The Florida House and Senate have been busy since the beginning of their sessions on Tuesday, Jan. 12.
Here are updates on several of the bills that may be made into law in the coming months. If there is a bill that you would like the Madison Enterprise Recorder to add to its tracking list, please email selina@greenepublishing.com.
General Bills
SB 304, which exempts farms from any law that would limit its ability to also serve as an agri-tourism destination, was introduced to the Senate. It is currently in the Fiscal Policy committee agenda. It was sponsored by Senator Kelli Stargel (R, District 15).
SB 440, which provides funding in the amount of $300,000 a year to retired law enforcement canines for veterinary care, was introduced to the Senate. It is on the Appropriations Subcommittee for Criminal Justice agenda. It is sponsored by Senator Joseph Abruzzo (D, District 25).
SB 110, which allows churches and religious leaders to deny services or privileges to citizens based on that organization’s sincerely held religious beliefs, was introduced to the Senate. It is sponsored by Senator Aaron Bean (R, District 4). It is co-sponsored by Senator Don Gaetz (R, District 1).
SB 6, which raises the state minimum wage to $15 per hour, was introduced to the Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Dwight Bullard (D, District 39) and co-sponsored by 10 other Senators.
SB 68, which allows concealed carry permit holders to openly carry their weapons and to carry weapons onto public universities, was introduced to the Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Greg Evers (R, District 2).
SB130, which prohibits discharging a firearm in residential areas of more than one house per acre, was introduced to the Senate. It is sponsored by Senator Garrett Richter (R, District 23).
Bills Involving Senator Montford
SB1148, which requires that self-service gasoline pumps have a working printer for receipts, was introduced to the Senate on Jan. 12. It is sponsored by Senator Bill Montford (D, District 3).
SB334, which allows a dog owner to appeal a dog bite case based on evidence that the dog felt threatened, was introduced to the Senate on Jan. 12. It is sponsored by Senator Bill Montford (D, District 3).
SB 128, which provides behavioral healthcare through the Department of Children and Families to combat veterans and their families, was introduced to the Senate. It was sponsored by Senator Wilton Simpson (R, District 18). It is co-sponsored by 11 other Senators, including Senator Bill Montford (R, District 3).
SB 1668, which establishes research and removal of the invasive lionfish species by various universities and foundations, was filed in the Senate on Jan. 8. It is sponsored by Senator Bill Montford (D, District 3).
SR 1726, which congratulates Madison’s own Lorenzo Cain for his part in the Kansas City Royals 2015 World Series Championship, was filed in the Senate on Jan. 12. It is sponsored by Senator Bill Montford (R, District 3).