HB 737 – Relating to Electric Vehicle Transportation Electrification Plan

On Tuesday, February 15, HB 737 by Representative David Borrero (R-Miami) was heard by the House Tourism, Infrastructure & Energy Subcommittee and was reported favorable with 13 yeas and 3 nays. AIF’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Adam Basford, spoke in opposition to this legislation.

The bill requires the Public Service Commission to adopt rules for an electric vehicle (EV) transportation electrification plan to facilitate the deployment of EV charging infrastructure and prohibits investor-owned utilities (IOUs) from using rate base investment in the ownership and operation of EV charging stations.

Presently, the bill authorizes intervention in certain Commission proceedings by EV charging station providers. Specifically, any entity that provides EV charging stations to the public may intervene and participate in any IOUs ratemaking or other Commission proceeding involving rates, terms, or conditions. Such proceedings include the rate structure paid by or proposed to be paid by customers for EV charging offered to the public.

Of great concern to AIF, there is no qualifier that the intervenor be a customer in the IOU’s service territory, which would normally be required to prove standing. For example, an EV charging station based in California, with no charging stations in Florida, could intervene in a proceeding in Florida. It is unclear what the purpose of this intervention is if an IOU is prohibited from including EV charging stations in its rate base.

HB 737 will now go to the House State Administration & Technology Appropriations Subcommittee.

AIF opposes legislation that burdens businesses with unnecessary regulation in introducing EV charging stations while simultaneously asking the Florida Public Service Commission to regulate an entire industry over which it has no jurisdiction.

SB 1564 – Relating to Telephone Solicitation

On Tuesday, February 15, SB 1564 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) was heard by the Senate Rules Committee and was reported favorable with 15 yeas and 2 nays. AIF’s Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Adam Basford, stood in support of this legislation.

In 2021, SB 1120 was passed and prevented telephonic sales calls using automated systems that select numbers OR the usage of automated systems that dial the numbers. This bill further clarifies that telephonic sales calls may not be made using automated number generators AND automated dialers, i.e., robocalls. The bill allows telephonic sales calls with human interaction and therefore clarifies the intent of the original 2021 bill to prevent robocalls to called parties that have not made an inquiry.

SB 1564 will now go to the Senate floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislative efforts that address some of the issues created by the 2021 passage of SB 1120 dealing with telephone solicitation to allow businesses to use certain systems to conduct legitimate telephone solicitation.