There was a lot of action in Tallahassee today – completing the checklist for the special session:
The Florida Senate voted 26-9 along party lines to pass a measure that shifts control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District from the Walt Disney Co. to Gov. Ron DeSantis. The governor will appoint the district’s five-member Board of Supervisors, who have control over issues such as land use, fire protection, and sewer services that are typically handled by local governments. All appointments must be approved by the Senate. The House approved the bill earlier in the week.
The Florida House approved SB 2-B that adds $650 million to the state Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund, which has been used to assist communities after Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole, and creates the $50 million Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The bill was approved Wednesday by the Senate.
The House voted 77-33 along party lines to pass SB 4-B, which was approved Wednesday by the Senate. The bill ensures the statewide elections prosecutor, who is part of the attorney general’s office, has wide jurisdiction in investigating allegations of election wrongdoing.
The House voted 77-34 to approve SB 6-B, which creates an “Unauthorized Alien Transport Program” and provides $10 million to transport migrants from Florida and other states to sanctuary areas. The Senate passed the bill Wednesday.
Senators unanimously passed HB 7B, which also unanimously passed the House. The bill revamps what is known as the state’s “NIL” law, which allows athletes to profit from their names, images and likenesses, that went into effect in 2021. The law repeals the prohibition of colleges and universities and their employees from causing “compensation to be directed” to athletes. Another part of the measure shields colleges and universities and their employees, such as coaches, from liability related to actions that could compromise athletes’ endorsement deals.
All five bills will go to the governor for his signature.