SB 1402 & HB 7043 - State Assumption of Federal Section 404 Dredge and Fill Permitting Authority

On Wednesday, March 7th, SB 1402 by Senator David Simmons (R-Longwood) was laid on the table and substituted with HB 7043 by the House Natural Resources and Public Lands Subcommittee and Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo).

On Thursday, March 8th, HB 7043 was read for a third time on the Senate floor and passed by a vote of 35 yeas to 1 nay.

This legislation would give authorization to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to assume implementation of the federal dredge and fill permits.

HB 7043 will go on to the desk of the Governor.

AIF supports the state assumption of the 404 program which will help create a more efficient and predictable process for businesses to navigate the wetland permitting process in a timely manner.

SB 1224 & HB 961-Relating to Beverage Law

On Wednesday, March 7th, SB 1224 by Senator Rob Bradley (R-Orange Park) was laid on the table and substituted with HB 961 by Representative Joe Gruters (R- Sarasota).

On Thursday, March 8th, HB 961 was read for a third time on the Senate floor and passed by a vote of 38 yeas to 0 nays.

Currently, vendors must purchase beer or malt beverage branded glassware from distributors for use in their establishments. This legislation allows for retailers to accept malt or beer beverage branded glassware from a wholesaler at no cost. The bill stipulates the amount of branded glassware a distributor may give to establishments is no more than 10 cases per calendar year.

HB 961 will now go to the desk of the Governor.

AIF SUPPORTS legislation that will reduce costs on Florida’s businesses by allowing distributors to provide vendors, at no cost, glassware to use in their establishments. 

SB 8 & HB 21-Relating to Controlled Substances

On Wednesday, March 7th, SB 8 by Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto (R-Ft. Myers) was laid on the table and substituted with HB 21 by Representative Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton). The House bill was amended to reflect the Senate version of the bill, which includes language that prohibits health insurers from utilizing protocols such as prior authorization and step therapy. As stated in previous reports, because of these inclusions which undermine the intent of the bill, AIF is neutral on the bill.

On Thursday, March 8th, HB 21 was read for a third time on the Senate floor and passed as amended by a vote of 37 yeas to 0 nays.

HB 21 is in returning House messages to be considered as amended.

AIF supports legislative efforts that aim to curb opioid abuse and addiction that is currently running rampant through the state affecting Florida’s families and businesses. However, AIF opposes the inclusion to prohibit the use of prior authorization and step therapy protocols.