SB 1386 – Assault and Battery on a Utility Worker

On Thursday, April 24, SB 1386 by Senator Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville) was read for a third time on the Senate Floor and was reported favorably with 37 yeas and 0 nays.

SB 1386 increases penalties against individuals who commit acts of violence against utility workers while on duty. The bill rephrases statutory definitions of “utility workers” that require such individuals to wear appropriate gear that clearly identifies them as an employee of a utility provider.

SB 1386 will now go to the Florida House for consideration

AIF supports legislation that stiffens criminal penalties against those who commit acts of violence against utility workers working on critical infrastructure.

SB 1574 – Energy Infrastructure Investment

On Thursday, April 24, SB 1574 by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach) was read for a third time on the Senate Floor and was reported favorably with 37 yeas and 0 nays.

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. These bills would grant public utilities with a cost-recovery mechanism for qualifying RNG infrastructure projects. The bills would also encourage further solutions for the capture, sale, and reuse of methane gas.

SB 1574 will now go to the Florida House 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.

HB 1219 – Employment Agreements

On Thursday, April 24, HB 1219 by Representative Traci Koster (R-Tampa) was substituted for its companion, SB 922 by Senator Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach). The bill was read for a third time on the Senate Floor and was reported favorably with 28 yeas and 9 nays.

In highly competitive business environments, companies are often required to keep innovations and intellectual property developments confidential. These bills strengthen non-compete and confidential employment agreement guidelines by establishing a framework that protects confidential trade secret information. The framework sets new rules for covered garden leave agreements for covered employers and covered employees, as current laws allow for several loopholes that employees can use to contest these agreements through litigation while also working for a competing business.

HB 1219 will now go to the Governor for approval.

AIF supports legislation that protects a business’s sensitive information and drives more innovation through clarified rulemaking. These standards will allow more businesses who rely heavily on research & development to invest in Florida and create new jobs in various industry sectors.