June Legislative Update
Legislative Update
The Legislative session is continuing with the House and Senate extending to June 6th to finalize the budget. Unfortunately, the acrimony between the bodies has created an environment that has made it difficult to complete this task.
The House after stating the Senate broke faith on their agreement on a sales tax relief package convened themselves and passed a concurrent resolution to extend the Session until June 30th. There was much discussion on whether the two bodies could resolve their differences in time to pass a budget before
July 1.
Fortunately, on Friday May 30th, the President and Speaker of the House came to agreement and a budget deal was struck.
They sent memorandums out to their respective bodies requesting them to come back to Tallahassee on June 3rd to complete the budget process which is anticipated to be voted out on June 16th. Details are being worked through by budget conferees and Chairs and meetings are being held on one hour notice.
There will be a different concurrent resolution passed to extend until June 16th.
On the legislative front the Governor has vetoed HB 6017 by Rep Trabulsey, the companion bill was by Sen Yarborough, SB 734. This is the bill we heavily opposed, which would have allowed adults and parents to claim pain and suffering in malpractice suits instead of only allowing for consideration of economic damages.
The Governor stated in his veto remarks that he was concerned this measure would lead to a spike in frivolous cases and an exodus of medical professionals from the state.
HB 1299 by Rep Yarkowsky, companion measure SB 1270 by Sen Collins is the Department of Health bill. It contains the mobility issue which deals with pathways for licensure into the state. The bill made it to the Governor’s desk for final action and he has signed it into law.
It has been the most unusual session of my entire lobbying career and I like many are ready for this session to end.
Best,
Alison Dudley Lobbyist, FRS
alisondudley@dudleyandassociates.com