HB 107 – Relating to Use of Wireless Communication Devices While Driving

On Thursday, April 4, HB 107 by Representative Jackie Toledo (R-Tampa) was heard in the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably with 20 yeas and 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this legislation.

The Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law prohibits a person from texting, emailing, and instant messaging while driving but is considered a secondary offense, meaning law enforcement cannot stop a driver solely for texting. This bill makes the use of a wireless communication device while driving a primary offense, allowing law enforcement to stop individuals for wireless device usage while behind the wheel.

HB 107 will now move to the House floor.

AIF supports legislation that addresses the issue of distracted driving and will ensure public safety for businesses and Floridians operating on our roadways.

HB 311 and SB 932 – Relating to Autonomous Vehicles

On Thursday, April 4, HB 311 by Representative Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville) was heard in the House State Affairs Committee and was reported favorably with 20 yeas and 1 nay. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this legislation.

HB 311 will now move to the House floor.

Also on Thursday, April 4, SB 932 by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) was heard in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development and was reported favorably with 8 yeas and 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this legislation.

These bills authorize the use of vehicles in autonomous mode in the state. The autonomous technology would be considered the human operator of the motor vehicle and provides that various provisions of law regarding motor vehicles such as rendering aid in the event of a crash do not apply to vehicles in autonomous mode if the vehicle owner, or person on behalf of the owner, promptly contacts law enforcement. The bill also specifies that statutory provisions relating to unattended motor vehicles, wireless communication devices, and television receivers do not apply to autonomous vehicles (AVs) operating with the automated driving system engaged. The bills also remove the requirement for a person to possess a valid driver license to operate a fully autonomous vehicle.

SB 932 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

AIF supports modernizing state law to accommodate new technologies that open the door for safe, reliable modes of autonomous vehicles in a competitive marketplace with clear, limited government regulations. The transportation system and its continued growth and viability is critically important to businesses across the state.

SB 1044 – Relating to the Department of Transportation

On Thursday, April 4, SB 1044 by Senator Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) was heard in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development and was reported favorably with 8 yeas and 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this legislation.

This bill addresses various issues relating to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Specifically, the bill:

• Requires the FDOT secretary to be a licensed professional engineer, or to hold an advanced degree in a related discipline with 5 years of relevant experience, or have ten years of relevant experience.
• Prohibits a contractor who has not satisfactorily completed two projects, each in excess of $25 million, from bidding on FDOT contracts in excess of $50 million.
• Prohibits a local government from adopting standards and specifications for aggregates and materials that are contrary to the FDOT’s standards or specifications.

SB 1044 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

AIF supports legislation that positively reforms FDOT to provide high-quality transportation infrastructure to Floridians and businesses operating on our roadways.

SB 298 – Relating to Rural Communities

On Thursday, April 4, SB 298 by Senator Bill Montford (D-Quincy) was heard in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee and was reported favorably with 8 yeas and 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in support of this legislation.

Florida imposes an annual tax on premiums collected by insurance companies doing business in the state. This tax applies to life, health, property and casualty, title insurance, and most other types of policies at a rate of 1.75%. This bill creates s. 288.062, F.S., the “Florida Rural Jobs and Business Recovery Act,” which offers incentives in the form of tax credits against the state insurance premium tax. The Program prohibits more than $15 million in tax credits to be taken annually.

SB 298 will now move to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

AIF supports legislation that updates and improves Florida’s Rural Economic Development programs which allows rural communities to get assistance for economic development projects designed to create jobs and improve our rural communities.