HB 635 – Cybersecurity Standards and Liability

On Tuesday, January 20, HB 635 by Representative Mike Giallombardo (R-Cape Coral) was heard by the House Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee and was reported favorably. AIF spoke in support of this legislation.

This bill tackles civil liability from the cybersecurity perspective. As businesses, large and small, continue to rely on data and software to effectively service their customers, frivolous litigation has been on the rise following cyber-attacks on businesses. The bill sets standards for businesses to follow, so if a breach occurs, they are protected from frivolous litigation. Additionally, the bill creates a structure for companies using consumer data to better protect the data from cyberattacks.

HB 635 will now go to the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee for consideration.

AIF supports legislation that creates a clear and consistent framework for businesses to follow in order to safeguard consumer privacy and to reduce the risk of frivolous litigation. These measures will create a fair playing field and encourage more businesses to invest in Florida.

 

SB 408 - Advertisement of a Harmful Vaccine

On Tuesday, January 20, SB 408 by Senator Grall (R-Fort Pierce) was heard by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and was reported favorably with 5 yeas and 3 nays. Senator Boyd, Calatayud and Mayfield voted no. AIF stood in opposition of this legislation.

Senate Bill 408 would create a new personal injury cause of action targeting vaccine manufacturers that advertise in Florida, subjecting them to strict liability regardless of whether a vaccine is defective. Existing federal law already limits manufacturer liability and provides compensation programs for injuries associated with most vaccines. For the limited number of vaccines not covered by these programs, individuals who allege injury currently retain the right to bring a direct lawsuit against the manufacturer in court.

SB 408 will now go to the Senate Health Policy Committee.

AIF opposes any legislation that allows for frivolous lawsuits to be filed against companies, especially when there are already federal laws and regulations in place. Frivolous lawsuits continue to drive up healthcare costs for Floridians. 

 

SB 810 and HB 745 – Sealing of Criminal History Records

On Tuesday, January 20, SB 810 by Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee) was heard by the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

On Tuesday, January 20, HB 745 by Representative Traci Koster (R-Safety Harbor) was heard by the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

These bills expand Florida’s access to court-ordered sealing for individuals with a criminal record. SB 810 and HB 745 would rework the existing laws for record sealing in a way that permits those with non-serious offenses greater opportunities to have a record officially sealed.

SB 810 will now go to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Criminal and Civil Justice for consideration. HB 745 will now go to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration.

AIF supports legislative efforts to increase a non-serious offender's access to record sealing abilities. Florida, like many other states, continues to face issues with labor shortages. These initiatives will help more people enter the workforce and alleviate ongoing labor issues for businesses throughout the state.

SB 484 – Data Centers

On Tuesday, January 20, SB 484 by Senator Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah Gardens) was heard by the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and was reported favorably. AIF spoke for information purposes only.

Senate Bill 484 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for large-scale data centers and other large electric load customers in Florida, focusing on transparency, local land-use authority, utility ratepayer protections, and water resource management. Additionally, the bill creates detailed permitting standards for large-scale data centers’ water use, emphasizing conservation, reclaimed water utilization, public hearings, and protection of Florida’s water resources. The bill also prohibits government agencies from entering into nondisclosure agreements that limit public disclosure of data center developments.

SB 484 will now go to the Senate Community Affairs Committee for consideration.

AIF supports most of the language throughout SB 484 as it sets reasonable guardrails and direction for the development of a data center in Florida. AIF does have concerns regarding a portion of the language limiting NDA use. NDA's, or Non-Disclosure Agreements, especially in the pre-development stages of large projects, are extremely important in protecting proprietary information. AIF will continue to work with the sponsor to improve the bill and continue to push pro-business policies for Florida. 

SB 548 - Growth Management

On Tuesday, January 20, SB 548 by Senator Stan McClain (R-Ocala) was heard by the Senate Community Affairs Committee and was reported favorably. AIF stood in support of this legislation.

The bill creates clear requirements for local governments who impose impact fee increases under extraordinary circumstances. Specifically, the bill mandates local governments specifically justify each increase through a plan-based method. The bill also creates clear statutes for companies that litigate against local government impact fee increases or those who recover overpaid fees.

SB 548 will now go to the Senate Finance and Tax Committee.

AIF supports legislation that creates clear and reasonable pathways for landowners to develop their land responsibly. Ensuring local governments are using collected impact fees correctly is important in lowering home costs and creating housing throughout the state.