SB 224- Relating to Public Records/Public Agency Contracts
On Thursday, March 26th, SB 224, relating to Public Records/Public Agency Contracts, by Senator Wilton Simpson (R-New Port Richey), unanimously passed through the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee  with 8 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. SB 224 will now head to the Senate floor for its second reading. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this bill.

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

SB 1048- Relating to Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Licenses
On Thursday, March 26th, SB 1048, relating to Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Licenses, by Senator Rene Garcia (R-Hialeah) passed through the Senate Transportation Committee with 6 yeas and 1 nay. It is also the companion bill to HB 921 by Rep. Carlos Trujillo (R-Doral).

The bill provides additional grounds to deny, suspend, or revoke a license held by a manufacturer, factory branch, distributor, or importer. It also prohibits manufacturers from taking certain actions against dealers, and requires certain procedures be followed by the manufacturer when dealing with dealers. This act applies to all franchise agreements entered into, renewed, or amended after October 1, 1988, unless such application impairs valid contractual agreements in violation of the Florida Constitution or United States Constitution.

SB 1048 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 stood in opposition of this bill.

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