SB 1048- Relating to Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Licenses
On Thursday, April 2nd, SB 1048, relating to Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Licenses, by Senator Rene Garcia (R-Hialeah) passed through the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development with 7 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. This bill will now move on to the Senate Rules Committee. AIF stood in opposition of this bill.

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

SB 224- Relating to Public Records/Public Agency Contracts
On Thursday, April 2nd, SB 224, relating to Public Records/Public Agency Contracts, by Senator Wilton Simpson (R-New Port Richey), unanimously passed through the Senate floor with 36 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 House floor for a vote; however the House companion, HB 163, has one last committee stop in the House State Affairs Committee before heading to the floor.

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