SB 1374 – Relating to Clinical Laboratory Testing

On Thursday, March 3, SB 1374 by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral) was read a second and third time on the Senate floor and passed with 39 yeas and 0 nays.

Currently, advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and licensed clinical laboratory personnel are permitted to perform testing at alternate-sites (lab testing under control of a hospital but not on-site) which allows for bedside, ER and operating room testing. A freestanding emergency department (FED) is a facility that receives individuals for emergency care and is structurally separate from a hospital. Only licensed clinical laboratory personnel may perform clinical laboratory testing in a FED. The bill exempts individuals who perform alternate-site testing outside of a central laboratory of a hospital or at a hospital-based, off campus emergency department from clinical laboratory personnel licensure requirements. This allows all individuals, not just licensed clinical laboratory personnel, to perform alternate-site testing within a hospital or in a FED.

SB 1374 will now go to the House for consideration.

AIF supports permitting registered nurses to perform moderately complex lab tests, outside of a clinical lab, but within a hospital department or an off-site hospital-based emergency department to ensure greater access to quality care.

SB 1728 – Relating to Property Insurance

On Thursday, March 3, SB 1728 by Senator Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) was read a second and third time on the Senate floor and passed with 28 yeas and 11 nays.

The bill addresses contractor solicitations related to property insurance roof claims, the type of homeowners’ insurance coverage that insurers must offer for roof losses, and various aspects of Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. The bill allows contractors to make written or electronic communications to potential consumers to contact a contractor or public adjuster for the purpose of making an insurance claim for roof damage only if the following disclosures are included:

• The consumer is responsible for payment of any insurance deductible;
• It is insurance fraud punishable as a felony of the third degree for a contractor to pay, waive, or rebate all or part of an insurance deductible applicable to payment to the contractor for repairs to property covered by a property insurance policy; and
• It is insurance fraud punishable as a felony of the third degree to intentionally file an insurance claim containing any false, incomplete, or misleading information.

SB 1728 will now go to the House for consideration.

AIF supports legislative efforts that prevent unscrupulous actors from taking advantage of property insurance disputes which keeps insurance rates low and allows growth in all Florida businesses.

SB 1800 & SB 1802 – Relating to Broadband Infrastructure & Relating to Broadband Pole Replacement Trust Fund

On Thursday, March 3, SB 1800 by Senator Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) was read a second and third time on the Senate floor and passed with 36 yeas and 0 nays.

Also on Thursday, March 3, SB 1802 by Senator Boyd was read a second and third time on the Senate floor and passed with 34 yeas and 0 nays.

SB 1800 creates the Broadband Pole Replacement Program, to be administered by the Office of Broadband within the Department of Economic Opportunity. The Program will reimburse eligible broadband Internet service providers for their costs incurred for the removal and replacement of existing utility poles in areas of Florida that are unserved by broadband Internet service.

SB 1802 creates the Broadband Pole Replacement Trust Fund within the Department of Economic Opportunity. The bill is linked to SB 1800 which creates the Broadband Pole Replacement Program within the Department’s Office of Broadband.

SB 1800 & SB 1802 will now go to the House for consideration.

AIF supports efforts to increase economic development in Florida's rural areas by expanding access to broadband internet which allows residents to connect with employers and educators which in turn strengthens the workforce and access to high wage jobs.

SB 474 & HB 145 – Relating to Recreational Off-Highway Vehicles Weight Limits

On Thursday, March 3, SB 474 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) was substituted for HB 145 by Representative Brett Hage (R-The Villages) on the House floor and SB 474 was placed on third reading to be voted on.

The bill increases the dry weight allowed for recreational off-highway vehicles (ROV) from 2,500lbs to 3,500lbs. This increase is necessary to allow for the development of electric powered ROVs because the battery components often weigh significantly more than internal combustion vehicles.

SB 474 will now be read a third time on the House floor and receive votes.

AIF supports legislation that encourages revisions to outdated regulations that bolster the business climate and drive competition for new and better products for Florida's businesses and consumers.