Half-Way Through 2010 Session

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.