The Week Ahead in Florida Politics – February 2, 2015

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, JANUARY 30, 2015….. Florida lawmakers will return to the Capitol next week for committee meetings and will dig into Gov. Rick Scott's proposed $77 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Scott's proposal is a starting point for lawmakers, who will negotiate a fiscal 2015-16 budget during the spring legislative session. Meanwhile, Scott and the state Cabinet will meet Thursday in Tampa amid a controversy stemming from the ouster of former Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2015

Legislature:

LOBBYIST AUDITS DISCUSSED: The Joint Legislative Auditing Committee will receive an update about audits of lobbying-firm compensation reports. (Monday, 3 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

BILL TARGETS TROUBLED PRISON SYSTEM: The Senate Criminal Justice Committee will take up a wide-ranging bill (SPB 7020) aimed at improving prison safety and addressing issues such as the use of force by guards. Also, the committee will receive a presentation from Corrections Secretary Julie Jones. (Monday, 4 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SCOTT TAX PLAN DETAILED: The Senate Finance and Tax Committee will receive a presentation about Gov. Rick Scott's proposal to cut $673 million in taxes. The proposals include a $470.9 million cut in the communications-services tax, which is levied on such things as cell-phone and cable-television bills. (Monday, 4 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- Joint Administrative Procedures Committee (Monday, 2:30 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Agriculture Committee (Monday, 4 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

KIDCARE, TANF ANALYZED: The Social Services Estimating Conference will analyze caseloads in the KidCare children's health-insurance program and caseloads and expenditures in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. (Monday, 9 a.m., 117 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

FLORIDA POLYTECHNIC BOARD HOLDS CONFERENCE CALL: The Florida Polytechnic University Board of Trustees will hold a conference call to discuss approval of a proposal to build a residential facility. (Monday, 2 p.m. Call-in number: 1-888-670-3525. Code: 5879779062#)

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2015

Legislature:

RENTAL, COMMUNICATIONS TAXES EYED: The House Finance & Tax Committee will review issues such as the sales tax on commercial leases and the communications-services tax. Gov. Rick Scott has proposed a $470.9 million cut in the communications-services tax, which is levied on such things as cell-phone and cable-television bills. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

SCOTT BUDGET PRESENTED: The House Appropriations Committee will receive a presentation about Gov. Rick Scott's proposed $77 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. House appropriations subcommittees also will receive a series of presentations about the plan Tuesday and Wednesday. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

EMAIL ADDRESSES AT ISSUE: The Senate Community Affairs Committee will consider a proposal (SB 200), filed by Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, that would prevent the release of taxpayers' email addresses held by tax collectors. The bill is designed to prevent identity theft, though it has drawn concerns from open-government advocates. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

PLAN WOULD BOOST HIRING OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES: The Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee will consider a proposal (SPB 7022) that includes a series of steps aimed at increasing state hiring of people with disabilities. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM DISCUSSED: The House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee will receive an update about the new "personal learning scholarship account" program, which helps parents of children with disabilities pay for educational services. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

PROSECUTORS, PUBLIC DEFENDERS COULD GET LOAN HELP: The Senate Judiciary Committee will consider a series of bills, including a proposal (SB 150), filed by Sen. Jeremy Ring, D-Margate, that would offer thousands of dollars a year to help pay off student loans for prosecutors and public defenders. (Tuesday, 2 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

SECRET RECORDINGS AT ISSUE: The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee will take up a bill (PCB CRJS 15-01) that would allow the secret recordings of conversations if they are related to someone committing violence or using physical force against another person. The bill comes after the Florida Supreme Court last year ordered a new trial for a man sentenced to life in prison for sexually abusing his stepdaughter. Justices ruled that recordings made by Richard R. McDade's stepdaughter should not have been allowed into his Lee County trial. State law generally bars recording of conversations unless all parties agree, and it also prevents such recordings from being used as evidence in court. (Tuesday, 4 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- Senate Banking and Insurance Committee (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Health Policy Committee (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Military and Veterans Affairs, Space and Domestic Security Committee (Tuesday, 10 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Business & Professions Subcommittee (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Transportation & Ports Subcommittee (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Education Appropriations Subcommittee (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Health Quality Subcommittee (Tuesday, 4 p.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee (Tuesday, 4 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

SUPREME COURT HEARS DEATH CASES: The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in four cases, including the death-penalty cases of Derral Hodgkins and Ronnie Williams. Hodgkins was convicted in a 2006 murder in Pasco County, while Williams was convicted in a 1993 murder in Broward County. (Tuesday, 9 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)

LAWMAKERS FOCUS ON TELEMEDICINE: A bipartisan group of House and Senate leaders will hold a news conference to discuss efforts to pass legislation aimed at bolstering the use of telemedicine. The news conference is expected to include Senate Health Policy Chairman Aaron Bean, R-Fernandina Beach; Senate Minority Leader Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa; House Health & Human Services Chairman Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford; Rep. Mia Jones, a Jacksonville Democrat who is her party's ranking member on the Health & Human Services Committee; and Rep. Travis Cummings, an Orange Park Republican who is vice-chairman of the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee. (Tuesday, 9:20 a.m., second floor rotunda, the Capitol.)

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO MEET: The Florida Public Service Commission will meet and consider issues related to electric service in Indian River County. (Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., Betty Easley Conference Center, 4075 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee.)

THRASHER TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC CLUB: Florida State University President John Thrasher will speak to the Economic Club of Florida. (Tuesday, noon, FSU Alumni Center, 1030 West Tennessee St., Tallahassee.)

VOLUNTEER FLORIDA COMMISSION TO MEET: Volunteer Florida, which is the governor's lead agency for volunteerism and service, will hold its quarterly commission meeting. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Marriott Residence Inn, 600 West Gaines St., Tallahassee.)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2015

Legislature:

FORECLOSURES DISCUSSED: The House Civil Justice Subcommittee will take up a series of issues, including a presentation on foreclosures. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

SCOTT BUDGET PRESENTED TO SENATE: The Senate Appropriations Committee will receive a presentation about Gov. Rick Scott's proposal $77 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1. Also Wednesday, Senate appropriations subcommittees will receive a series of presentations about the spending plan. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AT ISSUE: The House Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee will receive an update about a new law aimed at curbing human trafficking in Florida. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

'GROWLER' DEBATE GEARS UP: The Senate Regulated Industries Committee will consider a bill (SB 186), filed by Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, that would end the state's prohibition on 64-ounce beer containers known as "growlers." The issue, backed by craft brewers, has spurred a long-running debate. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

LABARGA DISCUSSES ACCESS TO CIVIL JUSTICE: Supreme Court Chief Justice Jorge Labarga will make a presentation to the House Judiciary Committee about his efforts to increase access to the civil-justice system for low- and moderate-income Floridians. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)

WATER POLICY ON TAP: The House State Affairs Committee will discuss draft legislation about water policy, which will be a major topic during the 2015 legislative session. (Wednesday, 4 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

OTHER LEGISLATIVE MEETINGS:
--- House Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Government Operations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 212 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Highway & Waterway Safety Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 116 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- House K-12 Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Rulemaking Oversight & Repeal Subcommittee (Wednesday, 10 a.m., 306 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 12 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Higher Education & Workforce Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 404 House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., Morris Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate General Government Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 110 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)
--- Senate Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee (Wednesday, 4 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

RALLY FOCUSES ON CHILDREN'S ISSUES: The Florida Coalition for Children Foundation will host a rally that will focus on legislative priorities related to child welfare. (Wednesday, 7 a.m., TCC Capitol Center, 300 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

VOLUNTEER FLORIDA MEETS AT CAPITOL: Volunteer Florida will continue is quarterly commission meeting, which will include a meeting with Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera and legislative visits. (Wednesday, 8 a.m., the Capitol.)

FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETS: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will start two days of meetings and will take up issues such as management efforts related to black bears. (Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Hyatt Regency, 225 East Coastline Dr., Jacksonville.)

JUSTICES TAKE UP CASE ON INTERCOURSE DEFINITION: The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in four cases, including a Monroe County case that stems from a man being charged with violating a law that requires HIV-positive people to notify potential sexual partners about the disease before having sexual intercourse. The case focuses on whether state laws and courts have defined sexual intercourse to only apply to circumstances of men and women having sex or whether the definition also applies to situations involving two men. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)

'DAY OF DIALOGUE' PLANNED: The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys will host a "Day of Dialogue" that will focus on educational issues for black males. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Bethune-Cookman University, 640 Dr. Mary McLeon Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach.)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2015

Legislature:

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ON THE TABLE: The House Education Committee will discuss the Florida High School Athletic Association. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Reed Hall, House Office Building, the Capitol.)

BILL WOULD BOOST ADOPTION: The Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee will take up a proposal (SB 320), filed by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, that would create an incentive program to increase the adoption of children in the foster-care system. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

LAWMAKERS WOULD UNBUCKLE LETTER CARRIERS: The Senate Transportation Committee will consider a series of issues, including a bill (SB 160), filed by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, that would allow rural letter carriers to deliver mail without wearing seat belts. (Thursday, 9 a.m., 37 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.)

Also:

COUNCIL ON BLACK MEN AND BOYS MEETS: The Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys will meet. (Thursday, 8 a.m., Bethune-Cookman University, 640 Dr. Mary McLeon Bethune Blvd., Daytona Beach.)

FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION MEETS: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will conclude two days of meetings by discussing issues such as the Gulf red snapper season. (Thursday, 8:30 a.m., Hyatt Regency, 225 East Coastline Dr., Jacksonville.)

COLLEGE PRESIDENTS MEET: The Florida College System Council of Presidents will meet and discuss a variety of issues, including baccalaureate degrees and funding. (Thursday 8:30 a.m. committee meeting, followed by Council of Presidents meeting, TCC Capitol Center, 300 West Pensacola St., Tallahassee.)

CABINET TO CONSIDER AGENCY HEADS: Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet will discuss agency-head issues stemming from the controversial ouster of former Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey. The meeting will be held in Tampa in conjunction with the start of the Florida State Fair. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Florida State Fair, Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa.)

SEARCH OF HOME AT ISSUE: The Florida Supreme Court will hear arguments in four cases, including a Miami-Dade County case that involves a man sentenced to prison for drug trafficking after marijuana plants were found in his home. The man, Miguel Rodriguez, argues that evidence should not have been used against him because police did not have a warrant to search the home. (Thursday, 9 a.m., Florida Supreme Court, 500 South Duval St., Tallahassee.)

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

MEDICAL RECORDS AT ISSUE: The Florida Board of Medicine will consider numerous issues, including a long-running debate about costs for the reproduction of medical records. (Friday, 7:30 a.m., Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort & Marina, 555 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart.)

CITIZENS BOARD TO HOLD TELECONFERENCE: The Board of Governors of the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corp. will meet by conference call. (Friday, 9 a.m. Call-in number: 1-888-942-8686. Code: 5743735657#)

PALM BEACH DELEGATION TO MEET: The Palm Beach County legislative delegation will meet to consider a local bill. (Friday, 1 p.m., Palm Beach County Governmental Center, 301 North Olive Ave., West Palm Beach.)

RUBIO STAFF HOLDS OFFICE HOURS: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's staff will hold "mobile office hours" in Flagler County. (Friday, 1 p.m., Flagler County Fairgrounds, Bunnell Cattlemen's Hall, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell.)

FINANCE REPORTS DUE IN HD 64: Campaign-finance reports are due for candidates in a special election in House District 64. The special election, which will be held April 21, pits former Rep. James Grant, R-Tampa, against write-in candidate Daniel John Matthews.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015

RUBIO STAFF HOLDS OFFICE HOURS: U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio's staff will hold "mobile office hours" in Miami-Dade and Wakulla counties. (Saturday, 9 a.m., Amelia Earhart Park, Bill Graham Farm Village, 401 East 65th St., Hialeah. Also, 10 a.m., Harvest Fellowship Church, 824 Shadeville Road, Crawfordville.)