2013 LEGISLATIVE BRIEF 135 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 850-224-6926 FAX 850-224-2266 www.flaflcio.orgFlorida AFL-CIO’s You-Tube PageFlorida AFL-CIO’s Facebook Page Florida AFL-CIO’s Twitter Feed __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please Note: The following is merely a brief look at the final dispensation of some of the major bills we were following during the 2013 Legislative Session. A more detailed report will made available following the publication of the House and Senate Session Summaries. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Closing the Defined Benefit Pension System in FRS HB 7011/SB 1392.........................FAILED OPPOSED (Forces all new hires into 401-k and risks the retirement security of public workers.) The “Parent Trigger” SB 862 / HB 867…………………………...................………………....…..FAILED IN SENATE OPPOSED (Allows private, for-profit companies to take over public schools through petition) Preempting Local Wage Theft Ordinances SB 1216 / HB 1125 …………….....FAILED IN SENATE OPPOSED (Bans local governments from enacting any ordinance relating to wage theft.) Political Subdivisions (Total Preemption) HB 655………….......……………………….......……….……….PASSED OPPOSED (Original legislation would preempt local governments from enacting living wage ordinances, earned sick time ordinances, required domestic partner benefits or any additional wage or benefit provisions not granted by the Legislature. The bill was greatly improved after being amended. As amended, the legislation preempts local governments from passing ordinances relating to employee benefits including health, disability, vacation, and paid sick leave benefits. Living Wage ordinances, PLAs and other critical ordinances are protected. Contractors and Subcontractors of local governments can still be subject to ordinances. Bill creates a task force to study the effects of said preemption.) Preemption of Paid Sick Leave - SB 726……………………………………......………………..………....................…FAILED OPPOSED (Bans local governments from enacting any ordinance relating to paid sick leave.) Police/Fire Pensions SB 458/HB 1399………………………………………………………………..…… FAILED IN HOUSE WATCHED (Changes insurance premium tax revenues on police and firefighter pension plans.) Medicaid Expansion SB 1816/HB 7169/SB 1844………..………...................………….…FAILED IN HOUSE SUPPORT (Expands Medicaid health insurance to low income workers in the state.) Elections Reform HB 7013…………………………………………………………………………….…...................................PASSED WATCHED/SUPPORT (Reforms election laws to include more early voting days and reduce voter registration restrictions. Did not include all our Coalition priorities.) Change in Valuation for Public Pensions SB 534 / HB 599….................…………………...……...PASSED OPPOSED (Changes evaluation of public pension plans devaluing their worth and success.) Campaign Finance Reform HB 569......................…………………………………………………………………..……PASSED WATCHED (Revokes CCE’s which increases frequency of reporting requirements, increases contribution limits and other items. Detailed information will be provided by Florida AFL-CIO soon) |
NCUFF Newsletter >