The Week Ahead in Florida Politics – February 8, 2016

BY THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, FEBRUARY 5, 2016…. The Florida House and Senate are poised to approve budget proposals that will set the stage for negotiations on a final spending plan for the 2016-17 fiscal year. But perhaps the most-intriguing issue to watch during the coming week will be gambling. House and Senate committees Tuesday are scheduled to consider bills that include a series of major gambling issues, including a proposed agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2016

Legislature:

LGBT DISCRIMINATION TARGETED: The Senate Judiciary Committee will take up a bill (SB 120), filed by Sen. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Boynton Beach, that would bar discrimination in jobs and housing based on sexual orientation. (Monday, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

POT PROPOSED FOR TERMINALLY ILL: The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 307), sponsored by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach, and Rep. Katie Edwards, D-Plantation, that would allow people with terminal illnesses to have access to medical marijuana. (Monday, 2 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

EARLY SESSION PITCHED FOR 2018: The House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a proposal (PCB GOAS 16-01) that calls for starting the 2018 legislative session on Jan. 9, about two months earlier than usual. (Monday, 3 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

CIVIL CITATIONS DEBATED: The House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee will take up a bill (HB 7085), filed by Rep. Carlos Trujillo, R-Miami, that could lead to police officers issuing more "civil citations" to juvenile offenders instead of making arrests. (Monday, 3 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

DEATH SENTENCING REVAMPED: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will consider a proposal (SPB 7068) that would revamp the state's death-penalty sentencing system. The bill comes after the U.S. Supreme Court last month ruled that Florida's capital sentencing system is unconstitutional because it gives too much authority to judges, instead of juries, in sentencing people to death. (Monday, 4 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

PENSION TAX AT ISSUE: The Senate Finance and Tax Committee will take up a bill (SB 1652), filed by Sen. Rob Bradley, R-Fleming Island, Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, and Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Elkton, that would allow cities to levy half-cent sales taxes to help pay for underfunded pension systems. The bill comes amid major pension-funding issues in Jacksonville. (Monday, 4 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee (Monday, 4 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Higher Education Committee (Monday, 4 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

CITRUS 'TAKING' PAYMENTS AT ISSUE: The 4th District Court of Appeal is scheduled to hear arguments in a battle about payments in a class-action lawsuit stemming from the state's removal of tens of thousands of citrus trees in Broward County. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 58,225 homeowners because of the destruction of trees related to the state's effort to eradicate a deadly disease known as citrus canker. The appeals-court dispute centers on whether legislative approval is needed for the state to pay a judgment in favor of the homeowners. (Monday, 10 a.m., 4th District Court of Appeal, 1525 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd., West Palm Beach.)

BAEZ RAISES MONEY IN TALLAHASSEE: Democrat Daisy Baez, who is seeking to succeed term-limited Rep. Erik Fresen in Miami-Dade County's District 114, is expected to raise money at a reception near the Capitol. (Monday, 6 p.m., Clyde's & Costello's, 210 South Adams St., Tallahassee.)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Legislature:

UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD TARGETED: The House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee will consider a proposal (HB 1017), filed by Rep. Mike La Rosa, R-St. Cloud, that seeks to crack down on fraud in the state's unemployment system. The bill, at least in part, is aimed at preventing fraud based on identity theft. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

DIRECT PRIMARY CARE AT ISSUE: The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee will take up a bill (SB 132), filed by Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, that seeks to clear the way for "direct primary care" agreements. In such agreements, patients make monthly payments to doctors and other providers for primary-care services, cutting out the role of insurers. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

'PASTOR PROTECTION' DEBATED: The Senate Community Affairs Committee will consider a proposal (SB 110), filed by Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach, that would seek to prevent clergy members from being forced to perform marriage ceremonies contrary to their beliefs. The controversial proposal, known as the "Pastor Protection Act," is an outgrowth of the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling last year that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

MAIL-ORDER PRESCRIPTIONS DISCUSSED: The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee will take up a bill (SB 780), filed by Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, that would prevent insurers from requiring people with certain chronic conditions to use mail-order pharmacies. The chronic conditions would be HIV, epilepsy, hypertension or diabetes. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

MULTI-STATE NURSE LICENSING ON THE TABLE: The Senate Health Policy Committee will consider a proposal (SB 1316), filed by Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, that could lead to Florida entering into a "compact" with other states that would allow nurses to practice across state lines. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

DOMESTIC SECURITY EYED: The Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee will receive a presentation from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Division of Emergency Management about domestic-security funding. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

ABORTION RESTRICTIONS AT ISSUE: The House Health & Human Services Committee will consider a wide-ranging bill (HB 1411), filed by Rep. Colleen Burton, R-Lakeland, that would place more regulations on abortion clinics and address issues such as the sale or donation of fetal tissue. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

PARK DISCOUNTS PROPOSED FOR VETS: The House Local & Federal Affairs Committee will take up a bill (HB 1321), filed by Rep. Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach, that would require counties and cities to give full or partial discounts on park-entrance fees to members of the military and veterans. (Tuesday, 11:30 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

BILL COULD OPEN UP STUDENT TRANSFERS: The House Education Committee will consider a proposal (HB 669), filed by Rep. Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor, that would allow parents to transfer their children to any school in the state that is not over capacity. The legislation would also would allow parents to ask for their children to be transferred out of teachers' classrooms. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

'LEGACY FLORIDA' PITCHED: The Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee and the House Appropriations Committee will take up bills (SB 1168 and HB 989), filed by Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, Rep. Gayle Harrell, R-Stuart, and Rep. Matt Caldwell, R-North Fort Myers, that would direct money toward Everglades and Lake Okeechobee projects. The proposal is known as "Legacy Florida." (Tuesday, Senate meeting, 1:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building. House meeting, 3 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

GAMBLING ISSUES DEBATED: The House Regulatory Affairs Committee and the Senate Regulated Industries Committee will consider proposals (PCB RAC 16-01, PCB RAC 16-02, PCB RAC 16-03, SPB 7072 and SPB 7074) that deal with major issues in the gambling industry. Lawmakers are mulling a proposed gambling deal reached by Gov. Rick Scott and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Also, they could make changes that would affect pari-mutuel facilities in various parts of the state. (Tuesday, House committee, 11:30 a.m., 404 House Office Building. Senate meeting, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

LIGHT SHINED ON SOLAR ENERGY: The Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee will receive presentations about solar-energy technologies. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

ALIMONY CHANGES CONSIDERED: The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider numerous bills, including a proposal (SB 668), filed by Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, that would revamp the state's alimony laws. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Education Appropriations Subcommittee (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Finance & Tax Committee (Tuesday, 3 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

PHARMACY BOARD MEETS: The Florida Board of Pharmacy will start two days of meetings, with discussion expected to include legislative issues. (Tuesday, 8 a.m., Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 East Coastline Dr., Jacksonville.)

APPEALS COURT HEARS ABORTION CASE: The 1st District Court of Appeal will hear arguments in a legal battle about a 2015 law that would require women to wait 24 hours before having abortions. In a pair of rulings in late June and early July, Leon County circuit judges blocked the law from taking effect amid a constitutional challenge. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., 1st District Court of Appeal, 2000 Drayton Dr., Tallahassee.)

SUWANNEE WATER BOARD MEETS: The Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board will meet. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., district headquarters, 9225 County Road 49, Live Oak.)

EDUCATION REPORT RELEASED: The Florida Chamber Foundation will hold a media conference call to release an education report. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-510-1786. Code: 3884758.)

ST. JOHNS WATER BOARD MEETS IN PALM BAY: The St. Johns River Water Management District Governing Board will meet. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. or upon completion of earlier committee meetings, 120 Malabar Road, Palm Bay.)

ETHICS REFORMS SOUGHT: Several groups, including the League of Women Voters of Florida, Common Cause Florida and the Tea Party Network, will hold a news conference to urge lawmakers to pass legislation about ethics and campaign-finance reform. (Tuesday, 12:30 p.m., fourth floor, the Capitol.)

UF TRUSTEES MEET: The University of Florida Board of Trustees will meet after holding two committee meetings. (Tuesday, committees start at 4 p.m., University of Florida, Tigert Hall, Gainesville.)

FORMER SPEAKERS AT USF EVENT: Former House speakers Dean Cannon, H. Lee Moffitt, Ralph Haben and Donald Tucker are expected to take part in the "Florida Legislative Speakers Forum," hosted by the University of South Florida. (Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Old Capitol Museum, Tallahassee.)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016

Legislature:

CORRUPTION TARGETED: The Senate Rules Committee will take up a series of bills, including a proposal (SB 582), filed by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, that would seek to toughen laws about public corruption. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

PANEL LOOKS AT ELECTIONS SUPERVISORS' PAY: The Senate Fiscal Policy Committee will consider a proposal (SB 514), filed by Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples, that would revamp the way salaries are calculated for local supervisors of elections. The changes would lead to higher salaries. (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

SENATE TAKES UP BUDGET: The Senate will hold a floor session and take up its proposed budget (SB 2500) for the fiscal year that starts July 1. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

HOUSE HOLDS FLOOR SESSION: The House will hold a floor session and consider its proposed budget (HB 5001), along with a series of related bills. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

OTHER SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House State Affairs Committee (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Judiciary Committee (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Economic Affairs Committee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Transportation Committee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

PHARMACY BOARD MEETS: The Florida Board of Pharmacy will meet and consider a series of disciplinary cases. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, 225 East Coastline Dr., Jacksonville.)

FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETS: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will start two days of meetings and take up a series of fishery issues. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Florida Public Safety Institute Conference Center, 85 Academy Dr., Havana.)

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.)

SUPREME COURT HEARS SEARCH CASE: The Florida Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in a Duval County case that involves police officers obtaining evidence after entering a garage without a warrant. The issue centers on whether the search violated constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)

CHILD ABUSE DEATHS DISCUSSED: The Florida Child Abuse Death Review Committee will hold a conference call. (Wednesday, 10 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-670-3525. Code: 702-170-0355.)

FIU BOARD CONSIDERS LABOR AGREEMENTS: The Florida International University Board of Trustees will hold a conference call and consider ratifying collective-bargaining agreements. (Wednesday, 10:45 a.m. Call-in number: 1-800-659-3814.)

CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORTS DUE: State political candidates and committees face a Wednesday deadline for filing reports showing finance activity through Jan. 31.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016

Legislature:

HOUSE HOLDS FLOOR SESSION: The House is scheduled to hold a floor session. (Thursday, 9 a.m., House chamber, the Capitol.)

SENATE HOLDS FLOOR SESSION: The Senate is scheduled to hold a floor session. (Thursday, 1 p.m., Senate chamber, the Capitol.)

OTHER SCHEDULED LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate General Government Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee (Thursday, 10 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

CONSERVATION EFFORTS DISCUSSED: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will take up a series of issues, including efforts to support conservation efforts of private landowners. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Florida Public Safety Institute Conference Center, 85 Academy Dr., Havana.)

SOUTH FLORIDA WATER BOARD MEETS: The South Florida Water Management District Governing Board is scheduled to meet. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Osceola County Commission chamber, 1 Courthouse Square, Kissimmee.)

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

NORTHWEST FLORIDA WATER BOARD TO MEET: The Northwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board will meet in Cantonment. (Thursday, 1 p.m. Central time, 2980 Old Chemstrand Road, Cantonment.)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT TALLIED: The Education Estimating Conference will analyze enrollment in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. (Friday, 8:30 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

BREYER SPEAKS IN PALM BEACH COUNTY: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will speak about the legal impacts of globalization during an event held by the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches and the Palm Beach County Bar Association. (Friday, noon, Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach.)

JUSTICE ACCESS AT ISSUE: The Florida Commission on Access to Civil Justice, created by Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga, will meet. The commission is looking for ways to increase access to the court system for low-income Floridians. (Friday, 12:45 p.m., Hotel Duval, 415 North Monroe St., Tallahassee.)