Florida Legislative Update – Week 6

  HB 31/SB 64, sponsored by Rep. Edmonds and Sen. Osgood

While this bill contains some positive aspects - like mandating air conditioning in all rental units -  it also caps rent increases at an awestriking 30%. For Florida tenants already suffering from out-of-control rent hikes, we support an amendment to lower this value to 5% per year and rein in Florida’s out-of-control rental market. Click here to email your elected officials urging them to vote NO on HB 31/SB 64!

HB 1645/SB 1645, sponsored by Rep. Perry and Sen. Collins

This bill would make Florida less safe by allowing the construction of gas infrastructure on any commercial property. This means explosive chemicals could be placed near residential neighborhoods or schools. The bill would also remove many environmental protections from state law in favor of corporate profits. 

 HB 601, sponsored by Rep. Duggan

Florida has over 20 civilian or citizen review boards that work to establish trust and transparency between our communities and law enforcement. This bill would not only eliminate those existing boards, but further preempt the ability of local governments to investigate or process complaints against law enforcement. Click here to email your elected officials urging them to vote NO on HB 601!

 HB 683/SB 480, sponsored by Rep. Yeager and Sen. DiCeglie

This bill would allow utility companies and gas companies to receive subsidies and funding for “conversion” to “renewable” natural gas. A complete misnomer, renewable gas comes from a collection of gasses released by landfills and wastewater facilities and when burned, they release the same amount of pollution as other natural gasses, bringing the same destructive effects on human health, Florida’s wildlife and ecosystem. Click here to email your elected officials urging them to vote NO on HB 683/SB 480!

 HJR 335, sponsored by Representative Rick Roth

This bill would make it harder to pass ballot initiatives such as Amendment 4 (2018) which restored voting rights to returning citizens. It raises the bar from 60% voter support to 66.7% (a ⅔ majority) in order to pass a constitutional amendment. This undermines democracy and changes the law so that the minority can effectively veto the majority vote. We defeated this bill last year, but right-wing extremists with an anti-democracy agenda keep bringing it back.

We have a responsibility to fight back against the attempts to legislate away our rights, our safety, and our futures. Contact your elected officials to vote NO. Talk with your loved ones and make sure they know how to take action, and if you’re unsure who your elected representatives are, find them here!