HB 705 – Public Works Projects

On Wednesday, February 28, HB 705 by Representative Jason Shoaf (R-Port St. Joe) was read for a third time on the House Floor and was passed with 80 yeas and 32 nays.

HB 705 ensures that public works projects that use local funds may not require contractors to 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 Florida Senate for consideration.

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

HB 275/SB 340 – Offenses Involving Critical Infrastructure

On Wednesday, February 28, SB 340 by Representative Jennifer Canady (R-Lakeland) and Senator Clay Yarborough was read for a third time on the Senate Floor and was passed with 39 yeas and 0 nays.

This bill 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, deep-water ports, or railyards.

HB 275/SB 340 will now go to the Governor for approval.

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

SB 1532 – Mitigation

On Wednesday, February 28, SB 1532 by Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) was read for a third time on the Senate Floor and was passed with 39 yeas and 0 nays.

SB 1532 addresses the unavailability of wetland mitigation bank credits by allowing mitigation banking on public lands when no mitigation bank credits are available. The bill also expands the availability of water quality enhancement areas to private sector end-users. Current law only allows public entities with such access. By doing so, this legislation would add additional tools in the mitigation and compliance “toolbox” for Florida business.

SB 1532 will now go to the Florida House for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that expands private-sector involvement in water quality mitigation projects. These measures would allow businesses to operate effectively while working alongside regulators on lands/waterways categorized as mitigation banks.

HB 179 – Towing & Storage

On Wednesday, February 28, HB 179 by Representative Lauren Melo (R-Fort Meade) was read for a third time on the House Floor and was passed with 115 yeas and 0 nays.

HB 179 seeks to curb predatory towing practices hurting Florida’s businesses and consumers. Among other provisions, the bill clarifies the fees that towing companies may charge, increases the timeframe for a towing company to sell an unclaimed vehicle to ensure consumers have time to retrieve it; and prohibits towing companies from requiring only notarized original titles that are appropriate for securing the release of a vehicle.

HB 179 will now go to the Florida Senate for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that sets clear guidelines for businesses and consumers to follow. These measures will reduce the amount of rampant litigation while keeping businesses in line with their obligations to the consumer.

SB 1680 – Advanced Technology

On Wednesday, February 28, SB 1680 by Senator Jennifer Bradley (R-Flemming Island) was read for a third time on the Senate Floor and was passed with 40 yeas and 0 nays.
 
SB 1680 creates a new “Government Technology Modernization Council.” This council, composed of executive branch agency heads, along with members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Speaker of the House will oversee and advise the Governor and the Legislature on Florida’s rollout of AI in state government and the private sector. SB 1680 also establishes criminal penalties for using AI platforms for the creation or possession of “generated child pornography.” Such penalties include up to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

SB 1680 will now go to the Florida House for consideration.

AIF supports the increased dialogue at the state level about the beneficial elements of AI and how it can have a positive impact on Florida businesses. While creating proper boundaries and guidelines surrounding AI is important, it is also vital that the beneficial uses and innovation created by the proper use of AI are not unnecessarily stifled.

Please visit our website for more information about AIF’s work on AI.