Much like the upcoming spring season, the start of the state Legislative session can be a time for rejuvenation. While some lawmakers are eager to propose new bills, others are awaiting renewed talks or progress on legislation proposed last session. And more than few of these long-stewing pieces of legislation could have a dramatic affect on business and state revenues.
There are long- embattled proposals, such as Gov. Charlie Crists attempt to win big for the state and his budget through expanded gambling rights at Seminole casinos.
There is an attempt to change Florida tax law to capitalize on revenue from Amazon.com and other out-of-state vendors. And there are proposals to change how Florida uses its natural resources, such as a call to lift the state ban on off-shore oil drilling.
Heres the deal on leftover pieces of legislation that could come up this session:
Seminole Gambling Deal
Whats the deal? Crist negotiated a deal to expand gambling rights at Seminole casinos in 2007, but it has since been invalidated by the state Supreme Court because it violated Florida gambling laws. In the deal, Seminole casinos could install Vegas style slot machines, blackjack, baccarat and other banked card games. Crist signed a new deal with the Seminole tribe in August that could generate $225 million set aside for education, but it would need to be approved by the state Legislature. It would allow banked card table games at all seven casinos in the state, as opposed to the four proposed by legislators, and give Seminole casinos exclusive rights to slot machines throughout the state.
In January, the House Select Committee on Seminole Indian Compact Review rejected the new compact, saying it would be unfair to state-approved dog- and horse-race tracks. Who is brokering it? Crist has said he will continue to work toward a deal, but the specifications of a compact have yet to be revealed. A portion of his proposed $69.2 billion state budget relies on passage of the Seminole compact.
Will it Pass or be heard this session? The state and Seminoles are still in negotiation, and there havent been announced results. We are in a gridlock right now, said Rep. Joseph Abruzzo (D-Wellington), who sits on the House Select Committee. Abruzzo said he thinks the compact Crist proposed was unfair to state-approved operations like dog- and horse-racing tracks.
Streamlined Sales and Use Tax S
What's the Deal? Senate and House Legislators proposed bills last year that would make Florida the 46th state to enact the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax. States that approve the agreement require internet vendors and other out-of-state sellers to collect state sales and use taxes.
Who is brokering it? Senator Evelyn J. Lynn, R-, is brokering the Senate Bill. The bill proposes enacting the streamlined and use tax agreement and numerous other pieces of state tax reform. Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda (D-Tallahassee) introduced HB 329 in the House of Representatives last year Both bills were introduced in the fall session and are still in committees.
Will it pass or be heard? Lynn is hopeful it will at least make it to the floor. At a time when the state is starving for revenue, the uncollected taxes are crucial for replenishing state coffers. She said she does not feel such a bill would divert business away from the state, as the majority of the states in the nation have passed the agreement and still attracted business. This is a totally legitimate bill, she said. Were working to get the taxes that we are owed.
Off-Shore Oil Drilling
Whats the deal? Lawmakers has been considering repealing the states ban on off-shore drilling. The issue came before the state Senate and House of Representatives. The House hastily passed the bill, but the Senate did not.
Whos brokering it? Rep. Dean Cannon (R-Winter Park) is sponsoring the proposal in the House of Representatives, but he has not crafted a new bill yet.
Will it be passed or heard this session? Its too soon to tell, Cannon said. He said he plans to make each step of creating the controversial legislation public, starting with a public bill drafting session soon after session starts. Cannon said he wants the bill to require that no drilling structures be visible from the shore, and all operations must comply with environmental safety regulations. He said the bill will also include provisions to require considerations into where, how and why drilling can occur.
The proposal has drawn fire from environmental advocates. In early February, groups of people joined together on Florida beaches for a Hands Across the Sand protest event.
Florida Forever
Whats the Deal? The state-funded Florida Forever program acquires land for preservation. It has preserved a total of2.4 million acres of state land in its two incarnations. The state denied funding to the program last year, but Crist has elected to resurrect it in his proposed budget.
Who is Brokering it? Crist is proposing allocating $50 million of his proposed budget to fund Florida Forever program. The program is funded with money from state document stamp taxes. The proposal has received much support from environmental advocates.
Will It be passed? Theres much competition, but lobbyist Janet Bowman, who represents The Nature Conservancy in Florda, is hopeful. While state revenues have fallen, doc. Stamp tax collections have risen. Because of lower land values, its a good time to buy property for acquisition, she said. Florida Forever continues to be a smart choice, she said.
