FLORIDA LEGISLATURE 2012 SESSION RESULTS OF TEA PARTY INTEREST

FLORIDA LEGISLATURE 2012 SESSION RESULTS OF TEA PARTY INTEREST
Updated – May 7, 2012

Selection Criteria: Bills that passed but are not included in this list include LOCAL BILLS, CLAIM BILLS, and bills not involving the tea party principles (limited government, fiscal responsibility, free markets) or constitutional issues (eg. firearms, privacy, regulations, religious freedom, states’ rights, taxation, voting).

Presentation Order: The bills are listed in each category in numerical order with Senate bills first. Chronological order is ignored but that information is available in the synopses and links below.

Legislation Approved By the Florida Governor

CS/SB 98: Education
GENERAL BILL by Judiciary; Siplin; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Evers; Storms; Negron
Authorizing a district school board to adopt a policy that allows an inspirational message to be delivered by students at a student assembly; providing policy requirements; providing purpose, etc.
Last Action: 03/25/2012 Chapter No. 2012-9
Effective Date: July 1, 2012

CS/SB 116: Freeholder Voting
GENERAL BILL by Rules Subcommittee on Ethics and Elections; Wise; (CO-INTRODUCER) Gaetz
Permitting the submission of a written declaration to establish that an elector is a freeholder and qualified to vote in an election or referendum limited to freeholders who are qualified to vote, etc.
Last Action: 04/29/2012 Chapter No. 2012-156
Effective Date: July 1, 2012

SB 436: Video Voyeurism
GENERAL BILL by Storms; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Gardiner; Latvala; Lynn
Revising the definition of the term “place and time when a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy” to include the interior of a residential dwelling; increasing the classification of specified video voyeurism offenses, etc.
Last Action: 04/07/2012 Chapter No. 2012-39
Effective Date: July 1, 2012

CS/SB 1174: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State
GENERAL BILL by Reapportionment; Reapportionment
Redistricting the state’s congressional districts in accordance with the United States Decennial Census of 2010 (plan H000C9047); amending provisions relating to the inclusion of unlisted territory in contiguous districts; reenacting provisions which provide for the election of representatives to the United States House of Representatives; providing for severability; providing for applicability, etc.
Last Action: 02/17/2012 Chapter No. 2012-2
Effective Date: upon becoming a law, except as otherwise provided

HB 13 – Sovereignty Submerged Lands
General Bill by Frishe (CO-SPONSORS) Harrell; Mayfield; Snyder; Williams, T.
Provides for lease of sovereignty submerged lands for private residential single-family docks & piers, private residential multifamily docks & piers, & private residential multislip docks; provides for term of lease & lease fees; provides for inspection of such docks, piers, & related structures by DEP; clarifies authority of Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund & DEP to impose additional fees & requirements; provides appropriation.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Approved by Governor on Friday, May 04, 2012 4:24 PM

CS/HB 95 – Homestead Property Tax Exemptions
General Bill by Harrison (CO-SPONSORS) Abruzzo; Ahern; Artiles; Baxley; Berman; Brandes; Broxson; Campbell; Corcoran; Costello; Cruz; Dorworth; Fullwood; Glorioso; Hooper; Hukill; Ingram; Julien; Logan; Lopez-Cantera; McBurney; Metz; Nehr; Nelson; Pilon; Plakon; Rehwinkel Vasilinda; Smith; Steube; Tobia; Trujillo; Waldman; Weinstein
Creates “Fallen Heroes Family Tax Relief Act”; exempts from taxation homestead property of surviving spouse of first responder who dies in line of duty; provides definitions for “first responder” & “line of duty”; provides construction with respect to applicable tax roll & date of death; provides appropriation; provides effective dates, one of which is contingent.
Effective Date: on the same date that CS for SJR 1056, or a similar joint resolution having substantially the same specific intent and purpose, takes effect if approved by the electors at the general election held in November 2012 or at an earlier special election specifically authorized by law for that purpose
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-54 on Saturday, April 07, 2012 7:25 PM

CS/HB 357 – Homestead Exemptions for Seniors
General Bill by Oliva (CO-SPONSORS) Abruzzo; Campbell; Costello; Gonzalez; Hukill; Kiar; Nuñez; Snyder; Trujillo
Authorizes board of county commissioners of county or governing authority of municipality to adopt ordinance granting additional homestead tax exemption equal to specified amount, or additional homestead tax exemption equal to assessed value of property with just value lower than specified amount, or both such exemptions, to owner who has maintained permanent residency on property or permanent residency on property for specified duration, who has attained age 65, & whose household income does not exceed specified amount; provides definitions applicable to such additional exemption; provides applicability of requirements relating to adoption of local ordinance granting such exemption; provides appropriation; provides application.
Effective Date: upon the approval of House Joint Resolution 169, or a similar joint resolution having substantially the same specific intent and purpose, at the general election to be held in November 2012 or at an earlier special election specifically authorized by law for that purpose, and shall first apply to the 2013 tax roll
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-57 on Saturday, April 07, 2012 7:27 PM

CS/HB 463 – Weapons or Firearms
General Bill by Kreegel and Brandes (CO-SPONSORS) Broxson; Burgin; Caldwell; Corcoran; Dorworth; Eisnaugle; Gaetz; Ingram; Plakon; Precourt; Renuart; Stargel; Williams, T.
Provides that otherwise qualified members & veterans of U.S. Armed Forces be issued concealed weapon or firearm license regardless of age in certain circumstances; provides additional methods for taking of fingerprints from such license applicants; provides that members & veterans of U.S. Armed Forces be granted reciprocity regardless of age; prohibits reckless or negligent discharge of firearm in certain locations; provides criminal penalties.
Effective Date: April 13, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-108 on Monday, April 16, 2012 9:13 AM

CS/CS/CS/CS/HB 503 – Environmental Regulation
General Bill by Patronis (CO-SPONSORS) Broxson; Coley; Dorworth; Drake; Mayfield; Oliva; Precourt; Williams, T.; Young
Creates, amends, & revises numerous provisions relating to: development, construction, operating, & building permits; permit application requirements & procedures, including waivers, variances, & revocation; local government comprehensive plans & plan amendments; programmatic general permits & regional general permits; permits for projects relating to stormwater management systems, coastal construction, dredge & fill activities, intermodal logistics centers & commercial & industrial development; sanitary program surveys of certain water systems; innocent victim petroleum storage system restoration, ambient air quality & water quality standards, & solid waste disposal; sale of unblended gasoline for certain uses; exemption from payment to authorizing agencies for use of certain extensions; provides 2-year permit extension.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Approved by Governor on Friday, May 04, 2012 4:24 PM

CS/HB 809 – Communications Services Taxes
General Bill by Grant (CO-SPONSORS) Dorworth; Patronis; Plakon; Tobia
Revises legislative intent; modifies definitions; removes definition of term “cable service”; adds definition for term “Internet access service”; revises definitions of terms “communication services,” “information service,” “sales price,” “service address,” and “video service”; revises provisions relating to communications services dealer’s liability for tax underpayments that result from incorrect assignment of service addresses to local taxing jurisdictions & provides requirements & conditions with respect thereto; prohibits DOR from denying dealer of communications services deduction of specified amount as collection allowance; requires DOR to aggregate monthly & make available to public on jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis certain sales & net tax information; provides for retroactive effect; creates Communications Services Tax Working Group; houses working group in DOR for administrative purposes.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-70 on Sunday, April 08, 2012 7:39 PM

CS/HB 945 – Broadband Internet Service
General Bill by Holder (CO-SPONSORS) Williams, T.
Transfers Broadband Initiative Program from DMS to DEO & revises provisions to promote adoption of broadband Internet service if certain conditions are met.
Effective Date: upon approval of the budget amendment required under section 3
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-131 on Sunday, April 22, 2012 11:30 AM

CS/CS/HB 947 – Possession of a Firearm or Destructive Device During the Commission of an Offense
General Bill by Boyd (CO-SPONSORS) Snyder; Weinstein
Provides that exception to 10-year minimum term for persons convicted of certain offenses during which person actually possessed firearm or destructive device does not to apply to offenders convicted for possession of firearm by felon who have certain prior convictions & actually possessed firearm or destructive device during commission of prior felony.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-74 on Sunday, April 08, 2012 7:41 PM

CS/CS/HB 959 – State and Local Government Relations with Cuba or Syria
General Bill by Bileca (CO-SPONSORS) Artiles; Diaz; Dorworth; Fresen; Gonzalez; Lopez-Cantera; Nuñez; Oliva; Porth; Trujillo
Prohibits SBA from being fiduciary with respect to voting on any proxy resolution advocating expanded U.S. trade with Cuba or Syria; prohibits SBA from being fiduciary with respect to having right to vote in favor of any proxy resolution advocating expanded U.S. trade with Cuba or Syria; creates reporting requirements; prohibits state agency or local governmental entity from contracting for goods & services of more than certain amount with company that has business operations in Cuba or Syria; requires contract provision that allows for termination of contract if company is found to have business operations in Cuba or Syria; provides exceptions; requires certification upon submission of a bid or proposal for contract, or before company enters into or renews contract, with agency or governmental entity that company is not engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria; provides procedures upon determination that company has submitted false certification; provides for civil action; provides penalties; provides attorney fees & costs; provides statute of repose; prohibits private right of action; requires DMS to notify U.S. Attorney General after act becomes law.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-196 on Tuesday, May 01, 2012 8:38 PM

CS/HB 1037 – Eminent Domain
General Bill by Broxson (CO-SPONSORS) Baxley
Authorizes Board of Trustees of Florida School for Deaf & Blind to exercise power of eminent domain after receiving approval from Administration Commission.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-78 on Sunday, April 08, 2012 7:44 PM

HB 4001 – Florida Climate Protection Act
General Bill by Plakon (CO-SPONSORS) Eisnaugle; Gaetz; Harrell; Ingram; Precourt; Van Zant; Weinstein; Young
Repeals provisions for cap & trade regulatory program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electric utilities.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-89 on Sunday, April 08, 2012 7:58 PM

HB 4123 – Federal Environmental Permitting
General Bill by Burgin (CO-SPONSORS) Williams, T.
Repeals provisions directing DEP to file specified reports with Speaker of the House of Representatives & President of the Senate & to coordinate with Florida Congressional Delegation on certain matters.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-114 on Monday, April 16, 2012 9:17 AM

HB 5501 – One-Stop Business Registration Portal
General Bill by Hooper (CO-SPONSORS) Abruzzo; Berman; Burgin; Campbell; Clemens; Fullwood; Gibbons; Perman; Ray; Steinberg; Young
Directs DOR to establish One-Stop Business Registration Portal through which individuals & businesses may submit applications for various licenses, registrations, or permits, file various documents, or remit payment for various fees to state department or agency; authorizes DOR to contract for development & maintenance of portal’s Internet website; requires certain state departments to cooperate with DOR in development & implementation of portal; requires DOR to submit annual report to Governor & Legislature on portal’s implementation & expansion; authorizes DOR to provide certain information relative to portal to certain state departments & agencies & local governments; authorizes DOR to adopt rules; deletes provisions relating to One-Stop Permitting System of former STO; repeals provisions relating to One-Stop Permitting System Grant Program & Quick Permitting County Designation Program.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-139 on Sunday, April 22, 2012 11:30 AM

HB 5601 – License to Carry a Concealed Weapon or Firearm
General Bill by Williams, T. (CO-SPONSORS) Van Zant
Reduces specified nonrefundable license fees.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-144 on Sunday, April 22, 2012 11:30 AM

HB 5701 – Taxation
General Bill by Precourt
Requires that deductions for cost of collecting & enforcing documentary stamp tax & for specified service charge be available for payment of certain obligations secured by such tax revenues with respect to bonds authorized before specified date; provides for collection of allowances of amount of tax due by persons who file returns only by electronic means & pay amount due on such returns only by electronic means; adopts 2012 version of Internal Revenue Code for purposes of ch. 220, F.S.; changes filing date for estimated tax under certain circumstances; requires DOR to provide adequate notice to affected taxpayers relating to earlier due dates for making estimated payment, etc.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-145 on Sunday, April 22, 2012 11:30 AM

Legislation That Became Law Without the Florida Governor’s Signature

CS/CS/HB 7117 – Energy
General Bill by Plakon and Mayfield (CO-SPONSORS) Abruzzo; Campbell; Clemens; Fullwood; Gibbons; Kiar; Williams, T.; Young
Requires utilities’ 10-year site plans to address existing & proposed renewable energy production and purchases; provides for portion of proceeds of local government infrastructure surtax to be used to provide loans, grants, & rebates to residential or commercial property owners who make energy efficiency improvements to their residential or commercial property, subject to referendum; reestablishes corporate tax credit for certain costs related to renewable energy technologies; directs DMS in coordination with DOACS to further develop state energy management plan.
Effective Date: July 1, 2012
Last Event: Chapter No. 2012-117 on Monday, April 16, 2012 9:18 AM

Resolutions Filed With the Florida Secretary Of State

SM 1080: Vietnam Veterans
MEMORIAL by Dean; (CO-INTRODUCERS) Bullard; Gaetz; Lynn
Urging Congress to initiate and support nationwide efforts to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War and demonstrate the nation’s appreciation for the honorable service and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans, etc.
Last Action: 03/08/2012 Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State

CS/SJR 1176: Joint Resolution of Apportionment
JOINT RESOLUTION by Reapportionment
Providing for the apportionment of the House of Representatives and the Senate (plans H000H9049 and S000S9008); adopting the United States Decennial Census of 2010 for use in such apportionment; providing for the inclusion of omitted areas; providing contiguity for areas specified for inclusion in one district which are noncontiguous; specifying that the apportioned districts constitute the legislative districts of the state; providing for severability of invalid portions; providing for application beginning in 2012, etc.
Last Action: 02/10/2012 Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State -SJ 508

CS/SM 1486: Taiwan Policy Act of 2011
MEMORIAL by Governmental Oversight and Accountability; Braynon
Urging Congress to pass H. R. 2918, the Taiwan Policy Act of 2011, etc.
Last Action: 03/08/2012 Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State

SM 1778: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010
MEMORIAL by Richter
Urging Congress to repeal the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, etc.
Last Action: 03/08/2012 Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State

SM 1822: Sarbanes-Oxley Act
MEMORIAL by Hays; (CO-INTRODUCER) Lynn
Urging Congress to repeal the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, etc.
Last Action: 03/08/2012 Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State

HM 83 – Congressional Term Limits
Memorial by Caldwell (CO-SPONSORS) Ahern; Artiles; Boyd; Brandes; Corcoran; Diaz; Dorworth; Eisnaugle; Gaetz; Hager; Harrell; Julien; Metz; Nuñez; O’Toole; Perry; Pilon; Precourt; Wood
Urges Congress to propose to states amendment to U.S. Constitution that limits consecutive terms of office which member of U. S. Senate or U. S. House of Representatives may serve.
Effective Date: Not Specified
Last Event: Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State on Friday, March 23, 2012 12:29 PM

CS/HJR 93 – Homestead Property Tax Exemption for Surviving Spouse of Military Veteran or First Responder
Joint Resolution by Harrison (CO-SPONSORS) Abruzzo; Ahern; Baxley; Berman; Brandes; Campbell; Clemens; Corcoran; Costello; Cruz; Diaz; Dorworth; Fullwood; Gaetz; Hooper; Hukill; Ingram; Julien; Kiar; Lopez-Cantera; McBurney; Metz; Nehr; Nelson; Pilon; Plakon; Porth; Precourt; Reed; Rehwinkel Vasilinda; Renuart; Smith; Snyder; Soto; Steube; Tobia; Trujillo; Waldman; Watson; Weinstein
Proposes amendment to State Constitution to allow Legislature by general law to provide ad valorem homestead property tax relief to surviving spouse of military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty or surviving spouse of first responder who died in line of duty, provide definitions with respect thereto, & provide effective date.
Effective Date: Not Specified
Last Event: Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State on Friday, March 30, 2012 10:55 AM

CS/HJR 169 – Additional Homestead Tax Exemption for Seniors
Joint Resolution by Oliva (CO-SPONSORS) Abruzzo; Artiles; Burgin; Campbell; Costello; Diaz; Fullwood; Gonzalez; Hukill; Kiar; Lopez-Cantera; Nuñez; Plakon; Precourt; Snyder; Steube; Trujillo
Proposes amendment to s. 6, Art. VII of State Constitution to authorize Legislature, by general law, to allow counties & municipalities to grant additional homestead tax exemption equal to assessed value of homestead property, if property has just value lower than specified amount, to owner who has maintained permanent residency on property for specified duration, who has attained age 65, & whose household income does not exceed specified amount.
Effective Date: Not Specified
Last Event: Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State on Friday, April 13, 2012 12:14 PM

HM 611 – Kings BayMemorial by Smith
Urges Congress to direct U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to reconsider proposed rule to designate Kings Bay as manatee refuge & in lieu of rule partner with state & local governments in seeking joint long-term solutions to manatee protection.
Effective Date: Not Specified
Last Event: Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State on Friday, March 23, 2012 12:29 PM

CS/HJR 1003 – Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemptions
Joint Resolution by Eisnaugle
Proposes amendment to s. 3, Art. VII & creation of s. 32, Art. XII of State Constitution to provide additional exemption from ad valorem taxes on tangible personal property valued at more than $25,000 but less than $50,000, to authorize county or municipality to provide additional exemption from ad valorem taxation for tangible personal property by ordinance as provided by general law, & to provide effective date.
Effective Date: Not Specified
Last Event: Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State on Friday, April 06, 2012 11:24 AM

HCR 8001 – Joint Session to Receive Governor’s Message
Concurrent Resolution by Aubuchon
Joint Session to Receive Governor’s Message: Provides that House of Representatives & Senate convene in Joint Session for purpose of receiving message from Governor.
Effective Date: Not Specified
Last Event: Signed by Officers and filed with Secretary of State on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 2:19 PM