Week eight tremendously impacted the 2020 Legislative Session, as policy committees met for the final time and hundreds of bills were heard on the House and Senate floors. With only one week remaining, legislators and advocates are frantically pushing to get legislation heard on the floor. After much anticipation and speculation, the budget conference process began this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday, joint budget conference committees met to negotiate their respective budgets and iron out differences.

Liberty Partners is extremely proud to announce that the House and Senate have agreed to fund VISIT FLORIDA at $50 million during FY 2020-21. While the House had been silent on the issue and not appropriated any money for the agency this entire session, the breakthrough came this weekend as House Appropriations Chairman Representative Travis Cummings (R-Orange Park) and Senate Appropriations Chairman Senator Rob Bradley (R-Orange Park) announced on Saturday that the agency would be funded through FY 2020-21. The future is bright for VISIT FLORIDA, as Governor Ron DeSantis has also recommended funding the agency at $50 million. Liberty Partners will fight to ensure that this funding stays in the budget and is signed into law by Governor DeSantis.

Legislation that would prohibit the sale of shark fins in Florida passed the Senate floor on Thursday by a vote of 37-1. SB 680 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) would additionally prohibit Floridians from importing or exporting the fins. There are exemptions in the legislation, however, as seafood dealers who legally possess and harvest sharks and shark fins and commercial fishermen that have possessed a valid shark fishing permit since January 1, 2020 or earlier would not affected by this bill.

The FY 2020-21 House tax package passed the House floor by a vote of 97-16 on Friday. Sponsored by Representative Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah), HB 7097 contains many positive provisions that will save taxpayers money and encourage business growth in the state. In the package, a seven-day Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday and three-day Back-to-School Tax Holiday is included. The bill also provides a 0.5% reduction in the state’s communications services tax and a reduction in the state’s business rent tax from 5.5% to 5.4%. While there are several good portions contained in the tax package, Liberty Partners continues to oppose a provision that would allow tourist development tax (TDT) dollars to be used for water quality projects in counties throughout the state. The expanded usage of these dollars would also apply to the Convention Development Tax levied in Duval, Miami-Dade and Volusia counties as well as the Local Option Food and Beverage Tax levied within parts of Miami-Dade County. Under the bill, counties would also be able to use these dollars to fund the construction or improvement of non-profit or publicly-owned parks and trails. We will continue to track this tax package as it makes its way through the budget conference process and continue to fight the erosion of the appropriate uses for TDT dollars.

Following is a quick summary of bills that have been filed and other items of interest to the Florida Attractions Association (FAA):

Amusement Rides

SB 1228 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) would require amusement ride managers to meet certain requirements and revise standards for rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services relating to amusement rides. The bill would also remove the exemption from safety standards for certain museums and institutions and revise inspection standards for amusement rides. The bill has not received its second hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee. The House companion - HB 1275 by Representative Sharon Pritchett (D-Miami Gardens) has unanimously passed the House floor.

VISIT FLORIDA

FAA continues to support legislation that would extend the scheduled 2020 sunset of VISIT FLORIDA until 2028. SB 362  by Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) has passed the Senate floor. The House companion - HB 213 - by Representative Mel Ponder (R-Fort Walton Beach) has not received a hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Tourism Development Tax

SB 334 by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) would authorize counties imposing a tourism development tax to use the tax revenues to promote or incentivize film or television productions in the state. The bill would also require a specified statement to be included in the production’s credits. The bill is still awaiting its final committee hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee. There is not a House companion.

Lottery Games

HB 991 by Representative Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) would prohibit an electronic device from being used to play any lottery game and would prohibit the Department of Lottery (DOL) from authorizing operation of a specified lottery game. The bill would require DOL to include a specified warning in all advertisements & promotions of lottery games and require contracts between DOL & a vendor to require that the vendor print a specified warning on all lottery tickets. Under the bill, certain funds in the Operating Trust Fund would be used for a specified annual payment for services relating to prevention of compulsive & addictive gambling. The bill passed the House floor by a vote of 108-9 on Wednesday, March 4. The Senate companion - SB 1318 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) - has not been heard in any Senate committee.

Sports Franchises and Facilities

HB 1369 by Representative Cary Pigman (R-Sebring) would delete provisions authorizing counties to impose specified taxes to pay debt service on bonds related to sports facilities and prohibit a county from leasing specified professional sports franchise facilities. It would prohibit the lease of public lands for purposes related to sports franchises & their facilities and require the lease of a facility on public lands to be at fair market value. The bill would require a sports franchise to repay specified debt incurred by local government related to construction of facilities. The bill has passed all committees and is waiting to be heard by all Representatives on the House floor. There is no companion bill in the Senate.

Vacation Rentals

HB 1011 by Representative Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville) would preempt regulation of vacation rentals to the state and prohibit local law, ordinance or regulation from allowing or requiring inspections or licensing of vacation rentals. The bill would require licenses issued by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to be displayed conspicuously inside a licensed establishment and preempt regulation of advertising platforms for vacation rentals to the state. It would also provide requirements for advertising platforms. The bill was temporarily postponed on the House floor on Friday, March 6. The Senate companion - SB 1128 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R- Hialeah Gardens) was temporarily postponed in the Senate Rules Committee on Monday, March 2.

Entertainment Industry

SB 530 by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) would create the Film, Television, and Digital Media Targeted Rebate Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity. Projects that are eligible for the rebate program must provide the highest return on investment and economic benefit to the state. The bill has not been heard in its second stop in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 497 - by Representative James Buchanan (R-North Port) has not received its first committee hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Declawing of Cats

SB 48 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) makes it illegal for any person to declaw a cat in Florida. Violations can result in a $1,000 fine and veterinarians found to be declawing the cat are subject to discipline by the Board of Veterinary Medicine. An exemption is made in the instance that a cat is declawed for therapeutic purposes. The bill is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. There is no House companion bill.

Regulation of Recreational Activities

HB 647 by Representative Brad Drake (R-Defuniak Springs) would revise provisions relating to recreational vehicle parks, including permit application, preemption, rebuilding of park, abandoned property, ejection of certain persons and removal of property from park and immunity from liability. The bill has passed all of House committees and awaits a hearing on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 772– by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) is awaiting its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Cultural Affairs

HB 757 by Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) would rename the Division of Cultural Affairs as Division of Arts & Culture and provide that the Secretary of State shall be known as "Florida's Chief Arts & Culture Officer". The bill would repeal provisions relating to Cultural Endowment Program short title, legislative intent, definitions and rulemaking. The bill has unanimously passed the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 1632 – by Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) awaits its final hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Emergency Sheltering of Persons with Pets

HB 705 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would require Department of Education to assist Division of Emergency Management in determining strategies regarding evacuation of persons with pets and would require certain counties to designate shelter that can accommodate persons with pets. It would also specify requirements for such shelters. The bill unanimously passed the House floor on Tuesday, March 3. The House bill was substituted for the Senate companion - SB 752 – by Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville) and unanimously passed the Senate floor on Friday, March 6.

Beverage Law

SB 482 by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) would repeal provisions relating to limits to the size of wine and cider containers. Provisions that allow patrons of a restaurant to take partially consumed bottles of wine off the restaurant’s premises would also be changed under this law. The bill has not received its first committee hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The Housecompanion - HB 583 - by Representative Anthony Sabatini (R-Clermont) is awaiting its final hearing in the House Commerce Committee.

Captive-bred Animal Culture

SB 1176 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) would create the "Florida Animal Policy Act". The bill would provide duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and require the department to submit a list of specified research and development projects with its annual legislative budget request to the Governor and the Legislature. It would require a captive-bred producer to apply to the department for a certificate of registration and create the Captive-bred Animal Culture Advisory Council adjunct to the department. The bill has not received its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The House companion - HB 933 - by Representative Clovis Watson (D-Gainesville) has not received a hearing in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Nonservice Animals

HB 243 by Representative Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) would prohibit nonservice animals from entering certain food service establishments or places of business. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation would also create and update a website for filed complaints. The bill has not been heard in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1814 – by Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) has not received its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Emotional Support Animals

HB 209 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would prohibit discrimination in a rental dwelling to a person with a disability or disability-related needs who has an emotional support animal. It would also prohibit a landlord from requiring such person to pay extra compensation and authorize the landlord to request certain written documentation. The bill has passed all committees and is awaiting to be heard on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 1084 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens) unanimously passed the Senate floor on Tuesday, March 3.

Shark Fins

SB 680 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) would prohibit the importation, exportation, and sale of shark fins. The bill passed the Senate floor by a vote of 37-1 on Friday, March 6. The House companion - HB 401 - by Representative Kristin Jacobs (D-Coconut Creek) awaits consideration on the House floor.

Individual Wine Containers

HB 6037 by Representative Chip LaMarca (R-Lighthouse Point) would repeal provisions relating to a limitation of size of individual wine containers. The bill has passed the House chamber. The Senate companion - SB 138- by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

Public Records/Trade Secrets

HB 799 by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Bradenton) would provide a public record exemption for trade secrets held by an agency, provide notice requirements and exceptions and provide that the agency employee is not liable for release of records in compliance with act. The bill would also provide applicability and future legislative review & repeal. The bill unanimously passed the House floor on Tuesday, March 3. The Senate companion - SB 1532 – by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake) has not received its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Verification of Employment Eligibility

HB 1265 by Representative Cord Byrd (R-Jacksonville Beach) would require public employers, contractors, & subcontractors to use the E-Verify system for specified purposes and prohibits such entities from entering into a contract unless each party uses the E-Verify system. The bill would authorize termination of the contract and require private employers to verify employment eligibility of newly hired employees. The bill passed the House Appropriations Committee by a vote of 16-7 on Monday, March 2. The Senate companion - SB 664 – by Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon) passed the Senate Rules Committee by a vote of 10-7 on Monday, March 2 and awaits consideration on the Senate floor.

Monuments

HB 981 by Representative Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) would establish the Florida Space Exploration Monument and provide for administration of the monument. The design shall be chosen by committee from entries submitted by the public. DMS would be directed to develop specified plan for placement & cost of the monument & submit the plan to the Governor & Legislature by a specified date. The bill has not been heard in the House Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1260 – by Senator Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) awaits its final committee hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee .

Fish and Wildlife Activities

HB 777 by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Bradenton) would prohibit certain harassment of hunters, trappers and fishers in or on specified lands, areas and waters and would authorize FWCC to designate additional free fishing days. The bill would prohibit certain possession of specified reptiles and designate green iguanas and tegu lizards as prohibited reptiles. It would authorize certain persons and entities to exhibit, sell, or breed green iguanas and tegu lizards commercially under specified conditions. The bill is awaiting consideration on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 1414– by Senator Debbie Mayfield (R-Melbourne) unanimously passed the Senate floor on Thursday, March 5.

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

HB 921 by Representative Chuck Brannan (R-Lake City) would revise the application of agricultural load securing requirements and authorize DACS to purchase private insurance policies and to revoke aquaculture certificates of registration. The bill would extend the scheduled expiration for use of funds from the Pest Control Trust Fund and direct the Florida Forest Service to develop training curriculum for wildland firefighters. It would also provide wildland firefighter training and certification for certain firefighters. The bill awaits consideration on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 1514 – by Senator Ben Albrittion is awaiting its final committee hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The hustle and bustle around the Capitol continued this week, as legislators and those involved in the political process continued to make strides in passing meaningful legislation. With a mere two weeks remaining in the 2020 Legislative Session, lawmakers and advocates are making final efforts to get legislation passed out of committee and heard on the House and Senate floors. Rumors of budget conference are beginning to swirl, as we inch close to Sine Die on March 13.

Important legislation that Liberty Partners and FAA have been working on together, in coordination with the Florida Department of Agriculure and Consumer Services (FDACS), crossed the finish line in the House this week, as HB 1275 by Representative Sharon Pritchett (D-Miami Gardens) unanimously passed the House floor on Wednesday, February 26. A high priority of FAA and its members, the bill ensures the safety of amusement rides by requiring temporary rides such as fair or carnival tides to be inspected by FDACS each time the ride moves to a new location. Under the bill, ride managers would be responsible for complying with state regulations and administrative and operational fines would increase. However, permanent rides would be exempt from these frequent inspections as long as the rides are inspected twice a year by an accredited trade organization. Liberty Partners and FAA have worked diligently to ensure that this provision is contained in the bill and look forward to seeing this legislation pass in the Senate.

Liberty Partners continues to closely monitor HB 1265 by Representative Cord Byrd (R-Jacksonville Beach) that would require certain private employers to register with E-Verify or an alternate employment verification system. The bill would also require certain public employers, contractors and subcontractors must to register and use an employment verification system to confirm that their employees are not unauthorized aliens. Contractors or subcontractors that have less than 10 employees in Florida and that have contracts valued under $65,000 and $35,000, respectively, are exempt from the employment verification process. Public employers and their contractors and subcontractors, as well as private employers of 100 or more employees must register with a verification system by July 1, 2021. Private employers of 20 or more employees must register with a system by January 1, 2022. After being fully implemented, the bill would apply to private employers that have 20 or more employees in the state. If the employer does not register with an employment verification system, the employer may face a $500 fine and have 30 days to register. If the employer has still not registered within those 30 days, the Department of Economic Opportunity will order the appropriate agency to suspend the employer’s business license. We will continue to track this bill on behalf of FAA and keep the association updated on the possible effect that the legislation could have on its members.

After extended discussion and debate, the House Appropriations Committee passed the chamber's proposed FY 2020-21 tax package on Tuesday. HB 7097 by Representative Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah) contains several positive provisions, including a reduction in the state's business rent tax from 5.5% to 5.4%, a seven-day Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday and three-day Back-to-School Tax Holiday. The legislation also clarifies that School Capital Outlay surtaxes must be shared equally with charter schools and reduces the communications services tax by 0.5%. A concerning provision in the tax package would allow counties to use tourist development tax (TDT) dollars to fund water quality improvement and enhancement projects. This expansion of TDT usage would also apply to the Convention Development Tax levied in Duval, Miami-Dade and Volusia counties as well as the Local Option Food and Beverage Tax levied within parts of Miami-Dade County. Under the bill, counties would also be able to use these specific dollars to fund the construction or improvement of non-profit or publicly-owned parks and trails. During public testimony on Tuesday, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the Florida Association of Counties spoke against the expanded uses of TDT revenues and urged legislators to put safeguards and parameters around the expansion. The continued erosion of these funds create a sense of uneasiness for FAA and the tourism industry. We will continue to fight to ensure that these dollars are used for their intended purposes.

Following is a quick summary of bills that have been filed and other items of interest to the Florida Attractions Association (FAA):

Amusement Rides

SB 1228 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) would require amusement ride managers to meet certain requirements and revise standards for rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services relating to amusement rides. The bill would also remove the exemption from safety standards for certain museums and institutions and revise inspection standards for amusement rides. The bill is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee. The House companion - HB 1275 by Representative Sharon Pritchett (D- Miami Gardens) unanimously passed the House floor on Wednesday, February 26.

VISIT FLORIDA

FAA continues to support legislation that would extend the scheduled 2020 sunset of VISIT FLORIDA until 2028. SB 362 by Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) has passed the Senate. The House companion - HB 213 - by Representative Mel Ponder (R-Fort Walton Beach) has not received its first hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Tourism Development Tax

SB 334 by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) would authorize counties imposing a tourism development tax to use the tax revenues to promote or incentivize film or television productions in the state. The bill would also require a specified statement to be included in the production’s credits. The bill is awaiting its final committee hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill does not have a House companion.

Lottery Games

HB 991 by Representative Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) would prohibit an electronic device from being used to play any lottery game and would prohibit the Department of Lottery (DOL) from authorizing operation of a specified lottery game. The bill would require DOL to include a specified warning in all advertisements & promotions of lottery games and require contracts between DOL & a vendor to require that the vendor print a specified warning on all lottery tickets. Under the bill, certain funds in the Operating Trust Fund would be used for a specified annual payment for services relating to prevention of compulsive & addictive gambling. The bill is scheduled to be considered on the House floor on Tuesday, March 3. The Senate companion - SB 1318 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) - has not received a committee hearing.

Sports Franchises and Facilities

HB 1369 by Representative Cary Pigman (R-Sebring) would delete provisions authorizing counties to impose specified taxes to pay debt service on bonds related to sports facilities and prohibit a county from leasing specified professional sports franchise facilities. It would prohibit the lease of public lands for purposes related to sports franchises & their facilities and require the lease of a facility on public lands to be at fair market value. The bill would require a sports franchise to repay specified debt incurred by local government related to construction of facilities. The bill is waiting to be heard by all Representatives on the House floor. The bill does not have a companion in the Senate.

Vacation Rentals

HB 1011 by Representative Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville) would preempt regulation of vacation rentals to the state and prohibit local law, ordinance or regulation from allowing or requiring inspections or licensing of vacation rentals. The bill would require licenses issued by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to be displayed conspicuously inside a licensed establishment and preempt regulation of advertising platforms for vacation rentals to the state. It would also provide requirements for advertising platforms. The bill is awaiting consideration on the House floor by all Representatives. The Senate companion - SB 1128 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R- Hialeah Gardens) is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Rules Committee on Monday, March 2.

Entertainment Industry

SB 530 by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) would create the Film, Television, and Digital Media Targeted Rebate Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity. Projects that are eligible for the rebate program must provide the highest return on investment and economic benefit to the state. The bill has not been heard in its second stop in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 497 - by Representative James Buchanan (R-North Port) has not received its first committee hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Declawing of Cats

SB 48 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) makes it illegal for any person to declaw a cat in Florida. Violations can result in a $1,000 fine and veterinarians found to be declawing the cat are subject to discipline by the Board of Veterinary Medicine. An exemption is made in the instance that a cat is declawed for therapeutic purposes. The bill is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. There is no House companion bill.

Regulation of Recreational Activities

HB 647 by Representative Brad Drake (R-Defuniak Springs) would revise provisions relating to recreational vehicle parks, including permit application, preemption, rebuilding of park, abandoned property, ejection of certain persons and removal of property from park and immunity from liability. The bill has passed all of its committee references now awaits a hearing on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 772 – by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) is awaiting its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Cultural Affairs

HB 757 by Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) would rename the Division of Cultural Affairs as Division of Arts & Culture and provide that the Secretary of State shall be known as "Florida's Chief Arts & Culture Officer". The bill would repeal provisions relating to Cultural Endowment Program short title, legislative intent, definitions and rulemaking. The bill unanimously passed the House floor on Wednesday, February 26. The Senate companion - SB 1632 – by Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) awaits its final hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Emergency Sheltering of Persons with Pets

HB 705 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would require Department of Education to assist Division of Emergency Management in determining strategies regarding evacuation of persons with pets and would require certain counties to designate shelter that can accommodate persons with pets. It would also specify requirements for such shelters. The bill is scheduled to be considered on the House floor on Tuesday, March 3. The Senate companion - SB 752 – by Senator Aaron Bean (R- Jacksonville) unanimously passed the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday, February 26 and awaits consideration on the Senate floor.

Beverage Law

SB 482 by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) would repeal provisions relating to limits to the size of wine and cider containers. Provisions that allow patrons of a restaurant to take partially consumed bottles of wine off the restaurant’s premises would also be changed under this law. The bill has not received its first committee hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 583 - by Representative Anthony Sabatini (R-Clermont) is awaiting its final hearing in the House Commerce Committee.

Captive-bred Animal Culture

SB 1176 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) would create the "Florida Animal Policy Act". The bill would provide duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and require the department to submit a list of specified research and development projects with its annual legislative budget request to the Governor and the Legislature. It would require a captive-bred producer to apply to the department for a certificate of registration and create the Captive-bred Animal Culture Advisory Council adjunct to the department. The bill has not received its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The House companion - HB 933 - by Representative Clovis Watson (D-Gainesville) has not received a hearing in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Nonservice Animals

HB 243 by Representative Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) would prohibit nonservice animals from entering certain food service establishments or places of business. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation would also create and update a website for filed complaints. The bill has not been heard in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1814 – by Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) has not received its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Emotional Support Animals

HB 209 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would prohibit discrimination in a rental dwelling to a person with a disability or disability-related needs who has an emotional support animal. It would also prohibit a landlord from requiring such person to pay extra compensation and authorize the landlord to request certain written documentation. The bill has passed all committees and is awaiting to be heard on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 1084 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens) has passed all committees and is scheduled to be considered by all Senators on the Senate floor on Tuesday, March 3.

Shark Fins

SB 680 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) would prohibit the importation, exportation, and sale of shark fins. The bill is scheduled to receive its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee on Monday, March 2. The House companion - HB 401 - by Representative Kristin Jacobs (D-Coconut Creek) awaits consideration on the House floor.

Individual Wine Containers

HB 6037 by Representative Chip LaMarca (R-Lighthouse Point) would repeal provisions relating to a limitation of size of individual wine containers. The bill has passed the House chamber. The Senate companion - SB 138 - by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

Public Records/Trade Secrets

HB 799 by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Bradenton) would provide a public record exemption for trade secrets held by an agency, provide notice requirements and exceptions and provide that the agency employee is not liable for release of records in compliance with act. The bill would also provide applicability and future legislative review & repeal. The bill is scheduled to be heard on the House floor on Tuesday, March 3. The Senate companion - SB 1532 – by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake) has not received its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Verification of Employment Eligibility

HB 1265 by Representative Cord Byrd (R-Jacksonville Beach) would require public employers, contractors, & subcontractors to use the E-Verify system for specified purposes and prohibits such entities from entering into a contract unless each party uses the E-Verify system. The bill would authorize termination of the contract and require private employers to verify employment eligibility of newly hired employees. The bill passed the House Commerce Committee by a vote of 15-8 on Thursday, February 27 and now moves to the House Appropriations Committee. The Senate companion - SB 664 – by Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon) is scheduled to receive its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee on Monday, March 2.

Monuments

HB 981 by Representative Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) would establish the Florida Space Exploration Monument and provide for administration of the monument. The design shall be chosen by committee from entries submitted by the public. DMS would be directed to develop specified plan for placement & cost of the monument & submit the plan to the Governor & Legislature by a specified date. The bill has not been heard in the House Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1260 – by Senator Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) awaits its final committee hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee .

Fish and Wildlife Activities

HB 777 by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Bradenton) would prohibit certain harassment of hunters, trappers and fishers in or on specified lands, areas and waters and would authorize FWCC to designate additional free fishing days. The bill would prohibit certain possession of specified reptiles and designate green iguanas and tegu lizards as prohibited reptiles. It would authorize certain persons and entities to exhibit, sell, or breed green iguanas and tegu lizards commercially under specified conditions. The bill unanimously passed the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday, February 27 and now moves to the House floor for consideration. The Senate companion - SB 1414 – by Senator Debbie Mayfield (R-Melbourne) has passed all committees and moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

HB 921 by Representative Chuck Brannan (R-Lake City) would revise the application of agricultural load securing requirements and authorize DACS to purchase private insurance policies and to revoke aquaculture certificates of registration. The bill would extend the scheduled expiration for use of funds from the Pest Control Trust Fund and direct the Florida Forest Service to develop training curriculum for wildland firefighters. It would also provide wildland firefighter training and certification for certain firefighters. The bill unanimously passed the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday, February 27 and moves to the House floor for consideration. The Senate companion - SB 1514 – by Senator Ben Albrittion is awaiting its final committee hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

E-Verify is an Internet-based system through which an employer can verify that a newly hired employee is authorized to work in the United States. SB 664 by Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon) would require certain private employers to register with E-Verify or an alternate employment verification system. Certain public employers, contractors and subcontractors must also register and use an employment verification system to confirm that their employees are not unauthorized aliens. Contractors or subcontractors that have less than 10 employees in Florida and that have contracts valued under $65,000 and $35,000, respectively, are exempt from the employment verification process. Public employers and their contractors and subcontractors, as well as private employers of 100 or more employees must register with a system by July 1, 2021. Private employers of 20 or more employees must register with a system by January 1, 2022.

After being fully implemented, the bill would apply to private employers that have 20 or more employees in the state. If the employer does not register with an employment verification system, the employer may face a $500 fine and have 30 days to register. If the employer has still not registered within those 30 days, the Department of Economic Opportunity will order the appropriate agency to suspend the employer’s business license.

An employer who relies on E-Verify’s evidence that a person is unauthorized may not be sued for refusing to hire the unauthorized person. If E-Verify indicates that an employee is eligible to work in the United States, there is a rebuttable presumption that the employer did not knowingly employ an unauthorized alien.

With only three weeks remaining in the 2020 Legislative Session, lawmakers and advocates begin to set their sights on Sine Die on March 13. As the end of session nears, it is becoming clear which bills have the momentum to get across the finish line and which bills will not pass. While there was no action taken on the budget this week, it is expected that the House and Senate will begin the budget conference process in the coming days.

A Senate bill that Liberty Partners and FAA have been following closely passed its first committee this week, with Liberty Partners Vice President Melanie Bostick speaking in support of the legislation on behalf of the association. SB 1228 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) unanimously passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday and awaits its second committee stop in the Senate Agriculture, Environment and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee. The bill specifies that temporary amusement rides such as carnival or fair rides must be inspected by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) each time the ride is set up at a new location. Liberty Partners and FAA have worked to ensure that permanent rides are exempt from these frequent inspections and have an added layer of protection. We will continue to work in lockstep with FDACS and FAA to keep this important provision in the bill.

On Wednesday, the House Ways and Means Committee passed their tax package - HB 7097. The legislation contains several provisions, including a reduction in the business rent tax, seven-day Disaster Preparedness Tax Holiday and three-day Back-to-School Tax Holiday. However, a particular portion of the tax package dealing with tourist development taxes (TDT) raises concern with FAA. Under the bill, the usage of these taxes would be expanded to include funding for water quality improvement projects in counties and cities across Florida. Additionally, the TDT usage expansions would apply to the Convention Development Tax levied in Duval, Miami-Dade and Volusia counties as well as the Local Option Food and Beverage Tax levied within parts of Miami-Dade County. During Wednesday’s committee meeting, Melanie Bostick addressed the committee on behalf of FAA. In her testimony, Bostick commended the committee on reducing the state’s business rent tax but expressed FAA’s opposition to the expansion of TDT dollars and asked the committee to reconsider this issue. The Florida Retail Association and Greater Miami Beaches and Hotel Association also spoke in opposition to this aspect of the bill. We will continue to fight on behalf of FAA to ensure that the expanded usage of these dollars are not included in the final tax package.

Following is a quick summary of bills that have been filed and other items of interest to the Florida Attractions Association (FAA):

Amusement Rides

SB 1228 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) would require amusement ride managers to meet certain requirements and revise standards for rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services relating to amusement rides. The bill would also remove the exemption from safety standards for certain museums and institutions and revise inspection standards for amusement rides. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, February 18. The House companion - HB 1275 by Representative Sharon Pritchett (D-Miami Gardens) unanimously passed the House Commerce Committee on Thursday, February 13 and now heads to the House floor to be debated and voted on by all Representatives.

VISIT FLORIDA

FAA continues to support legislation that would extend the scheduled 2020 sunset of VISIT FLORIDA until 2028. SB 362  by Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) passed the full Senate on Wednesday, February 12 unanimously. The House companion - HB 213 - by Representative Mel Ponder (R-Fort Walton Beach) is still awaiting its first committee hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Tourism Development Tax

SB 334 by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) would authorize counties imposing a tourism development tax to use the tax revenues to promote or incentivize film or television productions in the state. The bill would also require a specified statement to be included in the production’s credits. The bill unanimously passed the Senate Finance and Tax Committee on Tuesday, February 18 and now moves to the Senate floor for consideration. The bill does not have a House companion.

Lottery Games

HB 991 by Representative Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) would prohibit an electronic device from being used to play any lottery game and would prohibit the Department of Lottery (DOL) from authorizing operation of a specified lottery game. The bill would require DOL to include a specified warning in all advertisements & promotions of lottery games and require contracts between DOL & a vendor to require that the vendor print a specified warning on all lottery tickets. Under the bill, certain funds in the Operating Trust Fund would be used for a specified annual payment for services relating to prevention of compulsive & addictive gambling. The bill unanimously passed the House Commerce Committee on Thursday, February 20 and now moves to the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 1318 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) - has not received a committee hearing.

Sports Franchises and Facilities

HB 1369 by Representative Cary Pigman (R-Sebring) would delete provisions authorizing counties to impose specified taxes to pay debt service on bonds related to sports facilities and prohibit a county from leasing specified professional sports franchise facilities. It would prohibit the lease of public lands for purposes related to sports franchises & their facilities and require the lease of a facility on public lands to be at fair market value. The bill would require a sports franchise to repay specified debt incurred by local government related to construction of facilities. The bill has moved to the House floor and is awaiting consideration by all Representatives. The bill does not have a companion in the Senate.

Vacation Rentals

HB 1011 by Representative Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville) would preempt regulation of vacation rentals to the state and prohibit local law, ordinance or regulation from allowing or requiring inspections or licensing of vacation rentals. The bill would require licenses issued by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of DBPR to be displayed conspicuously inside a licensed establishment and preempt regulation of advertising platforms for vacation rentals to the state. It would also provide requirements for advertising platforms. The bill passed the House Commerce Committee by a vote of 14-9 on Thursday, February 20 and moves to the House floor for full consideration. The Senate companion - SB 1128 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R- Hialeah Gardens) awaits its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Entertainment Industry

SB 530 by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) would create the Film, Television, and Digital Media Targeted Rebate Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity. Projects that are eligible for the rebate program must provide the highest return on investment and economic benefit to the state. The bill has not been heard in its second stop in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 497 - by Representative James Buchanan (R-North Port) has not received its first hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Declawing of Cats

SB 48 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) makes it illegal for any person to declaw a cat in Florida. Violations can result in a $1,000 fine and veterinarians found to be declawing the cat are subject to discipline by the Board of Veterinary Medicine. An exemption is made in the instance that a cat is declawed for therapeutic purposes. The bill is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. There is not a House companion bill.

Regulation of Recreational Activities

HB 647 by Representative Brad Drake (R-Defuniak Springs) would revise provisions relating to recreational vehicle parks, including permit application, preemption, rebuilding of park, abandoned property, ejection of certain persons and removal of property from park and immunity from liability. The bill has passed all of its committee references now awaits a hearing on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 772– by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) awaits its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Cultural Affairs

HB 757 by Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) would rename the Division of Cultural Affairs as Division of Arts & Culture and provide that the Secretary of State shall be known as "Florida's Chief Arts & Culture Officer". The bill would repeal provisions relating to Cultural Endowment Program short title, legislative intent, definitions and rulemaking. The bill has passed all

committees and is scheduled to be heard on the House floor on Wednesday, February 26. The Senate companion - SB 1632 – by Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) unanimously passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Tuesday, February 18 and now awaits its final hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Emergency Sheltering of Persons with Pets

HB 705 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would require Department of Education to assist Division of Emergency Management in determining strategies regarding evacuation of persons with pets and would require certain counties to designate shelter that can accommodate persons with pets. It would also specify requirements for such shelters. The bill unanimously passed the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday, February 20 and now heads to the House floor for consideration. The Senate companion - SB 752 – by Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville) is scheduled to receive its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday, February 26.

Beverage Law

SB 482 by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) would repeal provisions relating to limits to the size of wine and cider containers. Provisions that allow patrons of a restaurant to take partially consumed bottles of wine off the restaurant’s premises would also be changed under this law. The bill has not received its first committee hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 583 - by Representative Anthony Sabatini (R-Clermont) is awaiting its final hearing in the House Commerce Committee.

Captive-bred Animal Culture

SB 1176 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) would create the "Florida Animal Policy Act". The bill would provide duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and require the department to submit a list of specified research and development projects with its annual legislative budget request to the Governor and the Legislature. It would require a captive-bred producer to apply to the department for a certificate of registration and create the Captive-bred Animal Culture Advisory Council adjunct to the department. The bill has not received its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The House companion - HB 933 - by Representative Clovis Watson (D-Gainesville) has not been heard in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Nonservice Animals

HB 243 by Representative Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) would prohibit nonservice animals from entering certain food service establishments or places of business. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation would also create and update a website for filed complaints. The bill has not been heard in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1814 – by Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) has not received a hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Emotional Support Animals

HB 209 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would prohibit discrimination in a rental dwelling to a person with a disability or disability-related needs who has an emotional support animal. It would also prohibit a landlord from requiring such person to pay extra compensation and authorize the landlord to request certain written documentation. The bill has passed all committees and is awaiting to be heard on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 1084 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens) unanimously passed the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday, February 19 and is scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor on Wednesday, February 26.

Shark Fins

SB 680 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) would prohibit the importation, exportation, and sale of shark fins. The bill unanimously passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Tuesday, February 18 and is scheduled to receive its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday, February 26. The House companion - HB 401 - by Representative Kristin Jacobs (D-Coconut Creek) has passed all committees and awaits consideration on the House floor.

Individual Wine Containers

HB 6037 by Representative Chip LaMarca (R-Lighthouse Point) would repeal provisions relating to a limitation of size of individual wine containers. The bill has passed the House chamber. The Senate companion - SB 138- by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) was not considered in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee on Monday, February 17.

Public Records/Trade Secrets

HB 799 by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Bradenton) would provide a public record exemption for trade secrets held by an agency, provide notice requirements and exceptions and provide that the agency employee is not liable for release of records in compliance with act. The bill would also provide applicability and future legislative review & repeal. The bill has passed all committees and moves to the House floor for consideration. The Senate companion - SB 1532 – by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake) has not been heard in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Verification of Employment Eligibility

HB 1265 by Representative Cord Byrd (R-Jacksonville Beach) would require public employers, contractors, & subcontractors to use the E-Verify system for specified purposes and prohibits such entities from entering into a contract unless each party uses the E-Verify system. The bill would authorize termination of the contract and require private employers to verify employment eligibility of newly hired employees. The bill has not received its first hearing in the House Commerce Committee. The Senate companion - SB 664 – by Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon) passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee by a vote of 3-2 on Tuesday, February 18 and awaits its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Monuments

HB 981 by Representative Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) would establish the Florida Space Exploration Monument and provide for administration of the monument. The design shall be chosen by committee from entries submitted by the public. DMS would be directed to develop specified plan for placement & cost of the monument & submit the plan to the Governor & Legislature by a specified date. The bill has yet to be heard in the House Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1260 – by Senator Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) awaits its final committee hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee .

Heat Illness Prevention

HB 513 by Representative Carlos Smith (D-Winter Park) would require certain employers to provide drinking water, shade, & annual training to employees & supervisors and require the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services & the Department of Health to adopt specified rules. The House bill has not been heard in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 882– by Senator Victor Torres (D-Kissimmee) has not been heard in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Employment Practices

HB 889 by Representative Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) would create the “Florida Family Leave Act”. The bill would require an employer to allow certain employees to take paid family leave to bond with a minor child upon the child's birth, adoption, or foster care placement. The bill would provide requirements, limitations, & duties and provide for civil action & penalties & criminal penalty. The legislation would prohibit specified employment practices on basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. It would also provide for leave, maintenance of health coverage, reasonable accommodation & transfer, & return rights for an employee who is disabled from pregnancy, childbirth, or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. The bill has not been heard in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion – SB 1194 – by Senator Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) has not been heard in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Tallahassee was busy again this week as legislation spanning the various issues was considered in committee or on the House and Senate floors. We wrapped up week five and as we are approaching the midpoint of the 2020 Legislative Session, priority legislation is beginning to fall into place as legislators aim to conclude session by March 13.

A House bill that Liberty Partners and FAA have been following closely passed its final committee on Thursday. Liberty Partners President Jennifer Green waived in support of the legislation on behalf of the association. HB 1275 by Representative Sharon Pritchett (D-Miami Gardens) would require nonpermanent amusement ride managers to comply with state regulations related to inspections and revises the standards for rules that are adopted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). Most notably, the bill contains amendment language supported by the FAA that clarifies the bill would only effect non-permanent amusement facilities such as carnivals or fairs. This amendment serves as protection to FAA’s members, as permanent amusement facilities will be exempt from the law. In addition to Green speaking in support of the bill, DACS spoke in support of the bill and noted that provisions of the bill will free up inspectors and allow inspectors to more efficiently inspect the temporary rides.

SB 362 by Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) unanimously passed the Senate chamber on Thursday. This critical legislation would extend the scheduled 2020 sunset of VISIT FLORIDA until 2028. Liberty Partners waived in support of this bill during every committee stop and continues to advocate for the full-funding and reauthorization of VISIT FLORIDA.

On Thursday, the House and Senate chambers passed their proposed budgets for FY 2020-21 - HB 5001 and SB 2500. While the Senate proposed a $92.8 billion budget, the House took a more conservative approach by proposing a budget of $91.4 billion that mirrors the amount proposed in Governor DeSantis’ budget proposal. Both the House and Senate proposals highlight significant funding for teacher salary increases, water quality improvements and environmental funding.

Following is a quick summary of bills that have been filed and other items of interest to the Florida Attractions Association (FAA):

Amusement Rides

SB 1228 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) would require amusement ride managers to meet certain requirements and revise standards for rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services relating to amusement rides. The bill would also remove the exemption from safety standards for certain museums and institutions and revise inspection standards for amusement rides. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Agriculture Committee on Tuesday, February 18. The House companion - HB 1275 - by Representative Sharon Pritchett (D-Miami Gardens) unanimously passed the House Commerce Committee on Thursday, February 13 and now heads to the House floor to be debated and voted on by all Representatives.

VISIT FLORIDA

FAA continues to support legislation that would extend the scheduled 2020 sunset of VISIT FLORIDA until 2028. SB 362 by Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) passed the full Senate on Wednesday, February 12 unanimously. The House companion - HB 213 - by Representative Mel Ponder (R-Fort Walton Beach) is still awaiting its first committee hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

VISIT FLORIDA is funded at $52.5 million in the Senate budget, exceeding the Governor’s recommendation of $50 million for the agency. While the House has not allocated any money for VISIT FLORIDA in their budget, various Representatives discussed the need to fund the agency and urged lawmakers to act during Thursday’s House Session. Representative Ben Diamond (D-St. Petersburg) and Representative Jennifer Webb (D-St. Petersburg) applauded VISIT FLORIDA and highlighted the positive impact that the agency has on smaller, family-owned businesses.

Tourism Development Tax

During Tuesday’s House Ways & Means Committee, the committee chair presented a bill with several dozen proposed tax changes that included expanding the uses of the Tourist Development Tax to include water quality improvement projects. The allowable projects include, but are not limited to, flood mitigation; seagrass or seaweed removal; algae control, cleanup, or prevention measures; and septic to sewer conversion projects. These expansions to the Tourist Development Tax would be mirrored within the Convention Development Tax levied in Duval, Miami-Dade and Volusia counties as well as the Local Option Food and Beverage Tax levied within parts of Miami-Dade County.

If this bill were to pass it would be the biggest threat to expand the uses of the TDT in 20 years. The actual bill has not been made available yet but expect it to become public before this coming Tuesday’s House Ways and Means Committee.

SB 334 by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) would authorize counties imposing a tourism development tax to use the tax revenues to promote or incentivize film or television productions in the state. The bill would also require a specified statement to be included in the production’s credits. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee on Tuesday, February 18. The bill does not have a House companion.

Cultural Affairs

HB 757 by Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) would rename the Division of Cultural Affairs as Division of Arts & Culture and provide that the Secretary of State shall be known as "Florida's Chief Arts & Culture Officer". The bill would repeal provisions relating to Cultural Endowment Program short title, legislative intent, definitions and rulemaking. The bill unanimously passed the House State Affairs Committee on Wednesday, February 13 and will now be considered by all Representatives on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 1632 – by Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) unanimously passed the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday, February 10 and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Tuesday, February 18.

Significant funding for cultural and museum grants is also proposed in the House and Senate budget proposals. In the Senate proposal, $19,318,091 is appropriated for cultural and museum grants from general revenue. Of this money, $14,618,091 would fund the Department of State's 2020-2021 Cultural and Museum Grants General Program Support ranked list, with the remaining amount going toward a variety of arts, culture and historical projects. In the House's proposed budget, $14,570,870 is appropriated for cultural and museum grants from general revenue, with $13,350,000 appropriated for the Department of State's 2020-21 Cultural and Museum Grants General Program Support ranked list. The remaining money for cultural and museum grants in the House budget would also fund a variety of specific cultural and historical projects. Additionally, equal funding for Culture Builds Florida is provided in both the Senate and House budgets, with both chambers proposing $2,881,168 for the program.

During the House floor budget discussion on Thursday, Representatives stated the economic impact that is a direct result of the agency’s efforts and the data that shows the massive return on investment that the agency provides. A positive component of both budgets that has received support from legislators is the amount of money set aside to fund cultural and historical grant programs. Under the House and Senate proposal, current year funding levels will be maintained, giving libraries, museums and cultural sites much-needed stability.

Lottery Games

HB 991 by Representative Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) would prohibit an electronic device from being used to play any lottery game and would prohibit the Department of Lottery (DOL) from authorizing operation of a specified lottery game. The bill would require DOL to include a specified warning in all advertisements & promotions of lottery games and require contracts between DOL & a vendor to require that the vendor print a specified warning on all lottery tickets. Under the bill, certain funds in the Operating Trust Fund would be used for a specified annual payment for services relating to prevention of compulsive & addictive gambling. The bill passed the House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee by a vote of 8-3 on Tuesday, February 11 and now heads to its final committee hearing in the House Commerce Committee. The Senate companion - SB 1318 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) - has not received a hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

Sports Franchises and Facilities

HB 1369 by Representative Cary Pigman (R-Sebring) would delete provisions authorizing counties to impose specified taxes to pay debt service on bonds related to sports facilities and prohibit a county from leasing specified professional sports franchise facilities. It would prohibit the lease of public lands for purposes related to sports franchises & their facilities and require the lease of a facility on public lands to be at fair market value. The bill would require a sports franchise to repay specified debt incurred by local government related to construction of facilities. The bill unanimously passed the House Commerce Committee on Thursday, February 13 and now moves to the House floor to be debated and voted on by all Representatives. The bill does not have a Senate companion.

Vacation Rentals

HB 1011 by Representative Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville) would preempt regulation of vacation rentals to the state and prohibit local law, ordinance or regulation from allowing or requiring inspections or licensing of vacation rentals. The bill would require licenses issued by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of DBPR to be displayed conspicuously inside a licensed establishment and preempt regulation of advertising platforms for vacation rentals to the state. It would also provide requirements for advertising platforms. The bill is currently awaiting its final committee hearing in the House Commerce Committee. The Senate companion - SB 1128 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R- Hialeah Gardens) passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee by a 3-2 vote on Tuesday, February 11. The Senate bill now awaits its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Entertainment Industry

SB 530 by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) would create the Film, Television, and Digital Media Targeted Rebate Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity. Projects that are eligible for the rebate program must provide the highest return on investment and economic benefit to the state. The bill is awaiting a hearing in its second stop in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 497 - by Representative James Buchanan (R-North Port) is still waiting to be heard in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Regulation of Recreational Activities

HB 647 by Representative Brad Drake (R-Defuniak Springs) would revise provisions relating to recreational vehicle parks, including permit application, preemption, rebuilding of park, abandoned property, ejection of certain persons and removal of property from park and immunity from liability. The bill unanimously passed the House Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday, February 12 and now awaits a hearing on the House floor. The Senate companion - SB 772 – by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) unanimously passed the Senate Health Policy Committee on Tuesday, February 11 and awaits its final committee stop in the Senate Rules Committee.

Declawing of Cats

SB 48 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) makes it illegal for any person to declaw a cat in Florida. Violations can result in a $1,000 fine and veterinarians found to be declawing the cat are subject to discipline by the Board of Veterinary Medicine. An exemption is made in the instance that a cat is declawed for therapeutic purposes. The bill is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. There is not a House companion bill.

Emergency Sheltering of Persons with Pets

HB 705 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would require Department of Education to assist Division of Emergency Management in determining strategies regarding evacuation of persons with pets and would require certain counties to designate shelter that can accommodate persons with pets. It would also specify requirements for such shelters. The bill unanimously passed the House Health and Human Services Committee on Wednesday, February 12 and now to its final committee stop in the House State Affairs Committee. The Senate companion - SB 752 – by Senator Aaron Bean (RJacksonville) unanimously passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Monday, February 10 and awaits its final committee hearing in the Senate Rules Committee.

Beverage Law

SB 482 by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) would repeal provisions relating to limits to the size of wine and cider containers. Provisions that allow patrons of a restaurant to take partially consumed bottles of wine off the restaurant’s premises would also be changed under this law. The bill has not yet been heard in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

The House companion - HB 583 - by Representative Anthony Sabatini (R-Clermont) is still awaiting its final hearing in the House Commerce Committee.

Captive-bred Animal Culture

SB 1176 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) would create the "Florida Animal Policy Act". The bill would provide duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and require the department to submit a list of specified research and development projects with its annual legislative budget request to the Governor and the Legislature. It would require a captive-bred producer to apply to the department for a certificate of registration and create the Captive-bred Animal Culture Advisory Council adjunct to the department. The bill is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The House companion - HB 933 - by Representative Clovis Watson (D-Gainesville) is waiting to be heard in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Nonservice Animals

HB 243 by Representative Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) would prohibit nonservice animals from entering certain food service establishments or places of business. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation would also create and update a website for filed complaints. The bill is still waiting to be heard in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1814 – by Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) has yet to be heard in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Emotional Support Animals

HB 209 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would prohibit discrimination in a rental dwelling to a person with a disability or disability-related needs who has an emotional support animal. It would also prohibit a landlord from requiring such person to pay extra compensation and authorize the landlord to request certain written documentation. The bill unanimously passed the House Judiciary committee on Wednesday, February 12 and now heads to the House floor for consideration. The Senate companion - SB 1084 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens) unanimously passed the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee on Monday, February 10 and is scheduled to be heard in its final committee stop in the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday, February 19.

Shark Fins

SB 680 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) would prohibit the importation, exportation, and sale of shark fins. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Tuesday, February 18. The House companion - HB 401 - by Representative Kristin Jacobs (D-Coconut Creek) unanimously passed the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday, February 13 and awaits consideration on the House floor.

Individual Wine Containers

HB 6037 by Representative Chip LaMarca (R-Lighthouse Point) would repeal provisions relating to a limitation of size of individual wine containers. The bill has passed the House chamber. The Senate companion - SB 138 - by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) is scheduled to receive its first hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee on Monday, February 17.

Public Records/Trade Secrets

HB 799 by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Bradenton) would provide a public record exemption for trade secrets held by an agency, provide notice requirements and exceptions and provide that the agency employee is not liable for release of records in compliance with act. The bill would also provide applicability and future legislative review & repeal. The bill unanimously passed the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday, February 13 and moves to the House floor for consideration. The Senate companion - SB 1532 – by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake) has yet to be heard in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Verification of Employment Eligibility

HB 1265 by Representative Cord Byrd (R-Jacksonville Beach) would require public employers, contractors, & subcontractors to use the E-Verify system for specified purposes and prohibits such entities from entering into a contract unless each party uses the E-Verify system. The bill would authorize termination of the contract and require private employers to verify employment eligibility of newly hired employees. The bill is waiting for its first hearing in the House Commerce Committee. The Senate companion - SB 664 – by Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon) passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 4-2 on Monday, February 10 and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee on Tuesday, February 18.

Monuments

HB 981 by Representative Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) would establish the Florida Space Exploration Monument and provide for administration of the monument. The design shall be chosen by committee from entries submitted by the public. DMS would be directed to develop specified plan for placement & cost of the monument & submit the plan to the Governor & Legislature by a specified date. The bill is awaiting its first hearing in the House Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1260 – by Senator Ben Albritton (R-Bartow) the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday, February 10 and awaits its final committee hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee .

Heat Illness Prevention

HB 513 by Representative Carlos Smith (D-Winter Park) would require certain employers to provide drinking water, shade, & annual training to employees & supervisors and require the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services & the Department of Health to adopt specified rules. The House bill is still awaiting its first hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 882 – by Senator Victor Torres (D-Kissimmee) has not been heard in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Employment Practices

HB 889 by Representative Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) would create the “Florida Family Leave Act”. The bill would require an employer to allow certain employees to take paid family leave to bond with a minor child upon the child's birth, adoption, or foster care placement. The bill would provide requirements, limitations, & duties and provide for civil action & penalties & criminal penalty. The legislation would prohibit specified employment practices on basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. It would also provide for leave, maintenance of health coverage, reasonable accommodation & transfer, & return rights for an employee who is disabled from pregnancy, childbirth, or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. The bill is currently awaiting its first committee hearing in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion – SB 1194 – by Senator Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Week 4 of the Florida Legislative Session turned out to be quite a busy week in Tallahassee, as a wide range of policy bills made their way through the committee process or were passed during the House and Session sessions.

Liberty Partners worked diligently with the Florida Attractions Association (FAA) this week to draft amendment language to clarify that HB 1275 by Representative Sharon Pritchett (D-Miami Gardens) would only affect non-permanent amusement facilities. After working with committee Chairman Holly Raschein (R-Key West), Liberty Partners asked Representative Rick Roth (R-Palm Beach Gardens) to file the amendment language and the amendment was adopted during the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee meeting on Monday, February 3. The adoption of this amendment language was critical, as it ensures that FAA members will not be negatively impacted by bill. Liberty Partners attended the committee meeting and spoke in support of the amendment and bill on behalf of FAA, with the bill passing unanimously.

On Wednesday, Liberty Partners supported legislation that would extend the scheduled 2020 sunset of VISIT FLORIDA until 2028. SB 362 by Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) unanimously passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday and will now head to the Senate floor to be debated and voted on by all Senators.

Additionally, both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees passed their respective budgets on Wednesday. The House budget of $91.4 billion aligns with the Governor’s proposal, while the Senate has proposed a budget of $92.8 billion. VISIT FLORIDA is funded at just over $50 million in the Senate budget but at $0 in the House budget. This issue will be debated during the budget conference process.

Following is a quick summary of bills that have been filed and other items of interest to the Florida Attractions Association (FAA):

Amusement Rides

SB 1228 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) would require amusement ride managers to meet

certain requirements and revise standards for rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services relating to amusement rides. The bill would also remove the exemption from safety standards for certain museums and institutions and revise inspection standards for amusement rides. The Senate bill is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee. After having been amended with clarifying language for FAA, the House companion - HB 1275 by Representative Sharon Pritchett is now in its final committee stop in the House Commerce Committee.

VISIT FLORIDA

FAA continues to support legislation that would extend the scheduled 2020 sunset of VISIT FLORIDA until 2028. While the proposed House budget is $381 million more than FY 2019-20, the budget does not contain any funding or mention of VISIT FLORIDA. During Wednesday’s House Appropriations Committee meeting, Representative Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) once again stated that according to statute, the agency is scheduled to sunset in 2020 and is therefore not considered in the FY 2020-21 House budget. However, the Senate and Governor DeSantis have taken a different position on the future of VISIT FLORIDA. While Governor DeSantis had proposed $50 million in funding for VISIT FLORIDA, the Senate’s proposed budget for FY 2020-21 sets funding levels for the agency at $52.5 million for FY 2020-21. As the Legislature moves through the budget process and as budget conference approaches this contentious funding issue will be a main focus with Liberty Partners continuing to fight for full-funding of VISIT FLORIDA. As SB 362  by Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) moves through the final stages of the process in the Senate, the House companion - HB 213 - by Representative Mel Ponder (R-Fort Walton Beach) is still awaiting its first committee hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Lottery Games

HB 991 by Representative Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) would prohibit an electronic device from being used to play any lottery game and would prohibit the Department of Lottery (DOL) from authorizing operation of a specified lottery game. The bill would require DOL to include a specified warning in all advertisements & promotions of lottery games and require contracts between DOL & a vendor to require that the vendor print a specified warning on all lottery tickets. Under the bill, certain funds in the Operating Trust Fund would be used for a specified annual payment for services relating to prevention of compulsive & addictive gambling. The bill is awaiting its second hearing in the House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee. SB 1318 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

Sports Franchises and Facilities

HB 1369 by Representative Cary Pigman (R-Sebring) would delete provisions authorizing counties to impose specified taxes to pay debt service on bonds related to sports facilities and prohibit a county from leasing specified professional sports franchise facilities. It would prohibit the lease of public lands for purposes related to sports franchises & their facilities and require the lease of a facility on public

lands to be at fair market value. The bill would require a sports franchise to repay specified debt incurred by local government related to construction of facilities. The bill passed the House Ways and

Means Committee by a vote of 14-1 on Monday, February 3 and now awaits its final hearing in the House Commerce Committee. The bill does not have a Senate companion.

Vacation Rentals

HB 1011 by Representative Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville) would preempt regulation of vacation rentals to the state and prohibit local law, ordinance or regulation from allowing or requiring inspections or licensing of vacation rentals. The bill would require licenses issued by the Division of Hotels and

Restaurants of DBPR to be displayed conspicuously inside a licensed establishment and preempt regulation of advertising platforms for vacation rentals to the state. It would also provide requirements for advertising platforms. The bill narrowly passed the House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee by a vote of 8-5 on Tuesday, February 4. Liberty Partners attended the meeting and continues to follow this issue closely. The Senate companion - SB 1128 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R- Hialeah Gardens) is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Entertainment Industry

SB 530 by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) would create the Film, Television, and Digital Media Targeted Rebate Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity. Projects that are eligible for

the rebate program must provide the highest return on investment and economic benefit to the state. The bill is awaiting a hearing in its second stop in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 497 - by Representative James Buchanan (R-North Port) is still waiting to be heard in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Tourism Development Tax

SB 334 by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) would authorize counties imposing a tourism development tax to use the tax revenues to promote or incentivize film or television productions in the state. The bill would also require a specified statement to be included in the production’s credits. The bill is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Finance and Tax Committee. The bill does not have a House companion.

Declawing of Cats

SB 48 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) makes it illegal for any person to declaw a cat in Florida. Violations can result in a $1,000 fine and veterinarians found to be declawing the cat are subject to discipline by the Board of Veterinary Medicine. An exemption is made in the instance that a cat is declawed for therapeutic purposes. The bill is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. There is not a House companion bill.

Recreational Vehicle Parks

HB 647 by Representative Brad Drake (R-Defuniak Springs) would revise provisions relating to recreational vehicle parks, including permit application, preemption, rebuilding of park, abandoned property, ejection of certain persons and removal of property from park and immunity from liability. The bill passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 4 by a vote of 11-1. The

Senate companion - SB 772 – by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Health Policy Committee.

Cultural Affairs

HB 757 by Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) would rename the Division of Cultural Affairs as Division of Arts & Culture and provide that the Secretary of State shall be known as "Florida's Chief Arts & Culture Officer". The bill would repeal provisions relating to Cultural Endowment Program short title, legislative intent, definitions and rulemaking. The bill unanimously passed the House Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 4. Liberty Partners was in attendance and continues to track this legislation The Senate companion - SB 1632 – by Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee on Monday, February 10.

Emergency Sheltering of Persons with Pets

HB 705 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would require Department of Education to assist Division of Emergency Management in determining strategies regarding evacuation of persons with pets and would require certain counties to designate shelter that can accommodate persons with pets. It would also specify requirements for such shelters. The bill unanimously passed the House Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 4 and now moves to the House Health Quality Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 752 – by Senator Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville) is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Monday, February 10.

Beverage Law

SB 482 by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) would repeal provisions relating to limits to the size of wine and cider containers. Provisions that allow patrons of a restaurant to take partially consumed bottles of wine off the restaurant’s premises would also be changed under this law. The bill has not yet

been heard in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 583 - by Representative Anthony Sabatini (R-Clermont) is still awaiting its final hearing in the House Commerce Committee.

Captive-bred Animal Culture

SB 1176 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) would create the "Florida Animal Policy Act". The bill would provide duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and require the department to submit a list of specified research and development projects with its annual legislative budget request to the Governor and the Legislature. It would require a captive-bred producer to apply to the department for a certificate of registration and create the Captive-bred Animal Culture Advisory Council adjunct to the department. The bill is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The House companion - HB 933 - by Representative Clovis Watson (D-Gainesville) is waiting to be heard in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Nonservice Animals

HB 243 by Representative Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) would prohibit nonservice animals from entering certain food service establishments or places of business. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation would also create and update a website for filed complaints. The bill is still waiting to be heard in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1814 – by Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) has yet to be heard in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Emotional Support Animals

HB 209 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would prohibit discrimination in a rental dwelling to a person with a disability or disability-related needs who has an emotional support animal. It would also prohibit a landlord from requiring such person to pay extra compensation and authorize the landlord to request certain written documentation. The bill is still awaiting its final hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate companion - SB 1084 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens) is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee on Monday, February 10.

Shark Fins

SB 680 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) would prohibit the importation, exportation, and sale of shark fins. The bill unanimously passed the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Monday, February 3 and now moves to the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee. The House companion - HB 401 - by Representative Kristin Jacobs (D-Coconut Creek) is awaiting its final hearing in the House State Affairs Committee.

Individual Wine Containers

HB 6037 by Representative Chip LaMarca (R-Lighthouse Point) would repeal provisions relating to a limitation of size of individual wine containers. The bill passed the House chamber by a vote of 112-6 on Wednesday, February 5. The Senate companion - SB 138 - by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

Public Records/Trade Secrets

HB 799 by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Bradenton) would provide a public record exemption for trade secrets held by an agency, provide notice requirements and exceptions and provide that the agency employee is not liable for release of records in compliance with act. The bill would also provide applicability and future legislative review & repeal. The bill is awaiting its final hearing in the House State Affairs Committee. The Senate companion - SB 1532 – by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake) has yet to be heard in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Heat Illness Prevention

HB 513 by Representative Carlos Smith (D-Winter Park) would require certain employers to provide drinking water, shade, & annual training to employees & supervisors and require the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services & the Department of Health to adopt specified rules. The House bill is still awaiting its first hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 882 – by Senator Victor Torres (D-Kissimmee) has not been heard in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Employment Practices

HB 889 by Representative Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) would create the “Florida Family Leave Act”. The bill would require an employer to allow certain employees to take paid family leave to bond with a

minor child upon the child's birth, adoption, or foster care placement. The bill would provide requirements, limitations, & duties and provide for civil action & penalties & criminal penalty. The

legislation would prohibit specified employment practices on basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. It would also provide for leave, maintenance of health coverage, reasonable accommodation & transfer, & return rights for an employee who is disabled from pregnancy, childbirth, or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. The bill is currently awaiting its first committee hearing in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion – SB 1194 – by Senator Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

The halls of the Capitol were extremely busy this week, as Floridians involved in the legislative process made their voices heard during the third week of the 2020 Legislative Session. While many groups and associations visited Tallahassee, the main focus was on the release of the House and Senate budget proposals.

The proposed House budget for FY 2020-21 - PCB APC 20-01 – totals $91,370,013,658 but does not currently include funding for VISIT FLORIDA. During Tuesday’s House Transportation and Tourism Appropriations Subcommittee, Chairman Jay Trumbull (R-Panama City) remarked that the agency is scheduled to sunset in 2020 and there would not be any funding for the agency in the House budget. However, the House has proposed $13,350,000 in cultural and museum grant funding for numerous projects across the state.The Senate’s budget proposal for FY 2020-21 - SPB 2500 – totals $92,832,199,570 and contains significant funding for VISIT FLORIDA. In the Senate proposal, the agency would be funded at $50 million during FY 2020-21, with an additional $2.5 million appropriated for marketing Florida’s universities and colleges through the agency. Cultural and museum grant funding is also higher in the Senate, with $14,618,091 in project funding being proposed.

With Governor DeSantis’ recommended budget standing at $91,406,573,309, including $50 million in funding for VISIT FLORIDA, a tug-of-war over the final budget can be expected until the end of session.

Following is a quick summary of bills that have been filed and other items of interest to the Florida Attractions Association (FAA):

VISIT FLORIDA

FAA continues to support legislation that would extend the scheduled 2020 sunset of VISIT FLORIDA until 2028. SB 362 by Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) unanimously passed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development on Wednesday, January 29. Liberty Partners was in attendance and waived in support of the bill on behalf of FAA. The bill will now be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, February 5. The House companion - HB 213 - by Representative Mel Ponder (R-Fort Walton Beach) is still awaiting its first committee hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Amusement Rides

SB 1228 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) would require amusement ride managers to meet certain requirements and revise standards for rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services relating to amusement rides. The bill would also remove the exemption from safety standards for certain museums and institutions and revise inspection standards for amusement rides. The Senate bill is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The House companion - HB 1275 – by Representative Sharon Pritchett (D-Miami Gardens) unanimously passed the House Business & Professions Subcommittee on Tuesday, January 28. Liberty Partners was in attendance during the committee meeting and continues to follow the bill closely. The bill will be heard in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee on Monday, February 3. Liberty Partners has submitted amendment language on behalf of FAA that will clarify the bill only effects nonpermanent amusement facilities. The amendment will be filed by leadership of the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee.

Lottery Games

HB 991 by Representative Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) would prohibit an electronic device from being used to play any lottery game and would prohibit the Department of Lottery (DOL) from authorizing operation of a specified lottery game. The bill would require DOL to include a specified warning in all advertisements & promotions of lottery games and require contracts between DOL & a vendor to require that the vendor print a specified warning on all lottery tickets. Under the bill, certain funds in the Operating Trust Fund would be used for a specified annual payment for services relating to prevention of compulsive & addictive gambling. The bill passed the House Gaming Control Subcommittee by a vote of 14-1 on Monday, January 27. Liberty Partners was in attendance during this committee meeting and continues to follow the legislation closely. SB 1318 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

Sports Franchises and Facilities

HB 1369 by Representative Cary Pigman (R-Sebring) would delete provisions authorizing counties to impose specified taxes to pay debt service on bonds related to sports facilities and prohibit a county from leasing specified professional sports franchise facilities. It would prohibit the lease of public lands for purposes related to sports franchises & their facilities and require the lease of a facility on public lands to be at fair market value. The bill would require a sports franchise to repay specified debt incurred by local government related to construction of facilities. The bill passed the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee by a vote of 12-1 on Tuesday, January 28 and is scheduled to be heard in the House Ways & Means Committee on Monday, February 3.

Vacation Rentals

HB 1011 by Representative Jason Fischer (R-Jacksonville) would preempt regulation of vacation rentals to the state and prohibit local law, ordinance or regulation from allowing or requiring inspections or licensing of vacation rentals. The bill would require licenses issued by the Division of Hotels and Restaurants of DBPR to be displayed conspicuously inside a licensed establishment and preempt regulation of advertising platforms for vacation rentals to the state. It would also provide requirements for advertising platforms. The bill has passed the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee and will be heard in the House Government Operations and Technology Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 4. The Senate companion - SB 1128 – by Senator Manny Diaz (RHialeah Gardens) passed the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee and is awaiting its second hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Entertainment Industry

SB 530 by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) would create the Film, Television, and Digital Media Targeted Rebate Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity. Projects that are eligible for the rebate program must provide the highest return on investment and economic benefit to the state. The bill is awaiting its second stop in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 497 - by Representative James Buchanan (R-North Port) is still in its first committee stop in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Tourism Development Tax

SB 334 by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) would authorize counties imposing a tourism development tax to use the tax revenues to promote or incentivize film or television productions in the state. The bill would also require a specified statement to be included in the production’s credits. The bill passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee unanimously on Monday, January 27. The bill does not have a House companion.

Declawing of Cats

SB 48 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) makes it illegal for any person to declaw a cat in Florida. Violations can result in a $1,000 fine and veterinarians found to be declawing the cat are subject to discipline by the Board of Veterinary Medicine. An exemption is made in the instance that a cat is declawed for therapeutic purposes. The Senate bill passed the Senate Agriculture Committee by a vote of 4-1 on Tuesday, January 28. The bill does not have a House companion.

Recreational Vehicle Parks

HB 647 by Representative Brad Drake (R-Defuniak Springs) would revise provisions relating to recreational vehicle parks, including permit application, preemption, rebuilding of park, abandoned property, ejection of certain persons and removal of property from park and immunity from liability. The House bill passed the House Health Quality Subcommittee on Tuesday, January 28 and will be heard in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 4. The Senate companion - SB 772 – by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) passed the Senate Community Affairs Committee on Monday, January 27 and is awaiting its next hearing in the Senate Health Policy Committee.

Cultural Affairs

HB 757 by Representative Holly Raschein (R-Key Largo) would rename the Division of Cultural Affairs as Division of Arts & Culture and provide that the Secretary of State shall be known as "Florida's Chief Arts & Culture Officer". The bill would repeal provisions relating to Cultural Endowment Program short title, legislative intent, definitions and rulemaking. The House bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Oversight, Transparency and Public Management Subcommittee on Tuesday, February 4. The Senate companion - SB 1632 – by Senator Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) is awaiting its first committee hearing in the Senate Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee.

Beverage Law

SB 482 by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) would repeal provisions relating to limits to the size of wine and cider containers. Provisions that allow patrons of a restaurant to take partially consumed bottles of wine off the restaurant’s premises would also be changed under this law. The bill has not yet been heard in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 583 - by Representative Anthony Sabatini (R-Clermont) is in its final stop in the House Commerce Committee.

Captive-bred Animal Culture

SB 1176 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) would create the "Florida Animal Policy Act". The bill would provide duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and require the department to submit a list of specified research and development projects with its annual legislative budget request to the Governor and the Legislature. It would require a captive-bred producer to apply to the department for a certificate of registration and create the Captive-bred Animal Culture Advisory Council adjunct to the department. The bill is still waiting its first committee hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Liberty Partners provided Senator Perry with bill language that would ensure this bill does not affect animals that are in captivity in museums, zoos, aquariums and other attractions in the state. The House companion - HB 933 - by Representative Clovis Watson (D-Gainesville) is waiting to be heard in the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee.

Nonservice Animals

HB 243 by Representative Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) would prohibit nonservice animals from entering certain food service establishments or places of business. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation would also create and update a website for filed complaints. The bill is still in its first committee stop in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1814 – by Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Emotional Support Animals

HB 209 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would prohibit discrimination in a rental dwelling to a person with a disability or disability-related needs who has an emotional support animal. It would also prohibit a landlord from requiring such person to pay extra compensation and authorize the landlord to request certain written documentation. The bill was scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Thursday, January 30 but was temporarily postponed. Liberty Partners was in attendance during this committee hearing and continues to monitor this legislation closely. The Senate companion - SB 1084 – by Senator Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens) will be heard in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee on Monday, February 3.

Shark Fins

SB 680 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) would prohibit the importation, exportation, and sale of shark fins. The bill will be heard in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Monday, February 3. The House companion - HB 401 - by Representative Kristin Jacobs (D-Coconut Creek) is awaiting its final hearing in the House State Affairs Committee.

Individual Wine Containers

HB 6037 by Representative Chip LaMarca (R-Lighthouse Point) would repeal provisions relating to a limitation of size of individual wine containers. The bill has passed all House committees and is on the Special Order Calendar for House session on Wednesday, February 5. The Senate companion - SB 138 - by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

Public Records/Trade Secrets

HB 799 by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Bradenton) would provide a public record exemption for trade secrets held by an agency, provide notice requirements and exceptions and provide that the agency employee is not liable for release of records in compliance with act. The bill would also provide applicability and future legislative review & repeal. The bill passed the House Commerce Committee unanimously on Thursday, January 30. Liberty Partners was in attendance during this committee hearing and continues to track the issue closely. The Senate companion - SB 1532 – by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Heat Illness Prevention

HB 513 by Representative Carlos Smith (D-Winter Park) would require certain employers to provide drinking water, shade, & annual training to employees & supervisors and require the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services & the Department of Health to adopt specified rules. The House bill is awaiting its first hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 882 – by Senator Victor Torres (D-Kissimmee) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Employment Practices

HB 889 by Representative Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) would create the “Florida Family Leave Act”. The bill would require an employer to allow certain employees to take paid family leave to bond with a minor child upon the child's birth, adoption, or foster care placement. The bill would provide requirements, limitations, & duties and provide for civil action & penalties & criminal penalty. The legislation would prohibit specified employment practices on basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. It would also provide for leave, maintenance of health coverage, reasonable accommodation & transfer, & return rights for an employee who is disabled from pregnancy, childbirth, or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. The bill is currently awaiting its first committee hearing in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion – SB 1194 – by Senator Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

The 2020 Legislative Session is in full swing, as legislators convened in Tallahassee four days last week. Through the second week of session, legislation continues to make its way through the committee process, while a number of bills have already passed the House and Senate floors. The highlight of the week, however, was the attention surrounding Florida Tourism Day on Wednesday.

Governor Ron DeSantis was the keynote speaker for Florida Tourism Day and provided opening remarks on Wednesday at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. During his remarks, Governor DeSantis praised the work of VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Dana Young and touted the 127 million visitors that came to Florida in 2019. The Governor also commended VISIT FLORIDA on the work that the agency does to promote Florida in times of crisis and let tourists know that the state is open for business. DeSantis closed his address by recognizing the economic impact that tourism has on Florida and noting his support for reauthorizing and fully-funding VISIT FLORIDA.

Senate President Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) followed Governor DeSantis and also commended Young for the work she has done and the success that Florida has seen under her leadership. President Galvano reinforced the Senate’s commitment to fully-fund and reauthorize VISIT FLORIDA and assured the crowd that this funding would be in the Senate’s budget. Galvano spoke on the importance of planning ahead and stability in all state industries, including tourism, and relayed his eagerness to work with tourism officials during the 2020 session.

Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) – the Senate sponsor of legislation that would extend VISIT FLORIDA’s sunset until 2028 – picked up where Governor DeSantis and President Galvano left off, as he lauded tourism’s impact on job creation and economic development. Senator Hooper noted that Florida is in a competition for tourists with the rest of the world and that VISIT FLORIDA must exist in order to compete.

After the opening program at the civic center, industry leaders and advocates traveled to the Florida Capitol for an exciting tourism rally and to share the importance of the tourism industry with legislators.

Following is a quick summary of bills that have been filed and other items of interest to the Florida Attractions Association (FAA):

VISIT FLORIDA

FAA continues to support legislation that would extend the scheduled 2020 sunset of VISIT FLORIDA until 2028. SB 362 by Senator Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) will be heard in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Tourism, and Economic Development on Wednesday, January 29. The House companion - HB 213 - by Representative Mel Ponder (R-Fort Walton Beach) is still awaiting its first committee hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Amusement Rides

SB 1228 by Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) would require amusement ride managers to meet certain requirements and revise standards for rules adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services relating to amusement rides. The bill would also remove the exemption from safety standards for certain museums and institutions and revise inspection standards for amusement rides. The Senate bill is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The House companion - HB 1275 – by Representative Sharon Pritchett (D-Miami Gardens) is scheduled to be heard in the House Business & Professions Subcommittee on Tuesday, January 28.

Lottery Games

HB 991 by Representative Will Robinson (R-Bradenton) would prohibit an electronic device from being used to play any lottery game and would prohibit the Department of Lottery (DOL) from authorizing operation of a specified lottery game. The bill would require DOL to include a specified warning in all advertisements & promotions of lottery games and require contracts between DOL & a vendor to require that the vendor print a specified warning on all lottery tickets. Under the bill, certain funds in the Operating Trust Fund would be used for a specified annual payment for services relating to prevention of compulsive & addictive gambling. The bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Gaming Control Subcommittee on January 27. SB 1318 by Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville) is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

Entertainment Industry

SB 530 by Senator Joe Gruters (R-Sarasota) would create the Film, Television, and Digital Media Targeted Rebate Program within the Department of Economic Opportunity. Projects that are eligible for the rebate program must provide the highest return on investment and economic benefit to the state. The bill unanimously passed the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee in December and is awaiting its next stop in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee. The House companion - HB 497 - by Representative James Buchanan (R-North Port) is awaiting its first hearing in the House Workforce Development and Tourism Subcommittee.

Beverage Law

SB 482 by Senator Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) would repeal provisions relating to limits to the size of wine and cider containers. Provisions that allow patrons of a restaurant to take partially consumed bottles of wine off the restaurant’s premises would also be changed under this law. The bill has been

referred to the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee but has not been heard. The House companion - HB 583 - by Representative Anthony Sabatini (R-Clermont) is awaiting its final hearing in the House Commerce Committee.

Nonservice Animals

HB 243 by Representative Bruce Antone (D-Orlando) would prohibit nonservice animals from entering certain food service establishments or places of business. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation would also create and update a website for filed complaints. The bill is awaiting its first hearing in the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion - SB 1814 – by Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) is awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Emotional Support Animals

HB 209 by Representative Sam Killebrew (R-Winter Haven) would prohibit discrimination in a rental dwelling to a person with a disability or disability-related needs who has an emotional support animal. It would also prohibit a landlord from requiring such person to pay extra compensation and authorize the landlord to request certain written documentation. The bill is awaiting its final committee hearing in the House Judiciary Committee. The Senate companion - SB 1084– by Senator Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens) awaits its second hearing in the Senate Innovation, Industry and Technology Committee.

Shark Fins

SB 680 by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) would prohibit the importation, exportation, and sale of shark fins. The bill is still awaiting a hearing in the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee. The House companion - HB 401 - by Representative Kristin Jacobs (D-Coconut Creek) is awaiting its final hearing in the House State Affairs Committee.

Public Records/Trade Secrets

HB 799 by Representative Tommy Gregory (R-Bradenton) would provide a public record exemption for trade secrets held by an agency, provide notice requirements and exceptions and provide that the agency employee is not liable for release of records in compliance with act. The bill would also provide applicability and future legislative review & repeal. The bill is currently awaiting its second stop in the House Commerce Committee. The Senate companion - SB 1532 – by Senator Dennis Baxley (R-Lady Lake) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

Heat Illness Prevention

HB 513 by Representative Carlos Smith (D-Winter Park) would require certain employers to provide drinking water, shade, & annual training to employees & supervisors and require the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services & the Department of Health to adopt specified rules. The House bill is awaiting a hearing in the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee. The Senate

companion - SB 882– by Senator Victor Torres (D-Kissimmee) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Employment Practices

HB 889 by Representative Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) would create the “Florida Family Leave Act”. The bill would require an employer to allow certain employees to take paid family leave to bond with a minor child upon the child's birth, adoption, or foster care placement. The bill would provide requirements, limitations, & duties and provide for civil action & penalties & criminal penalty. The

legislation would prohibit specified employment practices on basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. It would also provide for leave, maintenance of health coverage, reasonable accommodation & transfer, & return rights for an employee who is disabled from pregnancy, childbirth, or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. The bill is currently awaiting its first committee hearing in the House Business & Professions Subcommittee. The Senate companion – SB 1194 – by Senator Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) is still awaiting its first hearing in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee.

2020 LEGISLATIVE SESSION SCHEDULE

September 16 – Friday, September 20, 2019         1^st Interim Committee Week

October 14 – Friday, October 18, 2019                  2^nd Interim Committee Week

October 21 – Friday, October 25, 2019                  3^rd Interim Committee Week

November 4 – Friday, November 8, 2019               4^th Interim Committee Week

November 12 – Friday, November 15, 2019           5^th Interim Committee Week

December 9 – Friday, December 13, 2019              6^th Interim Committee Week

January 14, 2020                                                       Regular Session Convenes

March 3, 2020                                                           Last Day for Regular Committee Meetings

March 13, 2020                                                         Last Day of Regular Session