The 2005 Legislative Session Report
The
Medicaid reform bills are scheduled to forge ahead. The Florida Senate still
has strong reservations about the House reform plan, which is very similar to
the Governor’s Empowered Care plan. The House has filed four Medicaid reform
bills moving in the direction of the Governor’s proposal. The bills are
identified as House Bill (HB) 1869, HB 1871, HB 1873 and HB 1875. The Senate
has filed one Medicaid reform bill, it is identified as Senate Bill (SB) 838.
To
view these bills, click on this link and enter the specific bill number to read
the bills and/or analyses written by legislative staffers.
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/bills.aspx
The Florida Senate Budget
Committee released its version of the budget (Senate Bill 2600). See link:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/custfiles/gaa/2005-Senate/bill/s2600e1.pdf
The Florida House Budget
Committee released its version of the budget (House Bill 1885). See link:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/custfiles/gaa/2005-House/BILL/h1885e1.pdf
Key Legislation Moving
Board of Governors
bill – outlining
constitutional duties and responsibilities for
state universities.
Paperwork
Reduction Task Force
– to focus on ways the
state can minimize
the paperwork burdens placed on Florida teachers.
Family Farms
– urban
encroachment issues.
Extend term
limits – this
bill extends the term limits from 8 to 12 years
November, 2006 for Florida House of Representative members.
Castle Doctrine
– re-defines
self defense and supported by the National Rifle
Association
Tougher
Restraints Sexual Predators
– requires offenders on
probation to wear
global – positioning devices in response to the Jessica Lunsford abduction.
Loosen the Class-Size-Amendment in exchange for higher starting teachers
salaries.
Full Disclosure
by lobbyists -
requires lobbyists to disclose their fees and identify the
Legislators and other public officials they wine and dine.
Changes in the process to Amend the State Constitution.
Growth
Management -
legislation would force the creation of infrastructure to keep
pace with the burgeoning number of homes being built.
A measure adding regulations for abortion clinics performing abortions after
first trimester of pregnancy by requiring standards for physical facilities,
supplies and equipment (HB 1041 – Women’s Health Care) has passed the
House Chamber vote and was sent to the Senate. A bill relating to (SB 1908
– Parental Notice of Abortion Act) has been placed on the Calendar to be
heard in the Senate. This bill prohibits inducement of termination of pregnancy
upon a minor without specified notice.
For more information on
legislative calendars see…
House:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/housecalendar.aspx
Senate:
http://www.flsenate.gov/Welcome/index.cfm
I hope you find this
update helpful. Please keep in touch.
Sandra L. Murman |
