The Week Ahead in Florida Politics – February 22, 2016

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, FEBRUARY 19, 2016…. With action moving out of committee rooms and into the House and Senate chambers, lawmakers during the coming week will consider a series of high-profile issues. The Senate, for example, will consider a proposal that would allow people with terminal illnesses to have access to medical marijuana. The House, meanwhile, will take up proposed changes to the state retirement system and a proposed constitutional amendment that would impose term limits on Florida Supreme Court justices and appellate-court judges.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2016

Legislature:

ELEVATOR SAFETY AT ISSUE: The House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a proposal (HB 1289), filed by Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, that would place additional safety requirements on new elevators in private residences. The bill is named the "Maxwell Erik 'Max' Grablin Act," after a boy who was crushed to death by an elevator in his home. (Monday, 1 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

GAS PUMPS GET TARGETED: The Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee will take up a bill (SB 1148), filed by Sen. Bill Montford, D-Tallahassee, that would require self-service gas pumps to have printers that are in "good working order" and capable of producing receipts. (Monday, 2 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

PROTECTIONS SOUGHT FOR REAL ESTATE AGENTS: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will consider a proposal (SB 214), filed by Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, that would increase criminal penalties for people who commit assault, battery or sexual battery on real-estate agents. (Monday, 2 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

DRIVER LICENSES DISCUSSED: The House Appropriations Committee will take up a bill (HB 207), sponsored by Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, Rep. Greg Steube, R-Sarasota, and Majority Leader Dana Young, R-Tampa, that would make a series of changes in laws about driver-license suspensions. (Monday, 3 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

VOTER REGISTRATION RECORDS AT ISSUE: The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee will take up a series of public-records bills, including a measure (SB 702), filed by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Rockledge, that would create a public-records exemption for 16-year-olds and 17-year-olds who pre-register to vote. The information would become available when they turn 18. (Monday, 4 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

DECLARATION OF WAR SOUGHT: The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee will consider a memorial to Congress (SM 1710), sponsored by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, that urges the declaration of war against terrorist groups al-Qaida and the Islamic State. (Monday, 4 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2016

Legislature:

SENATE DEMOCRATS MEET: The Senate Democratic Caucus is scheduled to meet. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 228 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE TAKES UP MEDICAL MARIJUANA, 'PASTOR PROTECTION': The Senate is slated to take up a bill that would allow patients with terminal illnesses to have access to medical marijuana. The bill (SB 460), sponsored by Regulated Industries Chairman Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, would add marijuana to a 2015 law known as the "Right to Try Act." That law allows terminally ill patients to have access to experimental drugs that have not been approved for general use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Also during a floor session, the Senate is expected to consider a controversial proposal that is an outgrowth of last year's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry. The proposal (SB 110), sponsored by Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, would seek to prevent clergy members from being forced to perform marriage ceremonies contrary to their beliefs. But opponents of what has been dubbed the "Pastor Protection Act" say it is unnecessary because clergy already have First Amendment protections. Also during the session, the Senate is scheduled to consider a bill (SB 636), sponsored by Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto, R-Fort Myers, that seeks to ensure rapid testing of DNA evidence in suspected sexual-assault cases. The bill stems from disclosures last year that thousands of "rape kits" have gone untested. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

RETIREMENT, TERM LIMIT ISSUES GO TO HOUSE FLOOR: The House will consider a proposal (HB 7107), filed by Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers, that would make changes in the Florida Retirement System for public employees. Under the bill, employees who don't choose between the state's traditional pension plan and a 401(k)-style investment plan would "default" into the investment plan. Currently, workers are automatically placed in the pension plan if they don't make a selection. Also during a floor session, the House will take up a proposed constitutional amendment (HJR 197), sponsored by Rep. John Wood, R-Winter Haven, that would place term limits on Supreme Court justices and appellate-court judges. Among other bills, the House will consider a proposal (HB 1325), filed by Rep. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, that would set new policies for state economic-development incentives. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

PANEL CONSIDERS ARMSTRONG CONFIRMATION: The Senate Ethics and Elections Committee will consider confirmation of a series of gubernatorial appointees, including Surgeon General John Armstrong. The Senate Health Policy Committee narrowly supported Armstrong's confirmation as secretary of the Florida Department of Health amid questions about issues such as fewer patients being served at county health departments. The Ethics and Elections Committee also will take up the appointments of Cissy Proctor as executive director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and Thomas Delacenserie as secretary of the Department of the Lottery. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

UTILITY BONDS AT ISSUE: The Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee will take up a bill (SB 324), filed by Sen. John Legg, R-Trinity, that would create a new type of financing known as "utility cost containment bonds" that could be used for water or wastewater projects. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WATER BOARD MEETS: The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board will meet in Sarasota. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Sarasota Service Office, 6750 Fruitville Road, Sarasota.)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

Legislature:

CIVIL CITATIONS DEBATED: The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee will consider a proposal (SB 408), filed by Sen. Thad Altman, R-Rockledge, that would require law enforcement officers to issue civil citations to juveniles for some offenses rather than making arrests. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

POLICE BODY CAMERAS AT ISSUE: The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee will take up a bill (SB 418), filed by Sen. Chris Smith, D-Fort Lauderdale, involving police agencies that decide to use body cameras. Under the bill, those agencies would be required to establish policies and procedures addressing the proper use, maintenance and storage of body cameras and recorded data. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

ELECTED SECRETARY OF STATE DISCUSSED: The Senate Rules Committee will consider a proposed constitutional amendment (SJR 1424), filed by Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, that could lead to Florida having an elected secretary of state who would serve on the Cabinet. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

HOUSE HOLDS FLOOR SESSION: The House is scheduled to hold a floor session. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

SENATE DEMOCRATS MEET: The Senate Democratic Caucus is scheduled to meet. (Wednesday, 12:15 p.m., 228 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

ALIMONY OVERHAUL CONSIDERED: The Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (SB 668), filed by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, that would revamp the state's alimony laws. Among other things, it would establish a formula for judges to use when deciding alimony payments for divorcing couples. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

COMPENSATION SOUGHT IN ATHLETE'S DEATH: The Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a proposal (SB 16), filed by Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, that would compensate the family of Florida State University football player Devaughn Darling, who collapsed and died during a training session in 2001. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

STATE LANDS ON THE TABLE: The Senate General Government Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (SB 1290), filed by Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, that would make a series of changes in laws dealing with state lands, including laws about land management. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

NEW RURAL HOSPITALS AT ISSUE: The Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a proposal (SB 236), filed by Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, that could help efforts to build new or replacement hospitals in rural counties. The bill would expand an exemption to the state's "certificate of need" regulatory process for hospital construction or expansion projects. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD TARGETED: The Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (SB 1216), filed by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, that would seek to crack down on unemployment-assistance fraud. The bill, at least in part, targets fraud that involves identity theft. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE HOLDS FLOOR SESSION: The Senate will hold a floor session and take up a series of issues, including a bill (SB 1220), filed by Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, that deals with attorney fees in public-records lawsuits. The issue stems from allegations by local governments that some public-records requests have been filed against agencies as part of a strategy to create violations and win attorney fees. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

Also:

CABINET AIDES MEET: Aides to Gov. Rick Scott and Florida Cabinet members will meet to discuss issues in advance of a March 2 Cabinet meeting. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.)

BOXOLD, JOHNSON AT CHAMBER EVENT: The Florida Chamber of Commerce will hold its "International Days" event, with speakers expected to include state Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold and Enterprise Florida President and CEO Bill Johnson. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, 555 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

PAROLE CASES HEARD: The Florida Commission on Offender Review will consider numerous parole cases involving crimes committed in the 1970s and 1980s. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 4070 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

UCF TRUSTEES HOLD CONFERENCE CALL: The University of Central Florida Board of Trustees will hold a conference call and discuss issues related to performance-based funding. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. Call-in number: 1-800-442-5794. Code: 463796.)

DETENTION COSTS AT ISSUE: The 1st District Court of Appeal will hear arguments in a dispute between the Department of Juvenile Justice and counties about past costs for juvenile detention. The department and counties have fought a series of legal battles about cost sharing for what are known as "predisposition" costs. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., 1st District Court of Appeal, 2000 Drayton Dr., Tallahassee.)

MASSULLO CAMPAIGNS IN HOMOSASSA: Republican Ralph Massullo, who is seeking to succeed Rep. Jimmie Smith, R-Inverness, in House District 34, is scheduled to hold a meet-and-greet event. (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Fat Daddy's Roadhouse, 1470 South Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa.)

WALESA SPEAKS AT FIU: Former Polish President Lech Walesa will speak at Florida International University. (Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Florida International University, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Steven. J. Green School of International and Public Affairs building, 11200 S.W. Eighth St., Miami.)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2016

Legislature:

SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Regulatory Affairs Committee (Thursday, 8 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Education Committee (Thursday, 9 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Appropriations Committee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Local & Federal Affairs Committee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Judiciary Committee (Thursday, 1 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House State Affairs Committee (Thursday, 1 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Rules, Calendar & Ethics Committee (Thursday, 4:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

LAWMAKERS HOST 'PUERTO RICO DAY': Sen. Darren Soto, D-Orlando, Rep. Victor Torres, D-Orlando, Rep. Bob Cortes, R-Altamonte Springs, and Rep. John Cortes, D-Kissimmee, will host an event for "Puerto Rico Day at the Capital." (Thursday, 3 p.m., Old Capitol.)

Also:

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

TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION MEETS: The Florida Transportation Commission will meet and discuss issues such as the Department of Transportation's permitting process. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Florida Department of Transportation, 605 Suwannee St., Tallahassee.)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Legislature:

The House and Senate do not have any scheduled meetings.

Also:

OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE BOARD MEETS: The Board of Osteopathic Medicine will meet in Pinellas County. (Friday, 8 a.m., Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, 105 North Bayshore Dr., Safety Harbor.)