DeSantis’ agenda wobbles to finish
Governor’s top priority weakened by the House
TALLAHASSEE – As the legislative session winds down, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ agenda is wobbling, but still headed to the finish line as lawmakers on Tuesday continued protracted budget talks weighed down by coronavirus fears and addressed an E-Verify bill he favors.
Lawmakers could pass a final version of the E-Verify bill, SB 664, by Friday, the scheduled end of the legislative session. DeSantis has named the bill aimed at requiring businesses to use the federal E-Verify system to check the citizenship status and employment eligibility of new hires as a top priority, but the House acted Tuesday to weaken the bill.
The House removed provisions which would’ve allowed the Department of Economic Opportunity to conduct random audits and citizens to file anonymous complaints against businesses not using the
system or hiring unauthorized workers. House Speaker Jose Oliva had earlier voiced concern about the bill in general and particularly the random audit and citizen complaint provisions.
Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa, who sponsored the bill, was pessimistic about the bill’s chances on Tuesday, but Senate President Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, on Wednesday indicated the chamber will pass the House’s version.
Despite the weakened bill, if it gets to his desk it would be a major win for
DeSantis, who campaigned on the issue.
DeSantis signed into law three key health care bills that were a top priority of Oliva, R-Miami Lakes. The bills seek to expand the scope of practice of advance practice registered nurses and allow pharmacists to test and treat for influenza and streptococcus.
“Today’s passage of the APRN independent practice bill sends a clear and timely message Floridians’ access to quality health care is our top priority,” Oliva said. “Freeing APRNs of the red tape that has historically stopped them from working to the full extent of their education and training will immediately improve access to quality care for all.”
Other bills DeSantis has touted, including measures to reduce regulations on occupational licenses and another to allow college athletes to receive money from endorsements, have stalled or face disagreements between the House and Senate. But one bill that is headed to his desk is SB 712, which includes several provisions aimed at improving water quality throughout the state, including a study of the bottled water industry; increases reporting requirements for water management districts; and increases the amount of administrative fines the Department of Environmental Protection can assess from $10,000 $50,000 per infraction.
That measure was part of DeSantis’ platform to combat water pollution, but some environmental groups aren’t impressed, and say it should go farther to impose earlier deadlines for water quality goals, crack down on agricultural polluters.
“This is more bait and switch from the Legislature,” said Sierra Club lobbyist Dave Cullen in a released statement. “They can’t bring themselves to regulate agriculture’s manure and fertilizer, the major source of pollution to many basins, so they shift the entire conversation to septic tanks and wastewater treatment plants. After all, that way they get to wag their fingers at their current favorite scapegoat – local governments.”
While there’s still no final agreement on a budget, top lawmakers said Wednesday they were getting closer to a deal on teacher pay and health care spending.
Galvano said he expects a final spending plan to be completed by Friday. The state constitution requires a 72-hour “cooling off” period after the budget is made public before lawmakers can vote on it. Galvano said he and House Speaker Jose Oliva will allow lawmakers to return to their districts to vote in the primary Tuesday before returning to the Capitol for a final vote Wednesday.
Senators also approved a $230 million tax cut package Wednesday, but Senate budget chief Rob Bradley said that would likely be scaled back on the floor. Galvano has said he wants a $200 million cushion in reserves to account for any economic downturn caused by the coronavirus’ effect on Florida’s tourism-based economy. grohrer@ orlandosentinel.com or (850) 222-5564