RECAP
OF WEEK SEVEN
• The House met in session on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. In addition, most House councils wrapped-up their work for the 2006 Session. For the remaining two weeks of the 2006 Session, the House will devote most of its time to action on the floor, and budget conferencing.
• On Wednesday afternoon, the House and Senate budget conferees organized and received instructions. Speaker Allan Bense and Senate President Tom Lee addressed the conferees to outline their optimism for the conference process.
• Also on Wednesday, the House observed “Military Day” and approved legislation benefiting active-duty military, their families, and veterans.
In addition, the House approved the following:
• Representative Fred Brummer's HB 7105 repealing the “By-The-Drink” tax on alcoholic beverages sold for consumption on a business' premises.
• Representative Greg Evers' HB 125 directing subagents of the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission selling hunting, fishing licenses to provide voter registration applications. In addition, FWCC is directed to provide application links on its website.
• Representative Joe Negron's HB 113 increasing the number of county and circuit judges in Florida 's courts.
• Representatives Adam Hasner and Marti Coley's HB 1027 providing funding for biomedical, cancer, and Alzheimer's research.
• Representatives John Quinones and Ellyn Bogdanoff's HB 61 providing opportunities for of DNA evidence to determine wrongful imprisonment.
• Representative Anitere Flores' HB 795 creating the First Generation Matching Grant Program for students whose parents did not attend college.
HOUSE OKs HURRICANE-PREP SALES TAX HOLIDAY
In 2004 and 2005, more than eight named storms devastated homes and communities in Florida. Those storms left Floridians scrambling for the essential supplies necessary to secure their homes and personal property.
A bipartisan effort led by Representative Ron Greenstein (D-Coconut Creek) resulted in passage of House Bill (HB) 47, creating a sales tax holiday on items purchased for hurricane preparation.
If made law, from May 21- June 1, 2006 , Floridians could buy the following items tax-free:
- A home generator costing up to $1000
- Portable radios and portable lighting
- Fuel tanks and first aid kits
- Batteries, tarps, coolers and other items that Floridians need to prepare for an approaching hurricane
HB 47 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
HOUSE OKs HURRICANE-PREP SALES TAX HOLIDAY
This week, the House saluted the contributions of the military throughout Florida history. Representative of the armed services presented the colors of their branch, and students modeled the uniforms of Florida soldiers—from the Spanish Conquistadors to the present.
In addition, the House took up several measures intended to benefit Florida 's active-duty and retired military men and women:
SB 1614 by Senator Carey Baker (Companion to HB 461 by Representative Stan Jordan) will expand opportunities for National Guardsmen to obtain free license plates.
HB 573 by Representative Gus Bilirakis ( R-Palm Harbor ) will bring disabled veterans' tax relief for home improvements through expanded exemption from certain fees.
HJR 631 by Representative Ray Sansom (R-Destin). World War II Permanently Disabled Veterans' Discount on Homestead Ad Valorem Tax. HJR 631 will give voters the opportunity to discount homestead exemption for disabled veterans.
SB 1370, companion to HB 955 by Representative Bill Proctor (R-St. Augustine). Veterans' Nursing Home of Florida Act – SB 1370 expands eligibility for admission to state veterans' nursing homes to include veterans displaced as evacuees from areas under declared states of emergency.
HB 1007 also by Representative Proctor provides Florida National Guardsmen and their families with free admission to Florida 's state parks.
HB 7127 by the Military & Veteran Affairs Committee and Representative Jordan -- Disturbance of Assemblies – HB 7127 increases penalties for disturbing military funerals.
