Vicki L. Lopez

This bill requires each public university in the state to establish an Office of Public Policy Events (OPPE) and hold at least 4 debates and forums on public policy issues each year. The bill also requires that if a school's OPPE can't "readily find an advocate from within the state university community who is well-versed in a perspective," the office can invite a speaker and provide a per-diem (no cap) and a reimbursement for travel expenses Oppose is the Limited Government Position as just like what was stated in the bill position for SB 266 concerning DEI, taxpayers should not be forced to pay for college and university operational costs - especially for politicized activities.. While the bill contains a positive provision prohibiting political loyalty tests for employment and admission, this does not outweigh the political weaponization and expansion of government included in this bill.

Forcing Taxpayers to Fund a New Bureaucracy at Public Universities and Pay for Debates and Candidate Forums.

This bill applies to Congress for a convention of the states to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require a balanced federal budget, except in the case of a national emergency. Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers must rein in the out-of-control spending and $33 trillion in national debt, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Restoring Fiscal Sanity in the U.S. Government by Applying for a Convention of the States to Amend the Constitution for a Balanced Federal Budget.

This bill expands coverage under Medicaid (government-provided healthcare) to now include continuous glucose monitors, as opposed to just the less costly traditional monitors and test strips. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further traps individuals into government dependency by growing benefits under the government welfare state. Enrollment in Florida's Medicaid system has ballooned to 5.5 million individuals with spending on the program spiraling to $35 billion a year or nearly a third of the entire state budget.

Increasing Government Dependency by Expanding the Medicaid Welfare Program to Now Cover Continuous Glucose Monitors

This bill prohibits localities from accepting an identification card (aka community ID) or other document if it has been issued by an entity known to provide such identification to illegal immigrants. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps deter illegal immigration, which places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues. Lawmakers should focus on growing the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that both increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country and reduce human trafficking across our borders.

Strengthening National Security by Prohibiting Localities from Accepting "Community ID" Cards which are Commonly Issued to Illegal Immigrants.

This bill requires weapons and arms taken by police during an arrest to be returned to the owner after their release from jail, rather than after a trial, unless the weapons are evidence or forfeited under state law. The weapons must be returned within 30 days of a request if the person is released from jail and completes a background check. The bill also ensures that a firearm taken by police without a search warrant is returned (a judge previously had to order it be returned). Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens property rights and civil liberties.

Strengthening Property Rights and Civil Liberties by Requiring Seized Firearms to be Returned if Not for Evidence or Forfeited.

This bill makes a number of reforms to the state's Consumer Finance Act, including raising the maximum allowable interest rate on consumer loans by 6% at each tier and raising the maximum rate from 30% to 36%. The bill is designed to slightly loosen government restrictions and price controls on interest due to high inflation and national interest rates. Support is the Limited Government Position as the free-market - not government price controls - is the best mechanism to ensure the lowest borrowing rates and greatest available credit options for all borrowers. This slight regulatory relief will help expand borrowing and lending opportunities.

Expanding Borrowing and Lending Opportunities by Raising the Maximum Allowable Interest Rate on Consumer Loans from 30% to 36%.

This bill contains several provisions which expand occupational license reciprocity. Most notably, the bill enacts the Mobile Opportunity by Interstate Licensure Endorsement (MOBILE) Act, which requires the Department of Health to issue an occupational license within 7 days to individuals who hold a license in another state, has passed a national examination or is nationally certified, has practiced for 3 of the past 4 years, and meets other requirements. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to reducing unnecessary employment barriers and expanding access to healthcare. Ultimately, the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.

Reducing Employment Barriers and Improving Access to Healthcare by Expanding Occupational Licensing Reciprocity.

This bill requires mayors and elected members of municipal governing boards to file more detailed financial disclosure reports, similar to ones required for state lawmakers, county commissioners and school board members. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps reduce corruption and conflicts of interest by strengthening transparency and accountability while helping ensure government is accountable to the people.

Strengthening Government Transparency and Accountability by Increasing Financial Disclosure Requirements for Local Elected Officials.

This bill requires counties with at least 75,000 residents and municipalities with at least 10,000 residents to adopt an expedited building permit program, allowing for up to 50% of a project's permits to be issued before final approval (this increases to 75% by December 31, 2027). Support is the Limited Government Position as permitting delays can result in substantial additional costs imposed on builders and property owners and this bill helps strengthen government accountability.

Reducing Home Construction Costs by Requiring Localities to Adopt an Expedited Building Permit Process.

This bill includes multiple provisions which strengthen "right to work" protections for public employees. For example, the bill no longer allows dues to be deducted from workers' paychecks, instead requiring members to make their payments to unions. Additionally, the bill requires recertification of unions whose membership includes fewer than 60 percent of employees. The bill includes exemptions for certain public-sector unions such as law enforcement Support is the Limited Government Position as while the state should not collectively bargain with any union as such action unnecessarily drives up taxpayer costs, this measure helps reduce labor union power and strengthens the "right to work".

Strengthening "Right to Work" Protections for Public Employees through a Prohibition on Deducting Union Dues from Paychecks and Bargaining Agent Recertification.

This bill establishes the "Health Care Innovation Council" to hold public meetings on healthcare innovation and develop ways to improve healthcare such as "best practice recommendations." The bill then appropriates $50 annually through FY 2033-2024 for loans to select healthcare facilities, including certain hospitals and nursing homes, to implement such "innovative solutions." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as not only does this measure further grow the size of government and central planning, but also worsens corporate welfare and cronyism by providing taxpayer-subsidized loans. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Worsening Government Central Planning by Establishing a Crony Health Care Innovation Council to Enrich Certain Healthcare Providers.

This bill prohibits the sale of nicotine dispensing devices, such as vaping products and e-cigarettes, that are not listed on the state directory. To be included on the directory, a product must be authorized or pending review by the FDA, or had a denial stayed by a court. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as tobacco and nicotine usage is an individual liberty which individuals who have reached the age of majority should be able to exercise without unnecessary government restriction. The bill provides an advantage to big tobacco companies by only allowing the sale of the 23 vape products authorized by the FDA, and is expected to drive countless small vape shops out of business.

Expanding Government Overreach and Infringing Individual Liberties by Prohibiting the Sale of Nicotine Dispensing Devices that Have Not Been Authorized by the FDA.

This bill appropriates $500,000 to the Department of Health for a "Swimming Lesson Voucher Program" which provides free swimming lessons for children 4 or younger with a household income of up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this new welfare program merely further fuels runaway government spending. The funding of "swimming lessons" is not a proper role of government.

Growing the Size and Role of Government Through a "Swimming Lesson Voucher Program".

This bill provides that if an individual has previously been convicted of "reentry of removed aliens" under federal law, and commits a felony, the offense classification is increased one level. The bill also provides for a one-level classification increase for any misdemeanor or felony committed "for the purpose of benefiting, promoting, or furthering the interests of a transnational crime organization," such as organizations regularly involved in drug or weapon trafficking or human trafficking or smuggling. Support is the Limited Government Position as the promotion of an open-border immigration system places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues. Lawmakers should focus on growing the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that both increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country and reduce human trafficking across our borders.

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Deported Illegal Immigrants who Reenter and Commit Crime and for Crimes Related to Human Trafficking or Smuggling.

This bill prohibits the use of politicized ESG (environmental, social, and governance) considerations in state and local investments, such as pension systems, which may reduce taxpayer returns. Support is the Limited Government Position as all public investment actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers, not advancing political or social agendas. Unfortunately, the bill did include a negative provision which infringes the right of private financial institutions to make their own lending decisions on the basis of factors such as political belief or business sector (ex. firearms or fossil fuels) - which goes against the principles of limited government.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Considerations in State and Local Investments.

This bill bans automobile manufacturers from selling cars directly to consumers (with a carveout to select electric vehicle manufacturers) as well as enacts numerous new regulations concerning the contracting agreements between manufacturers and dealers. For example, the bill requires manufacturers to provide dealers an 8% cut of any revenue they receive through remote upgrades to vehicles, places controls on vehicle pricing agreements, and regulates the vehicle ordering process. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure represents one of the very worst examples of cronyism and utilization of government power to enrich one party (dealerships) at the expense of another party (manufactures) in contracting agreements which should be privately negotiated without any government involvement. Furthermore, forcing consumes to go through dealers (middlemen) instead of giving them the option to buy direct from manufacturers hikes vehicle costs by thousands of dollars, while also providing select EV manufacturers a competitive advantage.

Hiking New Car Prices by Blocking Manufacturers from Selling Directly to Consumers and Imposing Dozens of New Mandates to Enrich Automobile Dealerships.

This bill, the Resiliency and Safe Structures Act, blocks localities from enacting any ordinances that would prohibit a property owner from demolishing an unsafe building in disrepair and redeveloping the property with a new structure, if the property is on the water side of the "coastal construction control line." The bill is in response to some property owners who have been unable to demolish their older buildings and redevelop the high-value real estate. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens property rights by ensuring owners and developers can maximize the usage of their land. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Strengthening Property Rights by Overriding Local Bans on Building Demolitions which Prevent New Development.

The Lopez amendment #239391 to the "human smuggling" section of the immigration enforcement bill. This amendment exempts a large number of individuals and entities from criminal penalties for willfully smuggling an individual unlawfully into the country, including charity and faith-based service providers, public and private commercial transportation providers, healthcare providers, and family members. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this amendment serves as a major loophole for entities to advance illegal immigration and creates additional avenues for human trafficking. A recent investigation by the Heritage Foundation's oversight project uncovered an enormous operation being conducted by Catholic Charities to aid illegal immigrants and move migrants across the county.

Fueling Human Trafficking by Creating a Series of Loopholes Under the Immigration Enforcement Bill.

This bill applies to Congress for a convention of the states to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution to establish term limits for members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Support is the Limited Government Position as term limits are a critical tool to ensure government remains accountable to the people and not lobbyists or special interests. A review of voting records shows the majority of lawmakers become less conservative in their voting the longer they remain in office.

Imposing Term Limits on the U.S. Congress through a Convention of the States Amending the U.S. Constitution.

This bill further expands the application of the state's expungement law, which currently allows criminals to expunge one of their records in their lifetime. Under this bill, a criminal can expunge an additional record if the first one they expunged was as a minor. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this prevents individuals, particularly employers and landlords, from considering and protecting themselves from repeat criminals in their homes, businesses, and communities. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.

Weakening Public Safety by Limiting the Ability of Communities to Protect Themselves from Repeat Criminals by Expanding the State's Expungement Law.

This bill serves as a proactive attempt to block Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) issued by the U.S. Federal Reserve System. The bill prohibits CBDC issued by the federal government from being regulated as money under the Florida Uniform Commercial Code. Support is the Limited Government Position as President Biden issued an executive order to study creation of such a currency under the guise of protecting consumers from decentralized cryptocurrencies and a way to crack down on financial crimes. The creation of a CBDC serves as an existential threat to individual liberties and privacy and will further grow government control over the economy. The Fed has already placed the U.S. dollar in dire jeopardy of destruction through its reckless quantitative easing and expansionary practices.

Combatting Increased Government Control and Surveillance by Prohibiting Recognition of Federal "Central Bank Digital Currency" as Money Under State Law.

This bill implements a series of reforms to usage of the "Brady List" (tracks officer misconduct across the country) by law enforcement agencies. For example, the bill prohibits agencies from firing or taking disciplinary action against an officer solely because of their inclusion on the list, as well as provides officers the ability to petition the court to remove their name. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens government integrity and due process rights, while helping ensure good officers are not harmed by unjust actions in anti-police jurisdictions and also ensuring bad actors are known and accounted for.

Increasing Government Integrity and Due Process for Law Enforcement Officers Accused of Misconduct through Reforms to the "Brady List".

This bill dedicates $100 million annually the Department of Environmental Protection to continually purchase additional land for the Florida Forever conservation and recreation program. The state is currently tasked with managing and maintaining over 4 million acres of land under its control. This is further worsened through other measures such as SB 106, which provided $200 million to the Department of Transportation for Florida Shared-Use Nonmotorized Trail Network projects such as trails and bike paths. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to manage and maximize land utilization - including for conservation purposes. Further growing government control and ownership of land merely drives up taxpayer costs and leads to further government spending initiatives, such as SB 106 which forces taxpayers to spend $200 million to create trails and bike paths on the state's ballooning land holdings.

Further Growing Government's Unsustainable Land Holdings through a $100 Million Annual Appropriation to the Florida Forever Program.

This bill establishes a series of new regulations pertaining to the usage of titles such as "Doctor" and "Physician". The bill is primarily intended to prohibit optometrists from calling themselves physicians, as part of the "eyeball wars" between optometrists and ophthalmologists who are medical doctors specializing in eyecare. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as like many other measures pertaining to title protection, product labeling, and licensing, this bill is primarily designed to utilize government power to restrict competition. The private sector through license issuance, certification and review systems is best equipped to protect and educate consumers on the most qualified and competent individuals in their respective fields.

Invoking Government Overreach into the Private Sector Concerning the Usage of the Term "Physician" as Part of the "Eyeball Wars" between Optometrists and Ophthalmologists.

This bill amends the Florida Minimum Wage Act to incorporate exemptions that were enacted under the federal minimum wage law. As a result, minor league baseball players, babysitters, seasonal amusement workers, and border patrol agents are exempt from the state minimum wage. Support is the Limited Government Position as the minimum wage - like all price controls - distort the marketplace, increasing unemployment for individuals who lack experience or whose productivity does not meet the higher wage level set by government. This measure helps expand employment opportunities by protecting these occupations from the state's lofty minimum wage mandate which is set to rise to $12 an hour this year and $15 an hour by 2026.

Expanding Employment Opportunities by Incorporating Federal Minimum Wage Exemptions into State Law.

This bill makes a series of changes to the parole system, generally reducing penalties on offenders who violate the terms of their probation. For example, the bill reduces judicial discretion by now placing a limit on the amount of time a court may hold an offender in jail for certain parole violations. Additionally, offenders can no longer be held accountable for previous parole violations that were addressed through the "alternative sanctioning program" in the event the offender's parole is revoked due to additional offenses. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure advances further crime by limiting the ability of courts to hold offenders accountable and protect communities. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations.

Increasing Crime and Weakening Public Safety Through a Criminal Justice "Reform" Which Reduces Accountability within the Parole System.

This bill increases the penalty for driving without a license by making the second and subsequent violations a misdemeanor of the first degree, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 days in jail for a third offense. Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Strengthening Public Safety by Increasing Penalties for Repeatedly Driving Without a License.

This bill requires localities to produce a "business impact estimate" for ordinances related to land development and zoning, which were previously exempt from this requirement. The report must summarize the regulation and provide an estimate of the economic impact, such as costs and fees for businesses. Additionally, the bill requires that a local referendum authorizing a locality to issue bonds (debt) over $500 million must take place at a general election. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps combat government overreach and growth by increasing transparency surrounding the impact new ordinances will have on local communities. Furthermore, this bill helps protect taxpayers as turnout for local referendums is much lower than a general election, therefore reducing the likelihood that special interests push through unnecessary spending.

Combatting Local Government Overreach by Reducing Loopholes to the "Business Impact Estimate" that Protect Businesses from Overregulation.

This bill updates state and local procurement requirements to allow agencies to purchase electric vehicles if they are the lowest cost option. Under the bill, vehicle purchases are to be based on "the lowest lifetime ownership costs" rather than "the greatest fuel efficiency available." Support is the Limited Government Position as government procurement should be based on providing the lowest cost and greatest value to taxpayers. While government should not favor electric vehicles for environmental or other politicized reasons, as EV costs decline, such vehicular option should be considered in procurement.

Protecting Taxpayers by Requiring State and Local Agency Vehicle Purchases to be "Based on the Lowest Lifetime Ownership Costs".

This bill prevents state employees and officers from downloading or accessing TikTok or other applications controlled by U.S. foreign adversaries such as China or Russia on state devices or networks. Support is the Limited Government Position as the installation of such systems poses a significant and unnecessary threat to state and federal networks. Additionally, state employees should not be utilizing government equipment to access entertainment apps such as TikTok.

Strengthening National Security by Banning TikTok and Other Chinese Government-Owned Applications from Being Accessed on State-Issued Devices or Networks.

This bill authorizes "veterinary telemedicine", or the ability of a licensed veterinarian to connect with a pet owner over the internet or video call and prescribe medication. The bill repeals an outdated law which prevents the prescribing of medication without physically examining an animal. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps save the lives of animals and lower pet ownership costs by repealing an outdated law which is especially costly and burdensome for animal shelters and rural pet owners.

Expanding Competition and Lowering Costs for Pet Owners by Authorizing Veterinary Telemedicine

This bill makes it a crime to approach within 25 feet and harass on-duty first responders, after being warned not to approach. This includes law enforcement, probation officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel. A violation is a misdemeanor of the second degree (up to 60 days in jail and/or up to a $500 fine). Support is the Limited Government Position as, while police should be held accountable for their actions, this measure provides a critical protection to ensure safety in dangerous situations.

Strengthening Law and Order and Safety for First Responders by Criminalizing Harassment.

This bill allows credit unions to qualify as qualified public depositories (QPDs), which is currently limited to just banks and certain savings associations. The bill caps public deposits held by an individual credit union to 10% of its assets, and credit unions collectively are limited to 15% of the state's public deposits. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill expands competition among financial institutions, providing greater returns on investment funds. All public investment actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers. While the bill raised concerns over credit unions tax-exempt status, any concerns over "unequal taxation" should be addressed by lawmakers through other measures.

Increasing Public Investment Returns Through Expanded Competition by Allowing Credit Unions to Hold Public Funds.

This resolution amends the state Constitution by doubling the tangible personal property ad valorem tax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps provide broad tax relief to Floridians.

Providing Tax Relief by Amending the State Constitution to Double the Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption to $50,000.

This bill contains several provisions generally expanding school choice. Most notably, the bill increases the number of scholarships available under the Family Empowerment Scholarship for students with disabilities by 5% annually (previously 3%). The number increases by an additional 1% if more than 95% of available scholarships were used the previous year. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Improving Educational Outcomes by Increasing the Number of School Choice Scholarships Available for Students with Disabilities Under the Family Empowerment Scholarship.

This bill known as the "Prescription Drug Reform Act" imposes a series of new regulations on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and drug companies. For example, manufacturers must report to the government if the price of one of their drugs increases by more than 15% and PBMs must abide by multiple new provisions in their contracting agreements with local pharmacies as well as meet various insurance and reporting requirements. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the nation witnessed first-hand the disastrous consequences and cost of growing government regulatory power in healthcare (i.e. Obamacare). Instead of working to promote a freer market through regulatory reduction, lawmakers added a series of new layers of regulations through this measure, including utilizing government to provide local pharmacies with more favorable outcomes in their private contract negotiations with PBMs.

Growing Government Regulatory Power within the Pharmaceutical Industry by Imposing a Series of New Mandates on Pharmacy Benefit Managers and Drug Companies.

This bill, part of the "Let Kids be Kids" legislative package, helps increase school choice by allowing private charter school, virtual school, and home school students participate in sports and other extracurricular activities at other public or private schools, regardless of zip code. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes by removing a barrier which may have prevented families from pursuing school choice.

Reducing a Barrier to School Choice by Ensuring Charter School Students May Participate in Extracurricular Activities.

This bill makes a series of changes to the parole system, generally reducing penalties on offenders who violate the terms of their probation while also placing limits on jail sentences. For example, probation officers can no longer return an offender to jail if they commit a range of offenses such as failing to make restitution payments, pay court costs, associate with people engaged in criminal activity, or leave the county without permission. Instead, the officer must send the offender to an "Alternative Sanctioning Program" which may include just curfew or support group attendance. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure advances further crime by limiting the ability of probation officers to hold offenders accountable and protect communities. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other left-leaning Billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.

Increasing Crime and Weakening Public Safety through a Criminal Justice "Reform" Which Allows Criminals to Avoid Paying Restitution and Reduces Accountability within the Parole System.

This bill prohibits local governments from taking actions which prevent residential property owners from placing temporary shelters on their property for up to 36 months following property damage due to a natural disaster. The property owner must make a good faith effort to rebuild their home during this time period. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens property rights and helps protect individuals from unnecessary government burdens as they work to rebuild from a natural disaster.

Strengthening Property Rights by Preventing Local Government Bans on Temporary Shelters Following a Hurricane or Other Natural Disaster.

This bill contains several provisions related to retail theft. For example, the bill makes retail theft a felony of the third degree if a group of six or more people act together "for the purpose of overwhelming the response of a merchant, merchant's employee, or law enforcement officer." The bill also lowers the threshold, from $100 to $40, for making "porch piracy" a felony of the third degree. Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Retail Theft.

This bill requires the Florida Department of Transportation to start regulating and inspecting the Monorail transit system at the Walt Disney World theme parks. This measure would mark the first time the system has been subjected to regulations since its establishment over 50 years ago and has been operating without any safety incidents in nearly 15 years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill harms the private sector by further growing the size and scope of the government regulatory state. All individuals and private businesses should be free to express their views as protected under the 1stAmendment - and face the repercussions of their actions in the marketplace. Disney has lost billions of dollars since its public opposition to a bill which strengthened parental rights in education. This bill establishes a dangerous precedent in which government is grown and weaponized to attack free speech and political opponents.

Weakening Government Integrity by Imposing New Regulations on Disney's Monorail to Advance a Political Agenda.

This resolution provides "That all executive agencies of the State of Florida, all law enforcement agencies, and all local governments in this state are strongly encouraged to suspend contact and outreach activities with the Council on American-Islamic Relations." The resolution references several individuals who have been affiliated with CAIR that have been charged with crimes related to supporting terrorism. Support is the Limited Government Position as government entities should not associate with entities representing national security risks.

Strengthening National Security by Urging State Agencies to Disassociate from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

This bill establishes a "Digital Bill of Rights" through a series of new regulations on tech companies that generate over a billion dollars in revenue. The bill's provisions cover issues ranging from content moderation, targeted advertising, search engine operations and data privacy with expanded opt-out rules. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government power and the regulatory state. While there is a role of government to protect individuals from fraudulent practices this overreach significantly limits the ability of tech companies to provide targeted and low-cost advertising to consumers. Additionally, the bill applies the regulations to only certain companies resulting in market manipulation and competitive advantages.

Imposing a Series of New Costly and Overreaching Government Regulations on Large Tech Companies through a "Digital Bill of Rights".

This bill is designed to curb illegal immigration by implementing a series of new policies. For example, the bill prohibits local governments from issuing ID cards to those residing in the country unlawfully, enhances penalties for human trafficking, requires DNA samples from those subject to federal detainers, and increases E-Verify requirements. Support is the Limited Government Position as the promotion of an open-border immigration system places an immense strain on U.S. infrastructure and taxpayer resources, ranging from welfare to the education system, while also creating serious national security and human trafficking issues. Lawmakers should focus on growing the U.S. economy through reforms to the immigration system that both increase the number of skilled individuals who may enter and work in our country and reduce human trafficking across our borders.

Strengthening National Security through a Series of New Policies to Combat Illegal Immigration and Human Trafficking

This bill contains a key provision which prohibits the usage of local voter referendums or initiatives to challenge local land development. The bill is partially in response to a case in Miami beach where environmental activists blocked a hotel and condo project from being constructed. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens property rights and is especially necessary given actions taken by some environmental activists to block reasonable development initiatives.

Strengthening Property Rights by Banning Local Voter Referendums Related to Land Development Which are Primarily Utilized by Environmental Activists to Hinder Growth.

This resolution repeals Section 7 of Article VI of the state Constitution, which requires public funding for campaigns for statewide offices (Governor, Lt. Governor, and Cabinet). Candidates must agree to spending limits to receive public funds. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the proper role of government to fund political campaigns.

Amending the State Constitution to Remove the Requirement of Public Funding for Political Campaigns.

This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to "develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling plan." The plan must include several components, such as "Identify recycling goals based on sustainable materials management and waste diversion" and recommendations "to develop and promote markets for recycling materials." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further expands the size and role of government. It is the role of the private sector at the local level - not central planning by state bureaucrats - to carry out the most efficient and effective recycling initiatives.

Expanding Government Overreach and Central Planning by Mandating a State-Wide "Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan".

The Valdés amendment to a bill prohibiting various local employment regulations. This amendment adds language allowing localities to require private employers, that hire employees to work outside, to post a sign with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) information on heat illness and heat stress, "in a language understood by all of the employees." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further expands the government regulatory and nanny state while also creating a new avenue for greedy plaintiffs' attorneys to wage lawfare against small businesses.

Growing the Regulatory State by Allowing Local Governments to Impose a Heat Illness and Heat Stress Poster Mandate on all Outdoor Employers.

This bill establishes new regulations on the warranty offerings of manufacturers of Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Under the bill, manufacturers may no longer provide warranty offerings that are tied to an individual, rather they may only offer warranties that are tied to properties and are transferable. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows the government regulatory state to now dictate the private warranty offerings of manufactures. As a result, consumers will likely no longer be able to enjoy extended-term, lifetime and other promotional warranty options that companies may offer due to the reduced percentage of long-term product ownership by one individual.

Imposing New Government Mandates on HVAC System Manufacturer Warranties which Limit Consumer Options.

This bill requires a two-thirds vote of a locality's governing body in order to increase the millage rate when calculating property taxes. The bill also leaves in place the existing protections against tax increases including voter approval for a rate more than 110% of the previous year's maximum rate. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps protect homeowners and businesses from even greater levels of taxation.

Protecting Homeowners and Businesses from Spiking Property Taxes by Requiring a Two-Thirds Vote to Increase the Local Property Tax Millage Rate.

This bill contains several provisions related to local employment regulations. The bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances which regulate employee scheduling for private employers, unless allowed or required under state or federal law. Localities are also prohibited from using "purchasing or contracting procedures" as a means "to control or affect the wages or employment benefits provided by its vendors, contractors, service providers, or other parties." Finally, the bill prohibits localities from adopting any ordinances which impose "heat exposure requirements" on private employers, unless required under state or federal law. Support is the Limited Government Position as businesses are already significantly financially burdened by a litany of federal and state mandates. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role of any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals and interfere in private contracting arrangements.

Expanding Employment Opportunities by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing Various Excessive Employment Regulations.

This bill repeals existing law which prohibited the sale of firearms and ammunition, display of firearms and ammunition in a store, and possession of a firearm in public, if a state of emergency is declared due to a riot or disorder. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. These types of restrictions do not protect communities, rather they place individuals in defenseless positions against criminals who do not abide by the law.

Strengthening Self-Defense and Public Safety by Repealing the Ban on Selling or Possessing a Firearm in Public During a State of Emergency.

This bill establishes restrictions on the advertising practices that some trial attorneys have utilized to draw customers for cases relating to medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Under the bill, legal service ads may not use language such as "medical alert" or "health alert," or use state of federal government logos. The bill is in response to some ads that made unfounded claims about products and scared individuals into discontinuing their medications. Support is the Limited Government Position as while the U.S. Constitution rightfully protects free speech, government also has a role to prevent defamation and ensure that the legal system is protected from abuse. Reforms such as this measure help improve the state's legal and business climate which has a reputation of being a "judicial hell hole".

Improving the State's Legal Climate through Restrictions on Misleading Medical-Related Advertisements which Spark Frivolous Litigation.

This bill allows companies that install, operate, or maintain school bus traffic infraction cameras to receive a portion of the fines from violations. The bill also allows school districts to use the fines for, among other uses, "driver recruitment and retention stipends." Additionally, the bill allows the photos and videos recorded by the system to be used to enforce other traffic violations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill fuels policing for profit by allowing companies to keep a portion of the fines from violations. Additionally, similar systems (speed cameras) have been abused by countless local governments across the nation to produce revenue, and the significant increases in automated traffic systems brings up valid concerns regarding civil liberties and the growth of government tracking and surveillance.

Growing the Surveillance State and Encouraging "Taxation Through Citation" by Allowing School Bus Camera Companies to Receive Funds from Fines and Expanding Permitted Uses of Recordings.

This bill prohibits localities from banning or restricting g the use of gas stoves, grills and other appliances fueled by natural gas. Support is the Limited Government Position as a number of local governments across the country have infringed the rights of their residents to utilize natural gas in order to advance a politized environmental agenda. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Combatting Government Overreach by Preventing Local Government Bans Gas-Powered Stoves and Other Appliances.

This bill largely prevents a local government from forcing a contractor to pay the "prevailing wage" rates. This is accomplished by expanding the definition of public works projects to also include projects using local funds. The prevailing wage is an above-market rate typically linked to labor unions. Support is the Limited Government Position as prevailing wage mandates needlessly drive-up taxpayer costs by imposing significant additional costs onto government contractors.

Protecting Taxpayers by Prohibiting Prevailing Wage Requirements in Local Public Works Contracts.

This resolution amends the state Constitution to require a vote of two-thirds (66.67%) of the electorate as opposed to three-fifths (60%) of the electorate for citizen-led amendments. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps protect the constitutional amendment process from abuse by special interests and other groups that seek to grow the size and scope of government. In recent years the amendment process has been utilized to raise the state's minimum wage and ban off-shore oil and gas drilling.

Protecting the State's Constitutional Amendment Process from Abuse by Raising the Citizen-led Threshold for Amendments to Two-Thirds Support (Currently 60%).

This bill contains a number of provisions that are designed to prevent wrongdoing by voter registration groups. For example, the bill prohibits organizations from mailing pre-filled voter registration applications and permits only U.S. citizens to collect the applications. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic

Strengthening Election Integrity through a Series of Reforms to Prevent Wrongdoing by Voter Registration Groups.

This bill requires an individual or activist group who unsuccessfully challenges a local land development plan to reimburse the legal fees of the developer. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure strengthens property rights by helping reduce frivolous challenges by environmental activist groups that are designed to hinder land use and development and impose significant legal costs to developers and property owners.

Strengthening Property Rights by Requiring Individuals and Activist Groups who Unsuccessfully Challenge a Development Plan to Reimburse the Legal Fees of the Developer.

This bill authorizes counties and municipalities to deploy speed cameras on roadways designated as school zones. Motorists would receive fines for exceeding a posted speed limit by 10mph. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these systems have been abused by countless local governments across the nation to produce revenue, many of which place such devices not at spots closest to schools but at locations most likely to catch speeders. Additionally, the significant increases in automated traffic systems brings up valid concerns regarding civil liberties and the growth of government tracking and surveillance.

Growing the Surveillance State and Authorizing "Taxation through Citation" by Allowing Local Governments to Deploy Speed Cameras in School Zones.

This bill provides that if a person travels into a county they don't reside in, with intent to commit grand theft or any forcible felony, the offense classification is increased one level. Previously, this only applied to burglary. This does not apply to certain individuals, such as first-time offenders. Support is the Limited Government Position as protecting property rights and ensuring public safety serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill is especially necessary due to many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Strengthening Law and Order by Increasing Penalties for Certain Cross-County Crimes.

This bill requires any iron or steel materials utilized in public works projects to be sourced from the United States unless the sourcing drives up the total cost of the project by more than 20 percent. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this "protectionist" interference by government in the free market unnecessarily drives-up costs to taxpayers. Free trade has been a foundational principle of limited government dating back to Adam Smith, the father of modern economics, who identified the disastrous consequences of protectionist trade practices in the "Wealth of Nations" in 1776.

Hiking Taxpayer-Funded Public Works and Infrastructure Costs as Much as 20% Through Protectionist "U.S. Made" Iron and Steel Procurement Mandates.

This bill amends the state's waiting period for retail firearm purchases. Under existing law, the waiting period is 3 business days or until a background check is complete, whichever is later. This bill removes the provision related to background checks, which allowed the waiting period to extend past 3 business days. As a result, the waiting period cannot extend past 3 business days. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps reduce unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers which do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior.

Strengthening Second Amendment Rights by Amending the Firearm Purchase Waiting Period.

This resolution amends the state's Constitution to establish a right to hunt and fish, including the use of "traditional methods," which will be presented before voters in the 2024 election. Support is the Limited Government Position as government should not unduly infringe the right to responsibly and humanely hunt and fish, and this measure protects those liberties.

Protecting the Right to Hunt and Fish through a State Constitutional Amendment.

This bill prohibits local governments from enacting ordinances which ban an individual from owning a dog due to its size or weight. Additionally, the bill nullifies the grandfathered breed restrictions of Miami-Dade County and the City of Sunrise. Support is the Limited Government Position as individuals should have the freedom to own and care for the dog of their choice. Restrictions on dog breed and other characteristics oftentimes result in the placement of dogs in taxpayer-funded shelters and euthanasia.

Combatting Government Overreach by Prohibiting Local Governments from Enacting Ordinances Which Bans Dog Ownership on the Basis of Size or Weight.

This bill restores the age in which an adult age 18 and older may purchase or receive a firearm after the age requirement was increased to 21 in 2018. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. The state should not infringe the individual liberties of adults who at age 18 can fight for our country, vote and enter into legally binding contracts.

Year	Edu	Energy & Env	Speech	Health	Liberty	Law & Gov	Security	Reg	Tax & Fiscal	Work & Labor
2024	100	75	100	33.33	25	76.92	73.33	40	46.15	77.78
2023	100	0	100	0	50	100	60	61.11	60	37.5

ILA

Vicki L. Lopez