Today marks day 30, the mid-point of the 2010 Legislative Session. I want to update you on the status of our priority issues.
VISIT FLORIDA Funding – This week the House and the Senate are in Session to discuss budget allocations. The House and Senate appropriations currently maintain approximately the status quo for VISIT FLORIDA.
The state has to reduce its budget overall by $3 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1. There have been some difficult decisions made, and more to come. We’re carefully watching the VF appropriation and will issue an alert immediately, if needed.
The final details of the funding plan will occur during Conference Committee – when the House and Senate versions of the budget are negotiated into a single budget.
Parental Waivers – A bill returning parent’s rights to the previous condition failed to pass the House and Senate without substantial compromise language weakening the waivers. Though we can claim some small victory at the return of some protection, the waivers are weaker and require offensive language, prescribed by law, be included on all waivers in order for them to be valid.
Slip and Fall – Negligence – HB 689 and Senate Bill 1224 places the burden of proof from defendant to plaintiff in slip and fall cases. The bill has passed both the House and Senate and has been enrolled (sent to the Governor). The bill pertains to slip and fall accidents involving a transitory foreign substance. This is a major victory for the business community.
Captive Wildlife - This bill prohibits procession of certain exotic, non-0natuive reptile species, except to licensed facilities. HB 709 has successfully passed all three committee stops and is heading to the House floor. Senate Bill 318 is in its final committee stop (General Government Appropriations).
Entertainment Industry Tax Credits – This bill provides financial incentives for film and television producers. House Bill 697 has completed its committee stops and will have its first reading on the floor on April 6, 2010. Senate Bill 1430 has passed its first of four committee stops in the Senate.
The Florida Attractions Association continues to monitor any attempts to expand the use of local-option tourist development tax, tax on online travel agents (OTAs), funding for Florida’s Ste Parks system (DEP), and any venture into the offshore energy exploration morass.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Numbers Crunching
Legislators are working a short week this week - in observance of Easter and Passover. Budget allocations are the primary issue this week.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Slip and Fall Goes to Governor
With the passage of Slip and Fall by the Senate, the bill goes to the Governor for his signature.
Entertainment Industry Economic Development
House bill 697 (Precourt) successfully passed its final committee stop and goes to the Floor for first reading. This bill revises the entertainment industry financial incentive program to provide corporate income tax & sales & use tax credits to qualified entertainment entities rather than reimbursements from appropriations.
The Senate companion bill (SB 1572 - Haridopolos)has passed one of four scheduled committee stops.
The Senate companion bill (SB 1572 - Haridopolos)has passed one of four scheduled committee stops.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Slip and Fall Passes Senate
SB 1224 by Senator Gardiner was laid on the table and the Senate heard the House Companion bill, HB 689 by Rep. Aubuchon. The bill passed by a vote of 32 – 5.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Slip and Fall Goes to Senate Floor
Senate Bill 1224 (Gardiner) will skip the last Senate Committee stop and head directly to the Senate floor for consideration. This should occur on Thursday, March 25.
This bill would essentially restore Florida law to what existed prior to 2001, when the Florida Supreme Court and the Florida Legislature removed actual or constructive knowledge as requirement for slip and fall lawsuits. This has resulted in an increase in lawsuits and costs for Florida businesses.
The trial lawyers are fighting the business community on this issue.
Please contact your Senator today and express your support of Senate Bill 1224, a priority bill for the Florida Attractions Association.
This bill would essentially restore Florida law to what existed prior to 2001, when the Florida Supreme Court and the Florida Legislature removed actual or constructive knowledge as requirement for slip and fall lawsuits. This has resulted in an increase in lawsuits and costs for Florida businesses.
The trial lawyers are fighting the business community on this issue.
Please contact your Senator today and express your support of Senate Bill 1224, a priority bill for the Florida Attractions Association.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Parental Authority – Pre-injury Waivers – FAA Position Defeated
A parental Waiver bill passed the House Criminal and Civil Justice Council yesterday, and is heading to the House floor. Unfortunately, the Council adopted the Senate’s version SB 2440, which in principle, will be adopted by the Florida Legislature.
The bill does provide for legal parental waivers, and waiver of “inherent risks” of an activity. The bill does not clarify who the new law applies to (i.e.: non-profits or community-based activity providers, for example) and it cannot adequately define “inherent risk”, since the term is subjective and dependent on each activity. The bill does not restore the ability to waive simple negligence, as was the law prior to the Kirton ruling.
Finally, the Bill specifies required waiver language included in all parental waivers. The proposed language must be printed in 5 pt. font larger the the rest of the waiver and the tone is frightening.
The result of this bill will likely be increased litigation for our members, and all providers of youth activities, as the courts determine the application of this poor legislation – who it applies to, what risks are inherent, and/or degrees of negligence.
The insurance industry will likely react by reconsidering their liability insurance products with respect to this new state statute.
Following adoption of this new law, the FAA will provide the final required wavier language to our members.
The bill does provide for legal parental waivers, and waiver of “inherent risks” of an activity. The bill does not clarify who the new law applies to (i.e.: non-profits or community-based activity providers, for example) and it cannot adequately define “inherent risk”, since the term is subjective and dependent on each activity. The bill does not restore the ability to waive simple negligence, as was the law prior to the Kirton ruling.
Finally, the Bill specifies required waiver language included in all parental waivers. The proposed language must be printed in 5 pt. font larger the the rest of the waiver and the tone is frightening.
The result of this bill will likely be increased litigation for our members, and all providers of youth activities, as the courts determine the application of this poor legislation – who it applies to, what risks are inherent, and/or degrees of negligence.
The insurance industry will likely react by reconsidering their liability insurance products with respect to this new state statute.
Following adoption of this new law, the FAA will provide the final required wavier language to our members.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Information and Resources Available on our Web Site
Please see the Government Relations section of our web site for more information and resources on our legislative priorities.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Parental Authority - Last, Best Chance to Protect Youth Programs & Parental Rights
Next Monday, the House Criminal & Civil Justice Policy Council will consider Horner’s Parental Authority Bill (HB 285). This is our last, best chance at passing a meaningful waiver bill this year.
Notwithstanding the bad bill in the Senate (SB 2440), we must pass this committee stop to keep any hope to restore parent’s authority to sign waivers on behalf of their minor children.
Notwithstanding the bad bill in the Senate (SB 2440), we must pass this committee stop to keep any hope to restore parent’s authority to sign waivers on behalf of their minor children.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Slip and Fall Passes House, Eaks through Senate Judiciary Committee
Slip and Fall Passes House, Barely Passes through Senate Judiciary Committee
Our priority “Slip and Fall” (negligence) legislation (HB 689) passed on 3rd reading in the House today. This bill was masterfully sponsored and shepherded through the House by Representative Aubuchon (Cape Coral).
The companion bill (SB 1224 – Gardiner) narrowly passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 5-4 vote. The Senate bill has one more stop (Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means) before going to the Senate floor.
Our priority “Slip and Fall” (negligence) legislation (HB 689) passed on 3rd reading in the House today. This bill was masterfully sponsored and shepherded through the House by Representative Aubuchon (Cape Coral).
The companion bill (SB 1224 – Gardiner) narrowly passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on a 5-4 vote. The Senate bill has one more stop (Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means) before going to the Senate floor.
Senate Judiciary Committee Passes Bad Bill
Today, is a unanimous vote, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted favorably on SB 2440 (Bennett), a bill stripping all but inherent risk from Parental Waivers. I was one of two speakers in opposition. Numerous trail lawyer and victim advocate groups spoke in favor of the bill. In my opinion, this bill, while restoring parental waivers, does little to protect our businesses, since the term “inherent risk” is subjective, and would only be defined by a court. Costly litigation will ensue, and our members will suffer from the consequences of this poorly crafted “compromise” bill.
Further, SB 2440 fails to define “commercial” activities and “community-based” activities. There is no understanding as to whom this bill even applies – another case for courts to determine.
This is a bad bill, and we will continue to work on the House Bill (285) and hope that it prevails in Conference.
Further, SB 2440 fails to define “commercial” activities and “community-based” activities. There is no understanding as to whom this bill even applies – another case for courts to determine.
This is a bad bill, and we will continue to work on the House Bill (285) and hope that it prevails in Conference.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Floridians Parental Authority in Jeopardy - Part 2
The Trial Bar is at it again, this time not only targeting businesses but attempting to take away the authority of parents in Florida to make decisions about what is best for their children. As you know, the Florida Supreme Court stripped parents of the right to sign waivers for their children to participate in countless recreational activities, including many offered by our industry.
The Court's ruling that parental waivers are not valid under current Florida statute, means that if you are currently using waivers for youth activities, they are not valid and provide no protection for your business.
We have worked to craft legislation that would restore these rights for parents through the Parental Authority Bill, SB 1578, sponsored by Sen. Carey Baker. Unfortunately, the Trial Bar has proposed a substitute version of the legislation -- SB 2440 -- which is nothing more than a Trojan Horse that will allow them to continue to target any and all providers of recreation for Florida's youth. In fact, after reviewing the provisions of SB 2440, one of the largest providers of insurance for the recreational water sports in Florida, said, "We do not believe that recreational sports in Florida would be commercially viable to insure any longer,” if SB 2440 is adopted.
Senate leadership needs to understand that all providers of recreation for Florida’s youth are under attack and that Florida’s insurance industry will soon begin cancelling liability coverage for countless youth activities. Senate leadership is apparently under the impression that our Parental Authority Bill is being supported by only one company in Florida. That's simply not the case. SB 1578 is the only bill that will truly restore parental authority and preserve countless youth activities that are currently in jeopardy.
Thanks to many of you, Florida is known for its activities and attractions that draw families from around the world to Florida and result in significant contributions to the state's economy. The Supreme Court ruling and the Trial Bar's bill threatens Florida's economy, compromises parental authority and will eliminate the availability of countless youth activities.
Please click here to review the facts and talking points, and read this week's Orlando Sentinel Editorial. If you agree that Florida must restore a parent’s right to make decisions for their children’s recreational pursuits, please contact by telephone or email immediately:
President Jeff Atwater
Phone (850) 487-5100
atwater.jeff.web@flsenate.gov
Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Negron
Phone (850) 487-5088
negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov
The Court's ruling that parental waivers are not valid under current Florida statute, means that if you are currently using waivers for youth activities, they are not valid and provide no protection for your business.
We have worked to craft legislation that would restore these rights for parents through the Parental Authority Bill, SB 1578, sponsored by Sen. Carey Baker. Unfortunately, the Trial Bar has proposed a substitute version of the legislation -- SB 2440 -- which is nothing more than a Trojan Horse that will allow them to continue to target any and all providers of recreation for Florida's youth. In fact, after reviewing the provisions of SB 2440, one of the largest providers of insurance for the recreational water sports in Florida, said, "We do not believe that recreational sports in Florida would be commercially viable to insure any longer,” if SB 2440 is adopted.
Senate leadership needs to understand that all providers of recreation for Florida’s youth are under attack and that Florida’s insurance industry will soon begin cancelling liability coverage for countless youth activities. Senate leadership is apparently under the impression that our Parental Authority Bill is being supported by only one company in Florida. That's simply not the case. SB 1578 is the only bill that will truly restore parental authority and preserve countless youth activities that are currently in jeopardy.
Thanks to many of you, Florida is known for its activities and attractions that draw families from around the world to Florida and result in significant contributions to the state's economy. The Supreme Court ruling and the Trial Bar's bill threatens Florida's economy, compromises parental authority and will eliminate the availability of countless youth activities.
Please click here to review the facts and talking points, and read this week's Orlando Sentinel Editorial. If you agree that Florida must restore a parent’s right to make decisions for their children’s recreational pursuits, please contact by telephone or email immediately:
President Jeff Atwater
Phone (850) 487-5100
atwater.jeff.web@flsenate.gov
Judiciary Committee Chairman Joe Negron
Phone (850) 487-5088
negron.joe.web@flsenate.gov
Florida legislators should approve a proposal that would restore legal waivers for kids' activities.
OrlandoSentinel.com
Let parents decide on kids' activities
Florida legislators should approve a proposal that would restore legal waivers for kids' activities.
March 8, 2010
Both the U.S. and Florida constitutions give parents a fundamental right to make choices in raising their children. A Florida Supreme Court majority took a bite out of that right 15 months ago when it ruled parents couldn't waive their children's civil-lawsuit rights before they participate in potentially dangerous activities.
Parents routinely choose whether to expose their kids to risk, whether it's letting them play contact sports, swim at the beach or drive at 16. But the court's decision on waivers could take away that choice from parents for a wide range of experiences offered by tourism and recreation businesses — not only theme-park attractions, but horseback rides, rock-wall climbing, animal encounters and other inherently risky activities.
Some of those businesses might turn away kids rather than face frivolous lawsuits or unaffordable insurance. Others geared toward kids might close.
Some state lawmakers, including Republican Rep. Mike Horner of Kissimmee, want to restore the option for parents to sign waivers for their children. This is a reasonable idea, despite self-serving arguments to the contrary from the state trial lawyers' lobby.
The trial lobby has warned that restoring waivers would let businesses escape the consequences of harming or killing children, leave the cost of caring for injured kids to families or taxpayers, and remove the financial incentive for businesses to be safety conscious. We'd be against the idea, too, if these warnings held water.
In fact, waivers permitted under a bill from Mr. Horner wouldn't get businesses off the hook for intentional misconduct — knowingly doing something that would likely cause injury to a child. The waivers wouldn't excuse gross negligence — a conscious disregard for child safety. Businesses that ignore safety would remain at considerable legal and financial risk.
The legal environment the trial lobby is warning about existed in Florida until the December 2008 court ruling. Why wasn't the state notorious for its lax attitude toward child safety when waivers were allowed?
The trial lobby also argues there is no sign that the court ruling has harmed businesses. But anecdotal evidence is starting to emerge.
Some small dive shops won't offer certification for junior scuba divers. Orlando's Gatorland lost business for an attraction that lets visitors work with alligators when it began turning away younger guests, and it has put on hold a new, $1 million attraction that would require participants to sign waivers.
Mr. Horner believes a big lawsuit award stemming from a waiver found invalid could lead insurers to jack up their rates and deal a broader blow to businesses.
Former Justice Charles Wells, who dissented from the state Supreme Court's 2008 ruling, cited another reason for the Legislature to act. The majority's ruling declared that it was aimed at commercial entities, but Mr. Wells argued that community groups, including sports teams, might be considered commercial if they charge for their activities.
"How can these groups carry on their activities that are so needed by youth if the groups face exposure to large damage claims either by paying defense costs or damages?" he wrote. Good question.
Lawmakers should restore the waivers, and let parents decide whether the fun or educational value of an activity for their children outweighs the risk.
Copyright © 2010, Orlando Sentinel
Let parents decide on kids' activities
Florida legislators should approve a proposal that would restore legal waivers for kids' activities.
March 8, 2010
Both the U.S. and Florida constitutions give parents a fundamental right to make choices in raising their children. A Florida Supreme Court majority took a bite out of that right 15 months ago when it ruled parents couldn't waive their children's civil-lawsuit rights before they participate in potentially dangerous activities.
Parents routinely choose whether to expose their kids to risk, whether it's letting them play contact sports, swim at the beach or drive at 16. But the court's decision on waivers could take away that choice from parents for a wide range of experiences offered by tourism and recreation businesses — not only theme-park attractions, but horseback rides, rock-wall climbing, animal encounters and other inherently risky activities.
Some of those businesses might turn away kids rather than face frivolous lawsuits or unaffordable insurance. Others geared toward kids might close.
Some state lawmakers, including Republican Rep. Mike Horner of Kissimmee, want to restore the option for parents to sign waivers for their children. This is a reasonable idea, despite self-serving arguments to the contrary from the state trial lawyers' lobby.
The trial lobby has warned that restoring waivers would let businesses escape the consequences of harming or killing children, leave the cost of caring for injured kids to families or taxpayers, and remove the financial incentive for businesses to be safety conscious. We'd be against the idea, too, if these warnings held water.
In fact, waivers permitted under a bill from Mr. Horner wouldn't get businesses off the hook for intentional misconduct — knowingly doing something that would likely cause injury to a child. The waivers wouldn't excuse gross negligence — a conscious disregard for child safety. Businesses that ignore safety would remain at considerable legal and financial risk.
The legal environment the trial lobby is warning about existed in Florida until the December 2008 court ruling. Why wasn't the state notorious for its lax attitude toward child safety when waivers were allowed?
The trial lobby also argues there is no sign that the court ruling has harmed businesses. But anecdotal evidence is starting to emerge.
Some small dive shops won't offer certification for junior scuba divers. Orlando's Gatorland lost business for an attraction that lets visitors work with alligators when it began turning away younger guests, and it has put on hold a new, $1 million attraction that would require participants to sign waivers.
Mr. Horner believes a big lawsuit award stemming from a waiver found invalid could lead insurers to jack up their rates and deal a broader blow to businesses.
Former Justice Charles Wells, who dissented from the state Supreme Court's 2008 ruling, cited another reason for the Legislature to act. The majority's ruling declared that it was aimed at commercial entities, but Mr. Wells argued that community groups, including sports teams, might be considered commercial if they charge for their activities.
"How can these groups carry on their activities that are so needed by youth if the groups face exposure to large damage claims either by paying defense costs or damages?" he wrote. Good question.
Lawmakers should restore the waivers, and let parents decide whether the fun or educational value of an activity for their children outweighs the risk.
Copyright © 2010, Orlando Sentinel
Floridians Parental Authority in Jeopardy - Part 1
Why this is important for Florida:
• Children of this state should have the maximum opportunity to participate in sporting, recreational, educational, and other activities despite the fact that certain risks may exist when participating in these activities.
• Public, private, and non-profit entities providing these activities to children in Florida need a measure of protection against lawsuits, and these entities may be unwilling or unable to provide the activities without such protection.
• Parents have a fundamental right and responsibility to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children, and the law has long presumed that parents act in the best interest of their children.
• Parents make conscious choices every day on behalf of their children concerning the risks and benefits of participation in activities.
• These are proper parental choices on behalf of children that should not be ignored, and, so long as a parent’s decision is voluntary and informed, the decision should be given the same dignity as decisions, regarding schooling, medical treatment, and religious education.
• Insurance providers have said they will stop writing insurance claims if this issue is not addressed or if the Florida Legislature adopts language like that proposed by in SB 2440 - From Lloyds of London re: SB 2440: “We do not believe that recreational sports in Florida would be commercially viable to insure any longer.” (as of March 8, 2010)
Proposed Legislative Language to be adopted by the Florida Legislature:
Section 1. Section 768.38, Florida Statutes, is created to read:
768.38 Waivers executed on behalf of children.--
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Child” means a person less than eighteen years of age.
(b) “Parent” means a child’s biological mother or father, adoptive mother or father, or legal custodian or guardian.
(2) A parent of a child may, on behalf of the child, release or waive the child’s prospective claim for negligence.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit a parent acting on behalf of his or her child to waive the child’s prospective claim against a person or entity for intentional misconduct or for a grossly negligent act or omission.
Section 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.
• Children of this state should have the maximum opportunity to participate in sporting, recreational, educational, and other activities despite the fact that certain risks may exist when participating in these activities.
• Public, private, and non-profit entities providing these activities to children in Florida need a measure of protection against lawsuits, and these entities may be unwilling or unable to provide the activities without such protection.
• Parents have a fundamental right and responsibility to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children, and the law has long presumed that parents act in the best interest of their children.
• Parents make conscious choices every day on behalf of their children concerning the risks and benefits of participation in activities.
• These are proper parental choices on behalf of children that should not be ignored, and, so long as a parent’s decision is voluntary and informed, the decision should be given the same dignity as decisions, regarding schooling, medical treatment, and religious education.
• Insurance providers have said they will stop writing insurance claims if this issue is not addressed or if the Florida Legislature adopts language like that proposed by in SB 2440 - From Lloyds of London re: SB 2440: “We do not believe that recreational sports in Florida would be commercially viable to insure any longer.” (as of March 8, 2010)
Proposed Legislative Language to be adopted by the Florida Legislature:
Section 1. Section 768.38, Florida Statutes, is created to read:
768.38 Waivers executed on behalf of children.--
(1) As used in this section, the term:
(a) “Child” means a person less than eighteen years of age.
(b) “Parent” means a child’s biological mother or father, adoptive mother or father, or legal custodian or guardian.
(2) A parent of a child may, on behalf of the child, release or waive the child’s prospective claim for negligence.
(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit a parent acting on behalf of his or her child to waive the child’s prospective claim against a person or entity for intentional misconduct or for a grossly negligent act or omission.
Section 2. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tort Reform - FAA Partners with Florida Justice Reform Institute
The FAA has partnered with the Florida Justive Reform Institute, a Tallahasee-based tort reform association. Please read more about FJRI here.
Florida Tourism Day Legislative Reception Caps Successful Day
Industry leaders and elected representatives enjoyed the reception at the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association office. Over 30 elected officlas came to the reception. A great ending to a great FTD.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Slip and Fall Passes Second Stop - Goes to Floor
HB 869 (Aubuchon) - Relating to Negligence - passed Criminal & Civil Justice Policy Council on a 13-2 vote and goes to House floor.
No action yet on Senate companion SB 1224.
No action yet on Senate companion SB 1224.
Grassroots at It's Best
Florida Tourism Day participants are all over the Capitol meeting with their elected officials and expressing their support for VISIT FLORIDA.
Tourism Issues - Business Issues - Less Government Intrusion
In addition to VISIT FLORIDA funding, priority issues were presented to Florida Tourism Day attendees. There are about 150 tourism leaders participating in this year's FTD.
Advocacy Training
Following a home-style breakfast, Florida Tourism Day gather for advocacy training at the Florida Restauarant and Lodging Association office.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Florida Attractions Association Board of Directors Meet in Tallahassee
Underscoring the importance of government advocacy, the FAA's Board is meeting in Tallahassee this afternoon and then preparing for tomorrow's Florida Tourism Day.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
VISIT FLORIDA Funding
Check out the Partnership for Florida’s Tourism new web site. Preserving funding for VISIT FLORIDA is a priority issue for the FAA!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Florida Attractions Association Supports Funding Florida State Parks
Met with Mike Bullock and his team at Florida State Parks to emphasize the FAA’s support of Florida’s award-winning state park system.
Florida Tourism Day - March 9
Next Tuesday, March 9 is Florida Tourism Day in Tallahassee. Industry leaders from throughout Florida will join together to advocate for the state’s funding of VISIT FLORIDA. Registration information is on our web site.
Florida Chamber of Commerce - Daily Video Briefing During Session
The Florida Chamber of Commerce is posting a daily video briefing during Session. Here is the first presentation from Chamber web site.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Venomous Reptiles and Pythons - FAA Priority Issue Passes First Committee Stop
Another of our priority bills relates to reptiles – prohibiting the sale and possession of pythons and venomous reptiles. The bill exempts established facilities with permits from the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. We support the bill with the exemption allowing our members to continue to exhibit these animals.
Today HB 709 (T. Williams), our captive reptiles bill, passed House Policy Council on a 17-0 vote.
Today HB 709 (T. Williams), our captive reptiles bill, passed House Policy Council on a 17-0 vote.
Unemployment Tax Passes - Governor's State of the State
As expected, the Unemployment Tax bill passed both chambers and will be signed by the Governor in short order.
The Governor will deliver his final State of the State address tonight in a Joint Session.
The Governor will deliver his final State of the State address tonight in a Joint Session.
Session Begins! Unemployment Tax Increase Relief - FAA Priority Issue
Today marks Day 1 of the 60-day Session. There is some “pomp” and ceremony today, but with a very full agenda, the Legislators will begin work by mid-day.
Tops on the agenda, and one of our priority issues, is the deferral of the increases in the state unemployment tax for our states business. A 10-fold increase was effective January 1, 2010, the result of high unemployment and extended coverage periods for unemployed workers. It is expected that both chambers will pass and the Governor will sign this rate increase deferral as early as today.
Tops on the agenda, and one of our priority issues, is the deferral of the increases in the state unemployment tax for our states business. A 10-fold increase was effective January 1, 2010, the result of high unemployment and extended coverage periods for unemployed workers. It is expected that both chambers will pass and the Governor will sign this rate increase deferral as early as today.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Slip & Fall Passes First Committee Stop
I just left the House Civil Justice & Courts Policy Committee where our “Slip & Fall” bill passed committee 11-2. Next stop Criminal & Civil Justice Policy Council.
Bureau of Fair Rides Rules Development
This morning, I attended the final public hearing on a Rules Development by the Bureau of Fair Rides (BOFR) Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services). Last year, the BOFR proposed a sweeping series of Rules which would have been detrimental to many of our members, and other operating go-cart tracks and waterparks. For example, the Rules would have required an attendant every 200 feet on go-cart tracks! John Arie, John Arie, Jr., and Mark Brisson, from Fun Spot Action Parks took action, producing large contingent of business owners from throughout Florida to attend the Rules Workshop in Tallahassee in March 2009. The responses was so effective, the BORF agreed to meet with owners of family entertainment centers (FECs) for two regional roundtables – one in Panama City Beach and another in Orlando.
The BOFR rewrote the Rules, and there is cautious agreement from industry leaders that the new Rules are a fair compromise.
The BOFR rewrote the Rules, and there is cautious agreement from industry leaders that the new Rules are a fair compromise.
Legislative Session begins tomorrow, but a lot is happening today, as Tallahassee prepares for the 60 days of Session – and the positive economic aspects of having hundreds of Legislators and staff and thousands of constituents in town to lobby. The morning commute is a bit longer, and the hotels and restaurants will be bustling.
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