Public Policy

On July 1, a number of new laws will take effect in Florida. While not every law affects every Floridian, one particular law could have a big impact for all of Florida’s 21 million residents.

Tourism funds a significant portion of our state’s budget and contributes to our local economies. It puts 1.4 million people to work and improves our quality of life.

The Florida Competitive Workforce Act holds the most co-sponsors for the 2019 legislative session. House Bill 485/Senate Bill 430 adds new sponsors daily. Twelve Fortune 500 companies have joined the coalition, with more than 30 major employers and 450 local businesses.

It’s week three of 2019’s legislative session. Bills are moving through the process, and committees are working on the budget. Additionally, there are several initiatives that we need to address this session:

Last November, Florida voters added Marsy’s Law into the state constitution to provide crime victims meaningful rights throughout the criminal justice process.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has identified the top 10 most pressing issues legislatures will deal with this year, the majority of which will be hot topics over the next few months in Tallahassee.

Marsy’s Law for Florida, the organization advocating for crime victims’ rights through Amendment 6, recently named four top state leaders from both sides of the political aisle as state chairmen of the bipartisan campaign to pass Amendment 6.

The Florida Chamber’s annual Future of Florida Forum once again brought together leaders and activists from across Florida to discuss innovative ideas to help prepare the Sunshine State for a more powerful economic future.

As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, I am proud to also serve as State Fire Marshal.

On Jan. 19, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) Declaration of Rights Committee voted in favor of Proposal 96, known as Marsy’s Law for Florida, which provides victims and their families with rights and protections equal to those already provided to the accused and convicted.

Hurricane Irma affected almost every part of Florida in some way. Thousands without power and shortages of fuel and basic necessities has Florida asking itself: How can we better prepare for the next storm?

Marsy’s Law for Florida, a crime victims’ advocacy group, recently announced they will bring language before the Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) to place equal rights for crime victims on the 2018 ballot.

Voters had high expectations after the 2016 elections when Floridians approved the legalization of medical marijuana by 71 percent. In late June, Gov. Scott signed SB 8A, laying the framework for Florida’s medical marijuana regulations.

By voting YES this past August on Amendment 4, Florida voters overwhelmingly voiced their support for solar progress in the Sunshine State. Well, now what?

Over the next two years, my top priorities are making Florida’s good universities great and stopping harmful discharges from Lake Okeechobee.

Most of Florida’s new laws went into effect on July 1, Oct. 1 or immediately upon the Governor’s signature. Here are a few which became official on Jan. 1.

There are multiple priorities for the House this session. It started with ethics reform and the passage of the new House rules. That piece of our reform agenda will set the tone for the coming months – bold policy in an accountable and transparent environment.

The Florida Legislature is considering a bill that would bring Florida in line with 30 other states that allow a free-market approach to the sale of distilled spirits.

In spring 2017, the governor, Senate president, House speaker and Florida Supreme Court chief justice will name 36 people to the 2017-2018 Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) tasked to review and recommend changes to Florida’s constitution. The attorney general is the 37th member.