Audubon of Florida Wants Speaker Dean Cannon to Remove Rulemaking Bill From Special Session

Audubon of Florida, a nonprofit conservation organization, has sent a letter to incoming House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, detailing its objection to HB 1565, which would require legislative approval of new or modified rules or regulations that would have statewide costs of more than $1 million over five years.

In addition to Cannon, similar letters were addressed to Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, and Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Heathrow.

HB 1565 was approved unanimously by both houses this year but vetoed by Gov. Charlie Crist. The letter asks that the bill, which is currently slated to be brought up during a special legislative session next week for a likely veto override, be moved to the regular legislative session so it can be more thoroughly vetted.

"Notwithstanding the importance of sending signals to prospective employers regulated by Florida's health, safety and environmental rules, HB 1565 needs more review than was afforded during the 2010 session. Nor would it be accorded sufficient discussion on Tuesday in a floor debate on a motion to override the bill's veto," the letter states.

Earlier this week, Rep. Gary Aubuchon, R-Cape Coral, told a group of incoming freshman lawmakers that no new bills would be added to the special session but that some bills could be scrubbed from the session before Tuesday.