House Passes Dorothy Hukill's Deregulation Bill

On Thursday afternoon, the House passed a bill sponsored by Rep. Dorothy Hukill, R-Port Orange, deregulating 20 industries. Hukill maintained that the measure would help more than 103,000 Floridians in those businesses. The bill passed 77-38 on a vote that is close to party lines.

Unnecessary government regulations hurt businesses and cost consumers money, said Hukill. This bill will retire a host of many unnecessary regulations.

Most of us agree in removing the regulations we will see an increase in job growth and job creation, said Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Heathrow. Dorworth attacked efforts led by House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders of Key West who looked to remove industries from the bill during the amendment process. Its a great first step to getting the economy where we need to be.

Democrats, who had attempted to amend the bill on Wednesday, spoke out against the measure as a threat to consumers and to public health and safety.

Why is the majority turning a blind eye to public safety and public health? demanded Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton. Its like everyone was hoping this bill would turn into a sound piece of legislation, but it hasnt.

Vague promises arent a good enough reason to put public health and safety at risk, added Slosberg, focusing on safety concerns with interior designers, hair weavers and auto mechanics.

Hukill rejected the idea that her bill would impact public safety, noting that the House had examined the measure in committee for months.