With less than a week left till adjournment, the Florida House kept up a hectic pace Friday, tackling more than 70 bills in a lengthy session that covered everything from open house parties to bath salts to red light cameras.
It was, like the ones held earlier in the week, a lengthy session as the House tried to advance as much legislation as possible.
The session started on a lighter note, despite the finish line drawing ever closer and budget conferencing continuing.
I know its Friday and were all glad we made it, said House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park. Representative Williams says were all in a good mood because of the royal wedding and I know thats it.
The House passed bills on a range of subjects that cracked down on sexual predators, child molesters, and thieves using stolen debit and credit cards.
Health and Medical issues
Most of the bills passed with little acrimony, though the representatives spent more than two hours tackling HB 479, a measure from Rep. Mike Horner, R-Kissimmee,backed by the Florida Medical Association, that would make the state Department of Health issue expert witness certificates for out-of-state medical witnesses and would increase protection for hospitals when contracted employees are sued for malpractice.
Two Democrats -- Rep. Rick Kriseman of St. Petersburg and Rep. Richard Steinberg of Miami Beach -- offered a string of amendments on Horners bill, which failed on near-party-line votes. Unlike many of the other bills, which were forwarded to third reading and passed, the House left HB 479 for next weeks agenda.
A measure introduced by Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, that prohibits Floridians from being compelled to purchase health insurance except under specified conditions passed 81-34. This sets the stage for a vote next week as Republicans look to forward a constitutional amendment allowing Floridians the option of opting outof the federal health-care law backed by President Barack Obama.
Serving minors alcohol
The House unanimously backed a proposal from Rep. Tom Goodson, R-Titusville, increasing the penalty of second-degree misdemeanor to first-degree for repeat offenders holding open house parties which involve serving alcohol to minors.
We have worked very hard to get this legislation through the legislative process and are thankful for its continued bipartisan support, said Goodson. This bill aims to protect Floridas families and advance public safety. This is a serious offense and has lasting consequences for teens and those injured due to the suppliers thoughtless behavior. We are sending a message to all that we must provide solid leadership for our children, the future of our country.
Synthetic stimulant 'bath salts'
The House also unanimously passed a measure backed by Attorney General Pam Bondi and sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, banning the synthetic stimulant MDPV, better known as bath salts.
I am truly grateful for Representative Patronis and Speaker Cannons commitment to banning this dangerous drug, said Bondi. Almost immediately after I took administrative action in January, poison control centers reported a dramatic drop in the number of overdoses on MDPV. The permanent removal of this destructive drug from the store shelves will continue that protection for Floridians.
I'm humbled by the swift action from our government, local and statewide, to ban this deadly substance. I also want to thank Bay County Sheriff Frank McKeithen and Attorney General Bondi for their leadership on passing this legislation, said Patronis. This bipartisan legislation is critical to ensure that these extremely dangerous narcotics are no longer available to unsuspecting Floridians, and to give law enforcement officers an important tool to fight their illicit use.
The measure banning bath salts now heads to the Senate.
Red light cameras
Rep. Richard Corcoran, R-New Port Richey, took questions on his measure which would repeal the bill passed last year expanding the number of red light cameras across the state. Both Democrats and Republicans grilled Corcoran on his bill, arguing that the red light cameras improved public safety and attacking the research behind the legislation. The measure was rolled over to third reading, setting the stage for a debate and vote on the measure next week.
The session often dragged on and Cannon, Speaker Pro Tempore John Legg, R-Port Richey, and Rules Chairman Rep. Gary Aubuchon, R-Cape Coral, spoke out to spur the House to quicken its pace.
The House reconvenes at 11 a.m. Monday for what promises to be a long week, with later meetings scheduled from 9:30 a.m. until completion, when the Legislature adjourns next Friday.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
