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The Week Ahead in Florida Politics – April 21, 2014

By the News Service of Florida

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE -- Most of the preliminary work is done. Lawmakers have been home for a week because of the Passover and Easter holidays. Now, it's time to get down to business. The legislative session will enter its final two weeks Monday, with lawmakers still needing to negotiate a 2014-15 state budget and decide the fate of dozens of bills. While a handful of committees will meet early in the week, much of the action now turns to the House and Senate floor.

MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2014

Legislature:

HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS PANEL TO MEET: The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet. A notice had not been posted Friday listing the bills that could be heard. (Monday, 8:30 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

HOUSE JUDICIARY PANEL TO MEET: The House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet. A notice had not been posted Friday listing the bills that could be heard. (Monday, 10:45 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

HOUSE STATE AFFAIRS PANEL TO MEET: The House State Affairs Committee is scheduled to meet. A notice had not been posted Friday listing the bills that could be heard. (Monday, 10:45 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

ABORTION DEBATE IN SENATE: The Senate Rules Committee is expected to consider about 20 bills, including a proposal aimed at preventing abortions after fetuses reach the point of "viability." Under current law, abortions in most cases are barred during the third trimester of pregnancy. But the bill (SB 918), sponsored by Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, would require that physicians conduct examinations before performing abortions to determine if fetuses are viable. If viability is reached, abortions would generally not be allowed --- a change that the bill's supporters say could prevent abortions around the 20th week of pregnancy. (Monday, 1 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

HOUSE LOOKS AT EDUCATION ISSUES: The House will hold a floor session and take up a series of issues, including a bill (HB 7083), filed by Rep. Manny Diaz, Jr., R-Hialeah, that would make a series of changes in charter-school laws. Also, the House will consider a proposal (HB 7069), filed by Rep. Marlene O’Toole, R-Lady Lake, that would change requirements for early-learning and child-care providers. Among other issues, the House is expected to take up a measure (HB 255), filed by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, that would seek to prevent insurers from discriminating against customers because of gun ownership. (Monday, 2 p.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

PANEL CONSIDERS CONFIRMATIONS: The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee will consider the confirmations of dozens of appointees to state, regional and local positions. Those appointees include Florida Public Service Commission members Ronald Brise and Art Graham, along with trustees at 20 state colleges. (Monday, 4:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

TOP NURSING HOMES CONSIDERED: The Governor's Panel on Excellence in Long-Term Care will hold a conference call to review applications for Gold Seal Award designations for nursing homes. (Monday, 9 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-670-3525. Conference code: 8050334011.)

RICH CAMPAIGNS IN CENTRAL FLORIDA: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich will speak at the South Lake Democratic Club and at a meeting of the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee. (Monday, Lake County event, 3 p.m., Clermont Community Center, 620 West Montrose St., Clermont. Orange County event, 7 p.m., IBEW union hall, 20 Virginia Ave., Orlando.)

TEACHER PREPARATION AT ISSUE: The state’s Teacher and Leader Preparation Implementation Committee will hold a conference call. (Monday, 4 p.m. Call-in number: 1-877-299-4502. Passcode: 31253156.)

SHELDON TO RAISE MONEY IN TALLAHASSEE: Democratic attorney-general candidate George Sheldon is expected to raise money at an event in Tallahassee. (Monday, 5:30 p.m., 101 Restaurant, 215 West College Ave., Tallahassee.)

COLLIER DEMS TOUT CANDIDATE: Democrat April Freeman, who is running to replace former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel in a June 24 special election in Congressional District 19 will speak to the Collier County Democratic Club. (Monday, 6 p.m., 13040 Livingston Road, Suite 2, Naples.)

TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2014

Legislature:

SENATE PANEL HAS FULL SLATE: The Senate Appropriations Committee could consider more than 60 bills, including high-profile measures about pensions, medical marijuana and taxes. Among the measures on the agenda is a proposal (SB 1114) that would revamp the state retirement system. Also, the committee is expected to consider a proposal (SB 1030), filed by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, and Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, that could help make available a strain of marijuana that supporters say can help children with a form of epilepsy that causes severe seizures. Another bill (HB 5601) is the House's proposed tax-cut package. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol)

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, NURSING HOME LAWSUITS UP IN HOUSE: The House will hold a floor session and consider numerous issues, including a proposal (SB 224 or HB 169) that would ban the sale of electronic cigarettes to minors. The issue has drawn controversy because part of the House bill would bar local governments from passing restrictions on the sale of tobacco products. The House also will take up bills (HB 7141, HB 1017 and HB 989) aimed at preventing human trafficking. Another proposal (HB 569 or SB 670) would put additional restrictions on lawsuits stemming from injuries to nursing-home residents. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

Also:

ASSISTED LIVING AND MANAGED CARE DISCUSSED: The Agency for Health Care Administration will host a workshop that will include managed-care plans, behavioral-health providers and other parties. The workshop will relate to care coordination and case management for residents of assisted-living facilities under managed care. (Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Access Behavioral Health, The Andrews Institute, 1020 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze.)

CABINET CONSIDERS LAND SALE: Gov. Rick Scott and the state Cabinet will consider a proposal to sell 142 acres of vacant land in Hillsborough County to a Mormon Church-affiliated firm. Proceeds from the sale could help the state’s efforts to preserve environmentally sensitive land. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

NELSON TO LEAD MEETING ON SEA-LEVEL RISE: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., will lead a field hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation that will focus on sea-level rise and coastal resilience. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach.)

CRIST SPEAKS AT TIGER BAY: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist will speak to the Capital Tiger Bay Club. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Donald L. Tucker Civic Center, 505 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

LAUREN’S KIDS RALLY AT OLD CAPITOL: Gov. Rick Scott, Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Cabinet members and legislative leaders are expected to take part in a rally marking the final leg of a 1,500-mile walk across Florida by sexual-abuse survivor Lauren Book, who is founder of the advocacy group Lauren’s Kids. The rally will follow a series of other events Monday and earlier Tuesday in Tallahassee. (Tuesday, noon, steps of the Old Capitol.)

MEDICAID PANEL TO MEET: The Medical Care Advisory Committee, which reviews and gives input about Medicaid issues, will meet. Among the topics will be the state’s request to the federal government for an extension of a program that provides family-planning services to low- and moderate-income women. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Agency for Health Care Administration, 2727 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee.)

RICH TO SPEAK AT MARTIN COUNTY EVENT: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich is expected to speak at a Martin County Democratic Party fund-raising event. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Best Western Hotel, 1209 S.E. Federal Highway, Stuart.)

GOP CANDIDATES TANGLE IN CD 19 PRIMARY: Republicans Lizbeth Benacquisto, Curt Clawson, Michael Dreikorn and Paige Kreegel will compete in a special primary election in Congressional District 19. The Southwest Florida seat became open when former U.S. Rep. Trey Radel, R-Fla., resigned. The winner of the primary will run in a June 24 special general election.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2014

Legislature:

SENATE DEMOCRATS TO MEET: The Senate Democratic caucus will meet. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 200 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

JUVENILE SENTENCING, SPEED LIMITS, GUN ISSUES UP IN SENATE: The Senate will hold a floor session and could approve a proposal (HB 7035) that would revamp laws dealing with juvenile sentencing in cases that involve murders or other serious felonies. Also, the Senate will begin debating a proposal (SB 392), filed by Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, and Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, that could allow speed limits to go as high as 75 mph on some highways. Senators also are expected to take up two proposals backed by gun-rights advocates. One of the measures (SB 1060), filed by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, would prevent schoolchildren from being disciplined for simulating guns while playing or for wearing clothes that depict firearms or express opinions about Second Amendment rights. Another bill (SB 544), filed by Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, would allow county tax collectors to accept applications for concealed-weapon licenses. Senators also are slated to work on some health-care measures, including a proposal (SB 1150), filed by Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, aimed at boosting "medical tourism." (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

HOUSE IN SESSION: The House is scheduled to hold a floor session for much of the day. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

Also:

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND MANAGED CARE DISCUSSED: The Agency for Health Care Administration will host a workshop and a meeting that will include managed-care plans, behavioral-health providers, assisted-living facility administrators and other parties. The back-to-back sessions will relate to behavioral health services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries. The workshop will focus on those services provided in ALFs. (Wednesday, workshop starts at 8:30 a.m., meeting follows at 12:30 p.m., Access Behavioral Health, The Andrews Institute, 1020 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze.)

HD 44 RESULTS TO BE CERTIFIED: The state Elections Canvassing Commission will meet to certify the results of an April 8 special election in House District 44. Republican Eric Eisnaugle won the election to replace former Rep. Steve Precourt, R-Orlando. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

NELSON TO APPEAR IN DAYTONA BEACH: U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., is expected to speak at a lunch forum sponsored by Florida Hospital and Bethune-Cookman University. (Wednesday, 11:45 a.m., Ocean Center, 101 North Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.)

HENDRIX EXECUTION: Death Row inmate Robert E. Hendrix is scheduled to be executed in the 1990 murders of a Lake County husband and wife. Hendrix, now 47, was convicted in the shooting and stabbing deaths of Elmer Scott Jr. and Michelle Scott. Hendrix went to the Scotts' home because he feared Elmer Scott, who was his cousin, would testify against him in an unrelated case. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Florida State Prison, near Starke.)

RICH TO RAISE MONEY IN BROWARD: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nan Rich is expected to raise money at an event in Broward County. (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Dapur Restaurant, 1640 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale.)

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2014

Legislature:

SENATE DEMOCRATS TO MEET: The Senate Democratic caucus will meet. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 200 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE IN SESSION: The Senate will hold a floor session for much of the day. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

HOUSE IN SESSION: The House is scheduled to hold a floor session for much of the day. (Thursday, 10:30 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

Also:

CITIZENS INSURANCE BOARD TO TALK: The Citizens Property Insurance Board of Governors will hold a conference call. (Thursday, 10 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-942-8686. Access code: 5743735657#)

FAMILY PLANNING AT ISSUE: The Agency for Health Care Administration will hold a meeting to take input about the state’s request to the federal government for an extension of a program that provides family-planning services to low- and moderate-income women. (Thursday, 10 a.m., Medicaid Field Office Six, 6800 North Dale Mabry Highway., Suite 220, Tampa.)

SUPREME COURT TO RELEASE OPINIONS: The Florida Supreme Court is expected to release its weekly opinions. (Thursday, 11 a.m.)

SHELDON TO RAISE MONEY IN TAMPA: Democratic attorney-general candidate George Sheldon is expected to raise money at a reception in Tampa. (Thursday, 5:30 p.m., Foley & Lardner, 100 North Tampa St., Suite 2700, Tampa.) 

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2014

Legislature:

SENATE DEMOCRATS TO MEET: The Senate Democratic caucus will meet. (Friday, 9 a.m., 200 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE IN SESSION: The Senate will hold a floor session for much of the day. (Friday, 10 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

HOUSE IN SESSION: The House is scheduled to hold floor session for much of the day. (Friday, 10:30 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

Also:

ETHICS COMMISSION TO MEET: The Florida Commission on Ethics will consider cases from various areas of the state, including Ocala, Homestead, Fort Myers, Marathon, Pasco County, Okeechobee County and Citrus County. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., Florida Parole Commission, 4070 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

POLYTECHNIC BOARD DISCUSSES CONTRACT: The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees will discuss and possibly approve a contract for a university president. Randy Avent, associate vice president for research at North Carolina State University, has been offered the presidency at Florida Polytechnic, the state's newest university. (Friday, 9 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-670-3525. Code: 5656664913#)