Business Regulation
SB 560 – Chemical Additives
On Monday, March 3, SB 560 by Senator Jonathan Martin (R-Fort Myers) was heard by the Senate Agriculture Committee and was reported favorably with 5 yeas and 1 nay. AIF stood in opposition to this legislation.
This bill bans certain chemical additives used as dyes, flavor enhancements, and other modifications in the food making process. The list of banned additives includes Potassium Bromate, Propylparaben, Red Dye 3, Blue Dye 1, Yellow Dye 5, Benzine, Butylated Hydroxyanisole, etc. The bill establishes fines for products sold in Florida that include the additives.
SB 650 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government for consideration.
AIF opposes legislation that adds regulatory penalties to businesses that supersede existing regulations in the use of additives that are federally approved.
Economic Development
SB 110 – Rural Communities
On Monday, March 3, SB 110 by Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) was heard by the Senate Community Affairs Committee and was reported favorably with 6 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
SB 110 is a piece of Senate President Ben Albritton’s (R-Wauchula) “Rural Renaissance” plan to strengthen Florida’s rural communities by investing and restructuring Florida’s approach to rural community management. This bill creates grant programs designed to promote new economic opportunities and growth by providing broadband infrastructure to underserved populations. The bill also develops roadmaps to expand healthcare access and modernization tools for rural counites in need of economic stimulation.
SB 110 will now go to the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee for consideration.
AIF supports legislative efforts to boost economic vitality in Florida’s rural communities. These efforts will create jobs and allow businesses more opportunities for investment in the Sunshine State.
SB 600 – Manufacturing
On Monday, March 3, SB 600 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) was heard by the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and was reported favorably with 7 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
This bill restructures Florida’s approach to encouraging manufacturing investments. At the Department of Commerce, the bill creates the role of “Chief Manufacturing Officer” to oversee the “Statewide Office of Manufacturing.” Additionally, the bill provides for a Florida’s Manufacturers’ Workforce Development Program designed to encourage small manufacturers with new technologies, cybersecurity protocols, and workforce training. The bill also creates a promotional campaign that boasts state-manufactured products to consumers.
SB 600 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development for consideration.
AIF supports initiatives that drive new manufacturing investment to the state and promote “Made in Florida” products to the world.
