming a reality for Floridians.”

# # #