Community Affairs
May 5, 2010
2010 State Legislative Wrap Up
The Legislature passed more than 250 bills during its 2010 Legislative Session. The Pensacola Chamber’s legislative priorities included protection of the State’s economic development incentives, reducing the impact of unemployment compensation tax increases and property insurance reforms to name a few.
The final days of the 2010 Session included action pertaining to our priorities as follows:
Economic Development
The Jobs for Florida Bill was the most significant legislation aimed at improving Florida’s economy and job creation. The legislation included amendments to strengthen the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) incentive, and it included funding for Quick Response Training (QRT). Both of these programs are vital to the Chamber’s economic development program and they are used for expansions and job creation. The bill is currently awaiting signature by the Governor. The bill also included the Commercialization Matching Grant Program to help small businesses capitalize on certain commercialization opportunities through funds available for research.
The “Seaports” bill (HB 0963) was also new this year and it passed the legislature (HB 0963) intending to implement new/streamlined regulatory changes to allow Florida’s seaports to gain traction in the economy by attracting new business investment.
Unemployment Compensation
As previously reported to the Chamber membership, the Legislature and Governor took action on the first day of session to temporarily reduce the impact of huge unemployment tax increases adopted last year. Essentially the huge increases have been postponed for Florida’s businesses for a two-year period. Hopefully, more businesses will be created during the next two years with more people working to lessen the impact.
Property Insurance
The Legislature adopted Senate Bill 2044 which will increase solvency requirements by some of the insurance companies. It also limits the ability of Citizens policyholders to avoid their assessments. This bill is intended to allow for greater transparency to insurance companies. This will is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.
Slip and Fall
House Bill 689, called “Slip and Fall” was adopted by the legislature and signed by the Governor early in the legislative session. It basically protects employers from being held liable for an injury on their premises by “raising the bar” for the claimants. It puts the onus of requirements on the plaintiff.
Constitutional Amendments
There were many education initiatives – such as a constitutional amendment to revise the class size amendment adopted to allow more flexibility to school districts. As a result, voters will have the opportunity in November to adopt a “revised” class size amendment.
Say No on Amendment 4
Finally, the Chamber is as strident as ever on the importance of voting No on Amendment 4. We must spread the word to say No to Amendment 4 in November. With the issues facing Northwest Florida, it is vital that we keep every opportunity available to create jobs and economic prosperity for our state and do nothing to hinder job creation.
Prepared by Natalie Prim, VP, Community Affairs, Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, May 5, 2010
For any questions or more information, staff contact is Natalie Prim, nprim@pensacolachamber.com.