HB 705 - Public Works Projects

On Tuesday, January 30, HB 705 by Representative Jason Shoaf (R-Port St. Joe) was heard by the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably with 14 yeas and 6 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

HB 705 ensures that public works projects that use local funds may not require contractors pay specific wage rates or provide locally mandated employment benefits. This provision already applies to projects that use state dollars. Some local governments are currently requiring the use of prevailing wage rates in their public works contracts. These requirements can dramatically impact project costs and impact an employer’s flexibility in employment decisions. AIF believes that the state minimum wage requirement and the free market are sufficient to ensure proper wage levels.

HB 705 will now go to the House Floor for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that keeps businesses competing through free market access to public programs.

HB 275 - Intentional Damage to Critical Infrastructure

On Tuesday, January 30, HB 275 by Representative Jennifer Canady (R-Lakeland) was heard by the House Energy, Communications & Cybersecurity Subcommittee and was reported favorably with 15 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

HB 275 provides for increased penalties for those who “improperly tamper” with anything defined as “critical infrastructure.” Some examples of “critical infrastructure” include electrical power stations, chemical storage facilities, liquid natural gas storage facilities, deepwater ports, or railyards.

HB 275 will now go to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that deters vandalism, theft, or any form of criminal activity in or around areas of critical infrastructure.

HB 683 – Renewable Natural Gas

On Tuesday, January 30, HB 683 by Representative Brad Yeager (R-New Port Richey) was heard by the House Energy, Communications & Cybersecurity Subcommittee and was reported favorably with 15 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.  

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) continues to expand its presence in Florida’s economy as it becomes a more practical and cost-effective source of renewable energy. HB 683 would grant public utilities with a cost-recovery mechanism for qualifying RNG infrastructure projects. The bill would also encourage further solutions for the capture, sale, and reuse of methane gas. Additionally, HB 683 provides language aligning the cost-recovery mechanisms with storm protection plans. These plans cover pipelines and storage facilities.

HB 683 will now go to the House Water Quality, Supply & Treatment Subcommittee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that provides an economically and technically feasible framework which encourages development and investment in renewable natural gas, hydrogen, and other energy technologies. Investment in new energy solutions creates competition and allows for additional renewable energy options.

HB 1039 - Court-ordered Sealing of Criminal History Records

On Tuesday, January 30, HB 1039 by Representative LaVon Bracy Davis (D-Ocoee) was heard by the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and was reported favorably with 13 yeas and 2 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

HB 1039 expands Florida’s access to court-ordered sealing for individuals with a criminal record. HB 1039 would rework the existing laws for record sealing in a way that permits those with non-serious offenses greater opportunities to have a record officially sealed.

HB 1039 will now go to the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee for consideration.

AIF supports legislative efforts to increase a non-serious offender’s access to record sealing abilities. Florida, like many other states, continues to face issues with labor shortages. These initiatives will help more people enter the workforce and alleviate ongoing labor issues for businesses throughout the state.