Sponsored / Co-Sponsored Legislation

2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2008:

FAU Medical School Funding (Transforming Healthcare Delivery)
Led the effort to secure the final $3.3 million in state funding for the FAU/UM joint medical school program at the FAU Boca Raton Campus. This funding will now allow students to take all 4 years of their medical education at FAU and the medical school will transform delivery of healthcare in our community in conjunction with the new state of the art teaching hospital planned on the campus.
APPROVED IN BUDGET (HOUSE 75-44 AND SENATE 32-8)

$50 Million for Everglades Restoration Programs (Protecting our Environment)
In recent years, the Florida Legislature has provided consistent funding for Everglades Restoration; however, the federal government has not fulfilled its commitment. Florida has exceeded federal funding every year since 1994. This year, we have committed $50 million to ongoing restoration. Between 2000 and 2007, federal appropriations for restoration activities in the Everglades ecosystem were about $363.6 million, while state and district funding has topped $2.3 billion. This appropriation continues our commitment to the Everglades.
APPROVED IN BUDGET (HOUSE 75-44 AND SENATE 32-8)

5% Legislative Salary Reduction (Fiscal Responsibility)
Voted to cut $30,000 annual legislative salary by 5% because when reducing the budget, it should start with us.
APPROVED IN BUDGET (HOUSE 75-44 AND SENATE 32-8)

HB 7135 - Energy (Promoting Alternative Energy)
This legislation furthers Florida’s leadership in promoting alternative energy. It provides for solar energy grant programs and other incentives, net metering, green building requirements, alternative fuel requirements. Also includes $8.75 million for the FAU Center of Excellence in Ocean Energy Technology.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 43 – Anti-Criminal Gangs (Public Safety)
Provides law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools and resources to effectively combat this growing threat to our community. Increases various penalties for gang-related crimes, creates new offenses to curb gang activity, and enhances law enforcement’s ability to identify and track gang members.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

SB 1302 – Eliminating Ocean Outfalls for Clean Oceans (Protecting Our Environment)
This legislation requires that discharge of domestic wastewater through ocean outfalls in our area meet advanced wastewater treatment and management requirements by the end of 2018. Also prohibits the new construction or expansion of wastewater ocean outfalls, prohibits sewage discharge through ocean outfalls beyond year 2025 and requires all facilities that discharge wastewater through ocean outfalls to achieve, at a minimum, 60 percent reuse. Legislation is named Leah Schad Memorial Ocean Outfall Program, in honor of our friend and local environmental activist.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 909 – Property Appraiser Assessment (Highest and Best Use/Property Tax Reform)
The bill changes the composition of Value Adjustment Boards in all counties to include two citizens: one appointed by the county and one appointed by the school board. This bill also clarifies that in determining the highest and best use of a property (one of the eight factors considered in determining the assessed valuation), the property appraiser must take into account the legally permissible use of the property, as well as any zoning changes, concurrency requirements, or permits which would be necessary before the property could actually be used for that highest and best use.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HJR 949 – Collection of Property Taxes (Property Tax Relief)
This legislation would have put a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution on the November 2008 ballot to limit the amount of property taxes collected by counties, school districts, municipalities, and special districts on any parcel of real property to 1.35% (or 13.5 mills) of the parcel’s highest taxable value. By applying the millage rate to the “taxable value,” rather than to the “just value” (market value) of each parcel, the proposed amendment would have preserved the full value of all exemptions, exceptions, and differentials (including Save Our Homes and portability) available. This legislation would have saved Floridians more than $6 billion.
PASSED HOUSE 79-38; DIED IN SENATE

SB 2654 – Health Insurance for Children with Autism (Children’s Healthcare)
This bill creates the “Window of Opportunity Act.” It provides health insurance coverage and coverage under a health maintenance contract for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It enables parents who have children diagnosed with Autism to receive health insurance relief while providing treatment and behavioral therapies for those children.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 05/20/08

SB 2860 – The “Homeowner’s Bill of Rights Act” (Property Insurance Reforms)
This comprehensive legislation revises the requirements for the Insurance Capital Build-Up Incentive Program to create more competition and lower rates, gets tough on non-compliant insurers by increasing administrative fines for any violation of the Insurance Code and/or unfair insurance trade practices, and creates more transparency for how insurers set their rates to better protect consumers. It also includes a provision that mandates residential insurers planning to drop more than 10,000 policies to notify the Office of Insurance Regulation 90 days in advance. This bill also extends the freeze on rate increases in Citizens Property Insurance to January 1, 2010.
PASSED HOUSE 117-0 AND SENATE 33-5

SB 1908 – Designation of High School Grades (Education Reforms/FCAT Reform)
This bill revises the calculation of school grades for high schools by no longer solely using the FCAT grade as a determining factor. Fifty percent of a high school’s grade will continue to be based on student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). The remaining fifty percent will be based on other factors that include a school’s high school graduation rate, graduation rates of at-risk students, student participation and performance in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE), dual enrollment courses and industry certifications.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

SB 2534 – Improving Access to Health Care and Health Coverage (Access to Affordable Healthcare)
This bill creates the Cover Florida Health Care Access Program which is designed to provide an affordable health care option for uninsured individuals in Florida between the ages of 19-64. The Florida Health Choices Program is also created to provide a greater array of health care choices, plans, and services from which to choose. The program will coordinate efforts to create and provide lower cost healthcare options to employers and individuals by allowing providers to offer mandate-free coverage. The Health Flex Plans Program was established to offer basic affordable health care services to low-income, uninsured Florida residents. The bill also expands KidCare eligibility by eliminating the 10% cap on full-pay enrollees in MediKids (ages 1-5) and Healthy Kids (ages 6-19) with a family income greater than 200% of the federal poverty level.
PASSED HOUSE 118-1 AND SENATE 40-0; SIGNED INTO LAW ON 05/21/08

SB 2310 – Stimulating the Economy (Economic Development)
This legislation provides the State Board of Administration (SBA) with the flexibility to invest a certain amount of funds in the Florida Retirement System Trust Fund in endeavors that have the potential for strengthening the economy thru high-growth and high-wage jobs that will provide significant benefits to state residents, while continuing to achieve proper investment returns.
PASSED HOUSE 117-1 AND SENATE 40-0

HR 9081 – State of Israel (Resolution)
Recognizes the 60th anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel.
ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY WITH 116 CO-SPONSORS.

CO-SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2008:

HB 129 – Highest and Best Use Reform (Property Tax Reform)
This bill would have modified the factors used to determine the highest and best use of the property, the condition of the property, and the net proceeds of sale of the property. It would have also limited the factors property appraisers can consider in appraising income-producing residential rental property and certain commercial property. By reducing the assessed value of property subject to property taxation, the bill would have reduced the authority that cities and counties have to raise revenue.
PASSED HOUSE 114-1; DIED IN SENATE

HB 137 – Motorcycle Traffic Enforcement (Traffic Safety)
Provides additional penalties which include increases in fines and license suspension for motor vehicle operators who exceed the speed limit by more than 50 miles per hour, or who operate a motorcycle recklessly.
PASSED HOUSE 112-0 AND SENATE 38-1

HB 199 – Desalination Technologies (Water Supply)

HJR 281 – Repeal of Public Campaign Financing Requirement (Campaign Finance Reform)
This legislation would have eliminated the requirement for public financing of campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits from the State Constitution. This amendment would have been brought before the voters for approval on the November 2008 ballot.
PASSED HOUSE 82-34; DIED IN SENATE

HB 347 – Tuition Waivers for Certain Veterans (Veteran’s Affairs)
This bill would have required state universities and community colleges to waive 50 percent of in-state tuition rate for certain veterans.

HB 637 – Electronic Medical Records (Innovative Healthcare Technology)
This legislation would have created the “Florida eHealth Initiative Act” which is a loan program to encourage and provide incentives for the use of electronic medical records by physicians.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 643 – Foreclosure Fraud Prevention (Consumer Protection)
This bill creates consumer protections for homeowners who are in default on their mortgages, in foreclosure, or at risk of losing their homes due to nonpayment, and such homeowners find themselves securing services from foreclosure-rescue consultants or equity purchasers.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 647 – Elimination of Doc Stamp Marriage Penalty (Property Tax Relief/Reform)
This legislation would have provided that the documentary stamp tax does not apply to a deed between spouses recorded within one year of marriage where the deed transfers an interest in homestead real property.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 743 – Mortgage Fraud on Property Assessments (Consumer Protection)
This bill addresses the reassessment of real property involved in the crime of mortgage fraud primarily for profit.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 755 – Sexual Offender Registration (Public Safety)
This legislation would have required landlords who knowingly solicit a person who is registered as a sexual offender or sexual predator to rent or lease a dwelling unit to take certain actions.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 881 – Property Rights (Individual Freedom)
This bill would have expanded options for private landowners to obtain redress for government action that unduly burdens real property.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 1003 - Financial Services (Consumer Protection for Seniors)
Creates enhanced consumer protections related to annuity and insurance transactions. For senior consumers, 65 and older, the bill requires that the insurer or insurance agent have an objectively reasonable basis for believing that a recommendation to a senior consumer is suitable. It also provides for an increase in fines and penalties for unfair and deceptive insurance practices.
PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE UNANIMOUSLY

HB 1279 - Repealing Recapture Clause on Homestead Property Assessments (Property Tax Relief)
This legislation would have clarified current law, by requiring if the just value has decreased from the prior year, the assessed value shall be decreased by the same percentage as the percentage decrease in just value; if the just value of the homestead property remains the same from the prior year, the assessed value does not change; and if the just value of the homestead increases from the prior year, the just value assessed shall not exceed the lower of three percent of the assessed value for the prior year or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

HB 1135 – Everglades Restoration Bonds (Environmental Protection)
This legislation would have extended the authorized issuance and maturity of Everglades restoration bonds by an additional ten years to fiscal year 2019-2020.

HB 1245 – Regional Transportation Authorities (Public Transportation)
This bill would have provided that 80 percent of the rental car surcharge revenues collected in a county within the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) be deposited into the accounts of the SFRTA. It would have also relieved Broward, Palm Beach and Dade counties of their annual $45 million in funding obligations for capital operating and maintenance expenses of the SFRTA.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 7063 – Prescription Drug Donation Program (Affordable Healthcare)
This bill would have amended the existing Cancer Drug Donation Program with the Department of Health, renaming it the Prescription Drug Donation Program. It would have also expanded the type of drugs that may be donated, from cancer drugs and supplies to all non-schedule prescription drugs and supplies.
PASSED HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY; DIED IN SENATE

HB 7109 – Small Business Regulatory Relief (Government Efficiency)
This legislation designates the Florida Small Business Development Center Network (FSBDC) as the principal business assistance organization for small businesses in the state. It also establishes the Small Business Regulatory Relief Act by creating a Small Business Regulatory Review Advisory Council and a Small Business Advocate. This bill has the potential to help small businesses be free of duplicative, outdated, or overly burdensome rules and regulations.
PASSED HOUSE 115-1 AND SENATE 40-0

SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2007:

FAU Medical School Funding (Transforming Healthcare)
Secured $4.7 million in state funding for the FAU/UM joint medical school program to allow medical students to take all four years of their education at FAU Boca Raton Campus; medical school will graduate 64 new physicians a year beginning in 2010 and will participate in area residency programs; partnership with the new state-of-the-art teaching hospital planned on the campus.

CS/HB 703 Protecting Florida’s Investments Act (Divestment of State Pension Funds from Companies Doing Business in Iran/Sudan)
Requires the state pension fund board to divest any investments in companies that do business in or with Sudan and Iran; creates and maintains list of such scrutinized companies; informs scrutinized companies to divest of all publicly traded securities of scrutinized companies.
PASSED unanimously AND SIGNED INTO LAW EFFECTIVE June 8, 2007

HM 11A - National Catastrophe Fund and Other Federal Insurance Solutions (Property Insurance)
Urges the United States Congress to support a National Catastrophe Insurance Program, and provide specified federal tax exemptions and federal income tax deductions for windstorm insurance premiums and mitigation efforts to fortify houses; supports creation of Hurricane Savings Accounts; support National Hurricane Research Initiative.
(***Note: A House Memorial is adopted by voice vote and sent to the Secretary of State)

HB 1037- Requiring Use of BioDiesel Fuel in State Autos (Alternative Energy)
Requires that all diesel fuel sold or offered for sale in state for use in internal combustion engines contain a certain fixed percentage of biodiesel; increases minimum requirement annually; requires refineries and terminals to provide certain documentation for transfer or sale of biodiesel fuel.

CS/HB 1363- Street Gang Prosecution and Gang Prevention (Public Safety)
Sponsored legislation to empower law enforcement officials and prosecutors with the tools and resources needed to effectively combat our state’s growing gang problem.
This legislation PASSED unanimously in the House, but was not considered in the Senate.

SIS Transportation Funding Equity (Infrastructure)
Worked in cooperation with Commissioner Jeff Koons and Rep. Susan Bucher to address transportation funding inequities for SIS projects which have negatively impacted our region. After several meetings with the new FDOT Secretary and local FDOT officials, new policies are being adopted that will result in a more equitable distribution of state transportation dollars for our region.

CS/CS/HB 793 - National Idea Bank (Open Government)
Creates a web based ‘Idea Bank’ to allow citizen participation and interaction with the Legislature on issues of importance.
This legislation PASSED the House but was not considered in the Senate.

HB 1021 - Private Relief Bill for Adam Susser (Claims Bill)
Provides $668,782 in relief for Adam Susser, a minor, by North Broward Hospital District to compensate him for injuries and damages sustained as result of negligence of North Broward Hospital District provides for purchase of annuity to benefit special needs trust to pay for care for Adam Susser.

CO-SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2007:

HB 7123 - Alternative Energy Act of 2007 (Energy)
Contains incentives for private expansion of research, development, and use of alternative fuels in the State of Florida. It also creates new benchmarks for state and local governments to build energy efficient buildings and use alternative fuel sources for vehicles.

HB 1A - Hurricane Preparedness and Insurance (Property Insurance)
Designates the “Insurance Industry Accountability and Consumer Protection Act”; prohibits insurers from writing auto insurance in Florida if the insurer writes property insurance in another state but does not write property insurance in Florida (’cherry picking’); requires property insurers t return excess profits to policyholders; etc.
PASSED the House 116-2 and the Senate 40-0 and SIGNED INTO LAW EFFECTIVE January 25, 2007

HM 889 - State Children’s Health Insurance Program (Healthcare for Kids)
Urges Congress to reauthorize funding for the Healthy Kids component of the Florida KidCare Program that provides health care to low-income children who are uninsured and not eligible for Medicaid; requests Congress to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in a timely manner.

HB 967 - Physical Education for Elementary Students (Health/Education)
Requires a minimum of 150 min of physical education each week to students in kindergarten through grade 5 and encourages district school boards to provide 225 minutes of physical education each week for students in grades 6 through 8.
PASSED unanimously and SIGNED INTO LAW EFFECTIVE May 17, 2007

HB 7141 - Improving Graduation Rates (Education)
Revises school district responsibilities with respect to student exit interviews; establishes Transition Success Program to ease school transitions, reduce dropout rates, adds graduation rate and dropout rate to evaluation criteria for school grades for certain schools; includes Transition Success Programs as potential recipients of Florida School Recognition Program awards.

CS/HB 29 - Enhanced Penalties for Violent Felony Offenders (Public Safety)

HB 203 - Corporate Tax Credits for Indigent Healthcare (Healthcare Access)

CS/CS/HB 261 - Elimination of Highest and Best Use (Property Taxes)

CS/CS/HB 1125 - Mortgage Fraud Protection (Consumer Protection)

HJR 7093 - Authorizing Division of One School District into Two or more Smaller School Districts (Education)

SPONSORED LEGISLATION FOR 2006:HJR 467 – The 65% Solution (Fiscal Accountability)
The bill would require that for kindergarten through grade 12, school districts must spend at least sixty-five percent of school funds on classroom instruction instead of administration.